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.
Test Cancellation Notice
The March 21 and 22, 2020 California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) has been cancelled due to many school closures pertaining to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). With the utmost regard for the safety and the well-being of our test takers, proctors, and testing center staff and in following the best available guidance from the California Department of Public Health and other California agencies, the California Department of Education has cancelled the March 21 and 22, 2020 CHSPE testing.
Registration for all persons registered for the March test date will be transferred to the same test location for the next test administration, which is scheduled on the weekend of June 20, 2020. Additional testing sites will be available to account for the anticipated June CHSPE test takers.
If you are unable to test on the weekend of June 20, 2020, please contact the CHSPE office by phone at 866-342-4773 or by email at chspe@scoe.net, and we will work to refund your test registration fees.
Please visit the CHSPE website for information on CHSPE registration and requests for records.
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
Homeless Youth Fee Waiver Request Form (PDF)
To obtain a waiver for the CHSPE test registration fee, each eligible homeless examinee under twenty-five years of age must complete and date this form and obtain the approval of an authorized homeless services provider. Please read all instructions before filling out the form.
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.
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.
