California High School Proficiency Examination
The California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) is a test for students who need to verify their high school level skills. In some cases, students take the test and leave high school early to work or attend college. Those who pass the test receive a Certificate of Proficiency, which is equal by law to a California high school diploma, from the State Board of Education.
People who are sixteen years of age or older may take the test. Younger persons who meet other criteria also may take the test. The CHSPE is given twice each year at many sites throughout the state. The test covers three subjects: reading, writing, and math. There is a fee to take the test.
- For more information about the CHSPE, contact your school district or visit the CHSPE Website
. - The CHSPE - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of the exam.
- The links and information below were developed for educators and others who work with the CHSPE.
Please visit the CHSPE website for information on CHSPE registration and requests for records.
The May administration will open in mid-April. Locations are limited but multiple times and dates will be available.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the CHSPE was not administered in March 2020 nor in fall 2020. In September 2020, the governor signed Assembly Bill 820, which suspended the CHSPE pending health officials’ authorization to resume. However, for the students who were registered and scheduled to test in 2020 but were unable to do so because of the COVID-related cancellations, the CHSPE will be administered in April 2021.
The locations of the April administration for these students are limited due to COVID-related requirements and will not be offered in every district. If additional seats are available, registration will open to other registrants on a first come, first served basis. Those interested can join the waiting list by visiting the CHSPE website
and choosing the “Register” tab at the top of the page.
Administration Documents
Documents for use with administration of the CHSPE.
Promotional Flyer
Provide information on the CHSPE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the CHSPE.
Program Resources
Annual Report and Program Notes
Certified Foster Youth Fee Wavier Information
To be eligible for a foster youth fee waiver, a foster youth must submit, at the time of registration for a test administration, all standard, required registration materials and certification of their foster youth status. This certification can be provided by the county of residence or the California Department of Social Services. Eligibility for the fee waiver is valid until the certified foster youth reaches twenty-five years of age.
Homeless and Foster Youths Waiver
Homeless Certification Form (PDF)
The Homeless Certification Form is to be used by a homeless child or youth to obtain a fee waiver for the high school equivalency test.
Homeless Certification Form Instructions (PDF)
The instructions for the Homeless Certification Form.
Homeless and Foster Youths Flyer (PDF)
Promotional flyer for distribution.
Stay Up-to-Date
Assessment Spotlight web page contains archives of all previous Assessment Spotlight emails. Send a blank email to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov to receive regular updates on the latest information about the statewide assessment system.
