Omar Bennett
The U.S. Constitution exam is a requirement for California teaching credential candidates who have not taken a relevant undergraduate or post-baccalaureate course. The exam covers the fundamental principles and amendments of the U.S. Constitution, the political institutions created by the Constitution, and the protections of individual civil rights and civil liberties provided by the Constitution and its Amendments. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and students must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass. While some people find the exam easy, others recommend memorizing all the amendments and spending time studying an introductory American Government and Politics textbook.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 50 |
| Question type | Multiple choice |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Passing score (number of correct answers) | 35 |
| Number of attempts | 3 |
| Time limit | Yes |
| Preparation materials | Yes |
| Cost | $85 |
| Prerequisites | Photo ID, exam fee registration receipt |
| Exam focus | Principles of the U.S. Constitution, political institutions, civil rights and liberties, and amendments |
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What You'll Learn
Exam format and content
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the principles of the U.S. Constitution, the political institutions it created, and the protections of individual civil rights and civil liberties provided by the Constitution and its Amendments (including the interpretation of these protections). To pass, students must answer at least 35 questions correctly, achieving a score of 75% or higher.
The exam is not considered comprehensive, and students are not provided with the correct answers to missed questions. It is recommended that prospective examinees review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook (high school or college level) published in the last five years, focusing on chapters related to the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, the President, Courts, and Civil Rights/Liberties.
The exam is offered by the Department of Political Science at CSUDH as an alternative method of meeting the U.S. Constitution credential requirement for candidates who have not taken an appropriate course at the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level. Examinees do not need to be CSU students to take this exam.
The exam is usually offered late in the month, typically at 5:30 pm, although times and dates may vary, and it is not offered during June or July. To take the exam, students must present photo identification and their exam fee registration receipt.
The fee for the exam and preparation materials is $85, and it can be paid by credit card, PayPal balance, or PayPal e-check.
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Registration and fees
To register for the US Constitution examination, candidates typically need to provide photo identification and proof of their exam fee payment. A valid California identification card, out-of-state identification, passport, or current student identification card are generally accepted forms of photo ID. The exam fee varies depending on the exam provider and the specific requirements of the test. For example, the California Bar Examination requires a one-time registration fee of $150, while other exam providers may have different fee structures. It is important to review the requirements and instructions provided by the specific exam administrator.
In addition to the standard registration process, some exam candidates may be eligible for fee waivers or scholarships. For instance, applicants experiencing financial hardship may qualify for a fee waiver for certain bar exam costs, as mentioned in the context of the California Bar Exam. It is worth exploring these options to ensure accessibility and accommodate financial constraints.
The US Constitution examination is offered at various institutions, including California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). These universities provide detailed instructions and requirements for registration and fee payment. It is recommended to review the specific guidelines provided by the institution administering the exam to ensure a smooth registration process.
Some examinations, such as the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), offer preparation materials and practice tests to help candidates improve their skills and increase their chances of passing. These resources can be beneficial in ensuring a candidate's readiness for the exam. It is worth noting that the CBEST is not the only pathway to fulfilling the Basic Skills Requirement for teaching in California, as alternatives like the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are also available.
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Study materials
The U.S. Constitution exam is based on the principles of the U.S. Constitution, the political institutions created by it, and the protections of individual civil rights and civil liberties provided by the Constitution and its Amendments. To prepare for the exam, prospective examinees should review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook, preferably at a high school or college level, that has been published in the last five years. Chapters related to the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, the President, Courts, and Civil Rights/Liberties should be the focus of the examinee's review.
Some textbooks that can be referred to for preparation are:
- 'American Government' (eighth edition) by James Q. Wilson and John J. Dilulio, Jr. (Chapters 2 and 11)
- 'The Founding of the Democratic Republic' by Martin Diamond (Chapters 2, 3, and 4)
A concise and streamlined worktext, 'Our Federal and State Constitutions - California Edition' by AJS Publications, is also available. It covers a wide range of topics from the federal level and specifics to the state of Illinois. The book is written in an easy-to-read and understandable format for students of all ages and abilities. AJS Publications also provides supplementary materials that cover the required curriculum in federal and state constitutions. The worktext is also available in a digital eBook format that can be downloaded immediately.
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Passing requirements
The US Constitution Exam is an examination on the principles and provisions of the United States Constitution. It is required for California teaching credential candidates who have not taken a relevant course at undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the principles of the US Constitution, the political institutions it created, and the protections of individual civil rights and civil liberties provided by the Constitution and its Amendments.
To pass the exam, students must answer at least 35 questions correctly, achieving a score of 75% or higher. The exam can be challenging, but with proper preparation, it is possible to pass. Prospective examinees should review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook, focusing on chapters related to the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, the President, Courts, and Civil Rights/Liberties. Additionally, it is recommended to familiarise oneself with the specific contents and amendments of the Constitution, including the minimum ages for the president, house, and congress, and the concept of checks and balances.
The exam can be taken a maximum of three times, and each attempt must be completed within a year of the registration date. If a student fails the exam three times, they must take an appropriate university course to complete this requirement. The exam usually takes place late in the month, typically around 5:30 pm, and is not offered during June or July.
Upon passing, examinees will receive a Certificate of Completion, and their passage will be verified by a numbered, signed certificate. This certificate satisfies the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's US Constitution requirement for California teacher certification.
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Retakes and resits
The U.S. Constitution Exam offered by the Department of Political Science at CSUDH is available for retakes. However, it is important to note that this exam is not the same as California's bar exam. The number of retakes permitted for the U.S. Constitution Exam depends on the institution administering it. For example, the exam offered by the CSUDH Testing Center does not specify the number of retakes allowed. On the other hand, the exam offered by University Assessment Systems allows a maximum of three retakes, with different questions for each attempt.
The exam fee for the U.S. Constitution Exam is generally non-refundable, and it costs $85, which includes the cost of preparation materials. However, in some exceptional cases, refunds may be offered. For example, the State Bar of California offered refunds to candidates who withdrew from the February 2024 bar exam due to issues with the exam's implementation.
Regarding resits, the exam is typically offered late in the month, usually at 5:30 pm, but times and dates may vary. The exam is not offered during June or July. Prospective examinees are advised to review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook (high school or college level) published in the last five years, focusing on chapters related to the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, the President, Courts, and Civil Rights/Liberties.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the U.S. Constitution Exam is a closed-book and closed-notes exam. No external resources or assistance is permitted during the exam. Examinees must affirm an oath declaring that they will not receive any aid while taking the test. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification and a prohibition from retaking the exam.
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Frequently asked questions
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the principles of the U.S. Constitution, the political institutions created by it, and the protections of individual civil rights and liberties provided by the Constitution and its Amendments.
The test is not considered too difficult by most. However, it is recommended that examinees review an introductory American Government and Politics textbook (high school or college level) published in the last five years, with a focus on chapters related to the Constitution, Federalism, Congress, the President, Courts, and Civil Rights/Liberties.
Students must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass, which is a 75% score.
You can attempt the exam a maximum of three times.
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