California High School Proficiency Exam Dates
Examination dates for the 2019-2020 administrations of the California High School Proficiency Exam.What is the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)?
- The CHSPE is a voluntary test, given only in English, that assesses proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills. The CHSPE consists of two test sections: mathematics and English language arts (ELA). The ELA section has two subtests (reading and language). Eligible persons who pass both parts of the CHSPE are awarded a Certificate of Proficiency by the State Board of Education.
Who is eligible to take the CHSPE?
You may take the CHSPE only if, on the test date, you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are at least sixteen years old
- You have been enrolled in grade ten for one academic year or longer.
- You will complete one academic year of enrollment in grade ten at the end of the semester during which the next regular administration will be conducted. (Regular administrations are the fall and spring administrations each school year.)
When and Where is the CHSPE offered?
The administration dates for the 2019-2020 school year are as follows:
| Test Date Saturday Morning | Regular Registration Deadline (Receipt Date) |
Late Registration Deadline (Receipt Date) |
Emergency Registration Deadline (Receipt Date) |
Results Mailed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 19, 2019 | September 20, 2019 | October 4, 2019 | October 15, 2019 | November 22, 2019 |
| March 21, 2020 | February 21, 2019 | March 6, 2020 | March 17, 2020 | April 24, 2020 |
| June 20, 2020 | May 22, 2020 | June 5, 2020 | June 16, 2020 | July 24, 2020 |
Most California counties have at least one test administration center. For a list of counties and test centers, go to the
CHSPE Test Locations web page 
in the CHSPE Information Bulletin also available on that web site.
Certificate of Proficiency
California law requires that the Certificate of Proficiency be equivalent to a high school diploma. Institutions that are subject to California law and that require a high school diploma must accept a Certificate of Proficiency. 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. Speak to your school counselor to understand the benefits of the Certificate of Proficiency. This certificate meets the federal financial aid requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are planning to continue your studies in a college or university, contact the admissions office so that you may understand its requirements and whether or not the CHSPE certificate will be accepted.
For More Information
For additional information about the examination, visit the
CHSPE website or call 1-866-342-4773.
If you would like a printable flyer with this information, please email chspe@cde.ca.gov or call 916-445-9449.
