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Taking the CSE

The CSE contains approximately 100 multiple-choice items. The examination may contain additional items for the purpose of pre-testing (nonscoreable items). Pre-testing allows performance data to be gathered and evaluated before the items are scoreable in a future examination. These pre-test items, distributed throughout the examination, WILL NOT be counted for or against a candidate in his or her examination score and will not be identified to the candidate.

All items in the CSE have been written and reviewed by California-licensed architects, are based on the knowledge and ability statements contained in the CSE Test Plan, are written at a level to assess minimum standards of competency necessary for practice in California, are supported by the CSE Reference Materials, and have been pre-tested to ensure statistical performance standards are met.

There is only one correct answer for each item. The "incorrect" answers are typically common errors and misconceptions, true but not relevant statements, or incorrect statements. There are no "trick" questions in the examination. Scores on the examination are based on the number of correct answers. It is to the candidate’s advantage to answer every question.

The CSE consists of TWO individually timed sections with a combined 3.5 hour time limit. Candidates who finish the first section early cannot add the extra time to the second section's designated time limit. If a restroom break is needed during the examination, a candidate will not receive additional time to complete the examination. The CSE sections are described below:

  1. Project Scenario section: multiple-choice items that pertain to a hypothetical project (i.e., small- or moderate-scale, nonexempt project or a portion of a larger project) and project scenario documents (handout provided to candidate by proctor at check-in)*, which can include: a) a single page of written information, such as the project program, site description, and architect and client profiles; b) multiple pages of graphics, such as a site plan, floor plan, elevations, sections, and/or details; and c) other project-related information, such as a letter from the client, a transmittal from the contractor, a memo from the planning department, etc. Once a candidate completes this section, he or she must proceed to the next section of the examination (General section) and cannot later go back and review answers from the Project Scenario section.
  2. General section: general multiple-choice items that also pertain to the content within the CSE Test Plan and applicable knowledge and ability statements.

* Proctor will provide candidate with a handout for use when answering all items in the Project Scenario section that must be returned to the proctor upon completion of this section.