U.S. Constitution Exam for Credential Candidates
The Department of Political Science offers an examination on the United States Constitution for California teaching credential candidates. The examination provides an alternative way to satisfy the U.S. Constitution credential requirement for candidates who have not completed an appropriate undergraduate or post-baccalaureate course.
Examinees do not need to be enrolled at 糖心logo入口 or another California State University campus to take this examination.
Exam Schedule
The existing examination information currently lists:
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Important Scheduling Notice
The published information also states that the examination is generally offered once per month during the fall and spring academic terms, August through May, and is not normally offered during June or July.聽
Before registering, paying the examination fee, or making travel arrangements, examinees must confirm the current date, time, location, and availability directly with the CSUDH Testing Center.
Exam Overview
Who Should Take This Exam?
This examination is intended primarily for California teaching credential candidates who need to satisfy the U.S. Constitution credential requirement.
- CSUDH enrollment is not required.
- Enrollment at another CSU campus is not required.
- The exam is appropriate for candidates who have not completed an approved Constitution course.
Exam Cost
The examination fee is $25.
Payment must be submitted before the examination. Examinees must bring their payment receipt to the exam location.
Examinees should retain a copy of the receipt because the proctor may collect the original.
Exam Format
The examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
Scantron answer sheets are provided at the examination site.
Topics Covered
- Principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Federalism
- Congress
- The presidency
- The federal court system
- Civil rights and civil liberties
- Supreme Court interpretation of constitutional rights and protections
What to Bring
- Valid photo identification, such as a state-issued identification card, driver鈥檚 license, passport, or current student identification card
- Exam registration confirmation
- Exam fee payment receipt
- A copy of the payment receipt for your personal records is recommended
General Examination Schedule
The examination is generally offered once per month during the fall and spring academic terms, from August through May. Exams are usually scheduled late in the month and often begin at approximately 5:30 p.m., although dates and times may vary.
The published general schedule states that the exam is not normally offered during June or July. Because individual dates may be added, changed, or removed, examinees must verify all scheduling information with the CSUDH Testing Center.
How to Prepare
Examinees should review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook written for the high school or college level and published within the last five years.
Preparation should focus particularly on chapters covering:
- The U.S. Constitution
- Federalism
- Congress
- The presidency
- The courts
- Civil rights
- Civil liberties
Appropriate textbooks may be available through public libraries, university libraries, bookstores, or other educational sources.
The 鈥淭wenty-five Lessons in Citizenship鈥 monograph is not an appropriate preparation text for this examination.
Exam Results and Retakes
Examinees are generally sent written notification of their results within three days after the examination date.
Examinees who pass receive written certification that may be presented to the College of Education or another appropriate credential program.
Examinees who do not pass may repeat the U.S. Constitution Exam only one additional time at CSUDH.
Parking and Campus Information
Visitor parking permits are required when parking on campus. The published examination information currently lists campus parking at $10. Parking permit dispensing machines are located throughout the CSUDH campus.
Parking rates and procedures may change. Examinees should verify current parking information and allow sufficient time to park, locate the examination site, and complete check-in.
Registration and Payment
Confirm the examination schedule with the CSUDH Testing Center before completing registration or submitting the $25 examination fee. Bring your payment receipt and valid photo identification to the examination.