The California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) is a program established by California law (Education Code Section 48412). CHSPE provides an opportunity for eligible persons to prove their proficiency in the basic skills and earn a legal equivalent of a California high school diploma.
The CHSPE is given three times each year at approximately 75 sites throughout the state. Registrants must pay an $85 registration fee. Enrollment in high school at the time the test is given is not a requirement but, at the time the test is taken, persons wishing to take the test must meet one of the following criteria: be at least sixteen years of age, or have completed one year of enrollment in tenth grade, or will complete one year of enrollment in tenth grade at the end of the semester during which the next regular administration will be conducted. There is no upper age limit to take the test.
The SBE awards each person who passes the CHSPE a Certificate of Proficiency, which is equivalent by law to a California high school diploma. In other words, institutions that are subject to California law and require a high school diploma for any purpose must also accept the Certificate of Proficiency as satisfying that requirement. However, the Certificate of Proficiency is not equivalent to completing all course work required for graduation from high school.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) administers the CHSPE program under a contract with CDE. For general information, including registration, call SCOE at (866) 342-4773 or visit http://www.chspe.net. For information concerning CHSPE law, regulations, or policies, contact the Standards and Assessment Division at (916) 445-9441. Correspondence should be directed to CHSPE, California Department of Education, 1430 N Street, Suite 5408, Sacramento, CA 95814. Information is also available on the CDE Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov//ta/tg/sp/.