POL 101 Challenge Exam
The POL 101 Challenge Exam is a comprehensive examination in American political institutions. It allows eligible CSUDH students to demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution and California state and local government without completing the standard POL 101 course in the usual manner.
Most students satisfy these requirements by completing POL 101: American Institutions with a passing grade. The Challenge Exam provides an alternative for students who already have substantial knowledge of the course material.
Eligibility Requirement
The POL 101 Challenge Exam is available only to students who can provide proof of current registration at 糖心logo入口 and a valid CSUDH student identification number.
Choose an Exam Option
Option A Certification Without Academic Credit
Option A is for students who do not need additional units toward graduation but want certification that they have satisfied the state requirement in the U.S. Constitution and California state and local government.
- No academic units are earned.
- The exam is graded on a Credit/No Credit basis.
- A minimum score of 65% is required to earn Credit.
- A $25 examination fee applies.
- A student who does not pass may repeat the examination one time.
- If the student does not pass after the permitted attempts, the student must complete and pass POL 101.
Option B Credit by Examination for POL 101
Option B is for students seeking three units of academic credit for POL 101 through Credit by Examination.
- Successful completion awards three units of POL 101 credit.
- Successful completion also satisfies the U.S. Constitution and California state and local government requirements.
- Students must enroll in a section of POL 101.
- Students must complete the Petition for Credit by Examination.
- Students who pass stop attending the course but remain on the class roster until grades are posted.
- Students who do not pass may not repeat the Challenge Exam and must complete the regular POL 101 course requirements.
- An unsuccessful challenge is not posted on the student's permanent academic record.
Exam Information
The exam includes:
- A multiple-choice section requiring approximately two hours
- One 30-minute essay selected from several possible questions
Topics Covered
Questions cover the full range of U.S. federal institutions and California state and local government.
The exam evaluates both knowledge of factual information and the ability to interpret and apply that information.
What to Bring
- Valid CSUDH student identification
- Proof of current CSUDH registration
- No. 2 pencil for the multiple-choice section
- Blue book for the essay section
Exam Results
Students are notified of their results by email, generally within 10 days after the examination is administered.
Grading
For students using Credit/No Credit grading, including all students selecting Option A, the minimum passing score is 65%, or 162 out of 250 points.
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|
| 90鈥�100% | A |
| 80鈥�89% | B |
| 70鈥�79% | C |
| 65鈥�69% | D |
| Below 65% | Not Passing |
Registration and Scheduling
The examination is generally offered near the beginning of each semester. Students should confirm the current examination date, registration procedure, required forms, and testing location before making academic plans.
- Determine whether Option A or Option B is appropriate for your degree plan.
- Confirm that you are currently registered at CSUDH.
- Students selecting Option B must enroll in a section of POL 101 and complete the Petition for Credit by Examination.
- Contact the CSUDH Testing Center for current scheduling and examination information.
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