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CSE Changes in 2011

Next year (approximately February 2011), the California Supplemental Examination (CSE) will be transitioning from an "oral" examination to a computer-delivered "written" examination.

CSE Content

The new examination will continue to be based on the most recent Test Plan (2007). Therefore, all items on the Board’s list of CSE reference materials will remain the same; however, if necessary, new items may be added to the list as development for the new examination continues. Candidates are encouraged to regularly review the Board’s Web site at www.cab.ca.gov for any new information.

The new examination will consist of approximately 125 multiple-choice questions and will be administered via computer. A time limit of 3.5 hours will be given to complete the examination.

Eligibility and Scheduling

As with before, once a candidate has completed all of the requisite requirements for the CSE (eight years of education and/or work experience; completion of IDP and CIDP, if applicable; and completion of all ARE divisions), a CSE application is mailed to the candidate. When the completed application and $100 payment have been returned and processed by the Board, the candidate’s eligibility information will be sent to the Board’s new examination vendor, PSI (www.psiexams.com). PSI will then mail the candidate a CSE Handbook, which will also serve as their official Notice of Eligibility. Please note that candidates may not schedule the CSE until they are eligible and in receipt of the Handbook.

Within the Handbook, candidates will be provided with detailed scheduling procedures (which will include scheduling by telephone or online) and information on examination site locations, reporting to the site, taking the examination by computer, reference materials, the Test Plan, etc. There will be 13 PSI examination site locations within California and 10 additional locations out of state. Candidates will be able to schedule an examination at a location of their choice during normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and operating hours on Saturday, except holidays.

California sites include: Anaheim, Atascadero, Bakersfield, Carson, El Monte, Fresno, Hayward, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Santa Rosa. Out of state sites include: Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Cranberry Township, PA; Houston, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Portland, OR; Southfield (Detroit area), MI; and West Des Moines, IA.

Examination Results

Examination results will be mailed to the candidate approximately 30 days after the examination. If the candidate passes the CSE, an Application for Licensure is mailed to the candidate with the examination results. If the candidate does not pass the CSE, he/she must wait six months before they can re-take the examination. A candidate must submit a new CSE application and $100 payment for each re-take of the examination.

The Board looks forward to this important CSE format transition in 2011, as it will expand capacity to serve candidates.

Again, candidates should periodically check the Board’s Web site for any updates regarding the new CSE.