California High School Proficiency Examination CHSPE

The California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) is a voluntary test that assesses proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills taught in public schools. Eligible persons who pass the CHSPE are awarded a Certificate of Proficiency by the California State Board of Education. The test is given in English only.

How can the Certificate of Proficiency be used?

California law requires that the Certificate of Proficiency be equivalent to a high school diploma. A student who receives a Certificate of Proficiency may, with verified parental approval, leave high school early. The Certificate of Proficiency, however, is not equivalent to completing all course work required for regular graduation from high school. If a student is planning to continue his or her studies in a college or university, they should contact the admissions office of the institution they plan to attend so that the student may understand that institution’s admission requirements including whether or not the Certificate of Proficiency will be sufficient for admission.

Who may take the CHSPE?

A person may take the CHSPE only if he or she meets one of the following requirements on the test date:

• At least 16 years old or has been enrolled in the tenth grade for one academic year or longer.
• Will complete one academic year of enrollment in the tenth grade at the end of the semester during which the CHSPE regular administration (i.e., spring or fall) will be conducted.

For more information and to register CHSPE