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California Supplemental Examination (CSE)

General Information

The California Architects Board (Board) requires an oral supplemental examination to become licensed as an architect and to ensure that candidates have the necessary architectural knowledge and skills to respond to the unique conditions present in California.

Prior to taking the CSE, candidates must provide verification of the following:

  • Eight years of post-secondary education and/or work experience as evaluated by the Board; including at least one year of work experience under the direct supervision of an architect licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction, or at least two years of experience under the direct supervision of an architect registered in a Canadian province
  • Completion of the Board's Comprehensive Intern Development Program (CIDP) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards' Intern Development Program (IDP) (if applicable)
  • Successful completion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

Note: The Board permits candidates to take the ARE while concurrently completing CIDP/IDP

The CSE is a structured oral examination that lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Candidates are given the opportunity to demonstrate through oral responses their overall understanding of architectural practice. Candidates are required to demonstrate at least entry-level competence in the areas outlined in the CSE test plan. A competent entry-level architect is able to discharge the responsibilities incumbent upon him or her in providing professional architectural services to the public. Additionally, a competent entry-level architect must understand the integration of architectural practice and the architect's responsibilities as they relate to architectural practice in California.

The CSE is based on a hypothetical project and includes graphic and written documents that candidates have the opportunity to review prior to - and have access to during - the CSE. The project description and graphics provide a focus for the examination questions and establish a context for candidate responses.

Test Plan

The test plan for the CSE is based on the results of a statewide survey of practicing California architects. The intent of the CSE test plan is not to duplicate coverage of general areas of practice already addressed by the national test, the Architectural Registration Examination. The intent of the CSE Test Plan is to focus on California-specific aspects of practice; it is therefore neither comprehensive nor representative of the full scope of architectural practice.

The CSE administered in 2008 is based on a test plan that is divided into two primary areas of architectural practice - Organization of Architectural Practice and Delivery of Architectural Services. The tasks are organized into four categories as follows:

  1. Professional Organization
  2. Professional Responsibilities and Conduct
  3. Research, Programming and Analysis
  4. Project Scope and Implementation

The test plan areas listed under "Organization of Architectural Practice" reflect the application of knowledge necessary to manage and provide professional services in a competent, ethical, legal, cost-effective, and timely manner. The test plan areas listed under "Delivery of Architectural Services" reflect the application and integration of architectural principles and knowledge to create or modify built environments consistent with the protection of the public's health, safety, and welfare.

The CSE administered in 2009 is based on a test plan that is divided into four categories of architectural knowledge and abilities important to the tasks that California architects perform, as follows:

  1. Context and Pre-Design
  2. Regulatory
    1. California State Laws, Code, Regulations, and Standards
    2. Other Laws, Codes, Regulations, Standards, Agencies and Entitlements
  3. Management and Design
  4. Construction

Candidates should refer to the Test Plan document for definitions of each category as well as the complete list of 55 knowledge and ability statements to be tested by the California Supplemental Examination.

The Board has a list of reference materials for both the 2008 administrations and 2009 administrations which can assist candidates in preparing for the CSE. The list details the resources with which to be familiar and how they may be obtained. Some of the materials are available for a nominal cost, and others for free. You should check with the source agency of each publication for availability and current pricing.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Board has a procedure for granting reasonable testing accommodations to CSE candidates with qualifying disabilities. Candidates with disabilities who plan to seek reasonable testing accommodations should inquire with the Board at the time they initially apply for the CSE to obtain current information about reasonable accommodations and qualifying disabilities. Candidates must submit a CSE Reasonable Accommodation Request form with documentation of the disability from a qualified licensed professional.

Helpful Links

Below are links to information pertaining to the CSE that will assist candidates in preparing for the examination.