U.S. Constitution Exam (Credential)

Examination Content and Format.  The examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on principles of the U.S. Constitution, political institutions created by the U.S. Constitution, and the protections of individual civil rights and civil liberties provided by the Constitution and Amendments (including interpretation of these protections by the U.S. Supreme Court in prominent cases).

Examination Cost.  The examination fee is $25 paid by check or money order written to CSUDH and paid at the CSUDH Cashier's Office prior to taking the exam. The Cashier's Office is located in Welch Hall 270, 2nd floor and is open from 8:00am until 5:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:30am until 2:00pm on Friday. A map of the campus is available here: https://www.csudh.edu/campus-map-directions/campus-map/.

Please bring your payment receipt to the exam location.

Parking at CSUDH costs $8.00. Parking permit dispensing machines are located throughout the campus.

Examination Schedule.  The examination will be offered once per month during the fall and spring academic terms, August through May. The exam is usually offered late in the month, and usually at 5:30pm, although times and dates may vary.  The exam is not offered during June or July.

Examination Requirements.   Scantrons will be provided but photo identification (such as a valid California identification card or other out of state identification, passport, or a current student identification card is required. In addition, you must present your exam fee registration receipt. It is recommended that examinees make a copy of the receipt for their own records because the proctor is instructed to collect the original receipts. 

Examination Preparation.  Prospective examinees should review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook (high school or college level) published in the last five years.  Chapters related to:  the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, President, Courts and Civil Rights/Liberties should be the focus of the examinee’s review. The “Twenty-five Lessons in Citizenship” monograph IS NOT an appropriate text for this exam. Examinees may find copies of appropriate texts in most public libraries and bookstores.

Notification of Exam Results.  Examinees will be sent written notification of test results within three days of the examination date.  For those passing the exam the written certification may then be presented to the College of Education.  For those who do not pass, the exam may only be repeated once at CSUDH.

For more information, please contact Dr. Salvatore Russo at srusso@csudh.edu.