CHSPE - California High School Proficiency Exam
A Certificate of Proficiency is awarded to successful candidates of the California High School Proficiency Exam. The Certificate of Proficiency is technically not the same as a high school diploma but is regarded as an equivalent of a diploma. California law mandates organizations and businesses to regard and treat CHSPE awarded certificate same as a high school diploma. CHSPE is thus a viable option to people who do not have a high school diploma. The exam is open to high school students in California who are at least 16 years old and have completed their 10th grade. Students who are currently in the second half of their 10th grade are also qualified to sit for CHSPE. The CHSPE is comparable to GED although the later requires candidates to be of 18 years and covers subject areas that CHSPE does not cover such as social studies and science.
CHSPE test comprises of two sections, test of English and math. The allotted time to complete the two sections is three and a half hours. Decision on the amount of time to spend per section is dependent on the student. The questions are in multiple-choice format but the test of English section requires a bit of writing. The first section of CHSPE is the English section. This section has 84 questions designed to test the student on reading and comprehension, sentence structure, punctuation and other grammar rules. The writing part under the English section requires students to write a brief essay to demonstrate his/her knowledge and skills in accurate and clear communication. The second section of CHSPE is the math test. These are 50 questions in multiple-choice format covering all areas of high school math such as dividing, fractions, decimals, multiplying, probability, patterns, statistics, basic geometry and algebra. Knowledge of basic math principles will also be tested. Students are not allowed to bring in or use calculators.
Both sections must be passed to qualify for a certificate. If you fail one section and pass the other, you have to continue to retake the section failed. You would not have to retake the section cleared and you can retake the pending section as many times as you like. Scores are between 250-450 and a score of 350 is needed to pass either section. Scores are mailed out a few weeks after taking the test.
Exam Help
Multiple Choice. These can be very tricky to answer but the good news is, there are a few tips and tricks to increase your score.
Reading Comprehension. Everyone's favorite! Here is help on reading comprehension questions.
Writing an Essay. Help with essay questions >>>
Mathematics. Help with studying for math questions >>>
California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) Practice Test Questions Practice Reading Comprehension Questions - (includes Main Idea and Making Inferences)
Practice Math Questions (General)
Basic Math (Very Basic - Long & Short Division, Multiplication, Decimals, Fractions, Percent etc.)
Basic Math II (Percentage, Fractions Decimals exponents, simple algebra, parentheses removal etc.)
Basic Algebra (Word Problems using basic algebra)
Exponents (Adding, subtracting and multiplying exponents and exponent fractions)
Everything you Need to Pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
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Not sure where to take the CHSPE?
California has 70 test centers. A list of the test centers near you can is on the official CHSPE web site and in the Information Bulletin.
CHSPE and the CAHSEE
Both are tests in California. The CAHSEE is a graduation requirement for all public school students. The California High School Proficiency Exam allows students to leave High School early if they pass.
More information on the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam)
