Isabella Carter
To teach in California, educators must pass an exam on the history and content of the US Constitution. The exam is a requirement of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and can be taken at a regionally-accredited college or university. The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer 35 correctly to pass. The exam covers the cause of the Constitutional Convention, issues of the Constitutional Convention, and the Ratification of the Constitution. Teachers can prepare for the exam by using study guides, online quizzes, and YouTube videos on relevant topics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $80-$85 |
| Number of questions | 50 |
| Passing score | 35/50 or 75% |
| Topics covered | Cause of the Constitutional Convention, issues of the Constitutional Convention, Ratification of the Constitution, contents and amendments, minimum ages for the president, house and congress, checks and balances |
| Preparation materials | Quizlet, online quizzes, YouTube videos, practice questions |
| Exam providers | UCLA Extension, University Assessment Systems, community colleges |
| Retake policy | Can be retaken within six months for an additional $80 fee |
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What You'll Learn
Exam format and content
The US Constitution exam for California teachers is a requirement for teaching and service credentials. It is a timed multiple-choice exam with 50 questions, and you need to answer 35 correctly to pass. The exam is based on the principles and provisions of the US Constitution and focuses on how the constitution came to be, including the cause of the Constitutional Convention, the issues of the Constitutional Convention, and the ratification of the Constitution. It also covers the specific contents and amendments of the Constitution, such as the minimum ages for the president, house, and congress, and checks and balances.
The exam is offered by various institutions, including UCLA Extension and University Assessment Systems. UCLA Extension administers the exam every other Monday at 2:30 p.m. PT. The exam fee is $80, and you can find preparation materials and practice questions online. University Assessment Systems also offer an online exam accepted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Their exam costs $85 and can be paid via credit card, PayPal balance, or PayPal e-check. You can create an account on their website and access the exam and preparation materials immediately after payment.
It is important to note that the exam can be retaken if you do not pass on your first attempt. UCLA Extension allows retakes within six months of the first attempt for an additional $80 fee. University Assessment Systems permit three attempts with different questions and no charge for retakes. However, if you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to take an exam or course on the US Constitution to satisfy the requirement.
Some individuals have shared their experiences with the exam, recommending the use of study guides, online quizzes, and YouTube videos as preparation methods. Completing college-level coursework or examinations in US history or a similar subject may also satisfy the requirement without needing to take the exam.
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Preparation and study techniques
To prepare for the US Constitution exam for California teachers, it is important to understand the exam's format and the topics covered. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution and typically consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 75%.
- Familiarize yourself with the exam content: The exam focuses on the historical development of the Constitution, including the cause and issues of the Constitutional Convention, and the Ratification of the Constitution. It also covers the specific contents and amendments, such as the minimum ages for various political positions and the concept of checks and balances.
- Utilize preparation materials: Websites like usconstitutionexam.com offer preparation materials and practice questions specifically designed to help you prepare for the exam. These materials can provide a structured way to study and allow you to focus on areas you may need to improve.
- Take advantage of online resources: Online platforms such as Quizlet, YouTube, and other online quizzes can be excellent sources of information. These resources often cover topics outlined in the study guide and can help reinforce your understanding of key concepts.
- Complete relevant coursework: According to the California Education Code, one way to satisfy the US Constitution requirement is by completing relevant coursework at a regionally accredited university or community college. Consider enrolling in courses such as Political Science 100 or 391, which cover the provisions and principles of the US Constitution.
- Understand the exam requirements: Know the passing score, the number of attempts allowed, and any time limits associated with the exam. This will help you manage your time effectively during the exam and focus on the areas that need improvement if you need to retake it.
- Create a study plan: Develop a structured study schedule that works for you. Break down the topics into manageable portions and focus on one topic at a time. Spacing out your study sessions and reviewing the material regularly can improve retention and help you retain information more effectively.
Remember, the key to successful preparation is to start early, stay organized, and utilize a variety of resources to reinforce your understanding of the US Constitution.
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Minimum pass marks
The US Constitution exam for California teachers is a requirement for teaching and service credentials. The exam is focused on how the constitution came to be, including the cause and issues of the Constitutional Convention and the Ratification of the Constitution, as well as the specific contents and amendments. It also covers the minimum ages for the president, house, and congress, and checks and balances.
The exam is multiple-choice and consists of 50 questions. The passing standard is 75%, which means you need to answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass.
If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again within six months for an additional fee. If you do not pass the exam on your second attempt, it is recommended that you take a course to satisfy the requirement.
There are preparation materials and practice questions available online to help you prepare for the exam. It is also recommended to review the study guide and use resources such as online quizzes and YouTube videos to prepare for the exam.
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Retake policies
The US Constitution exam for California teachers is a requirement for teaching and service credentials. The exam can be taken through the UCLA Extension, which offers the test every other Monday at 2:30 pm PT. The exam fee is $80, although candidates from Inyo County may need to contact their HR representative regarding the availability of in-person exam offerings.
Regarding retake policies, the UCLA Extension allows candidates to retake the exam within six months from the test date for an additional $80 charge. However, if the test is failed a second time, UCLA Extension Education Department recommends taking a course to satisfy the requirement.
For those taking the exam through University Assessment Systems, the exam can be taken a maximum of three times, with different questions for each retake and no charge for retakes. However, there is no guarantee of passing the exam. If the test score does not meet the passing standard (75%) after three attempts, the exam is completed, and no portion of the fee will be refunded. Additionally, any violation of the exam policies, such as using external resources or receiving aid, may result in disqualification of exam scores and prohibition from retaking the exam.
It is important to note that the exam is "closed book, closed notes," and candidates must affirm an oath that they are receiving no aid or assistance while taking the test.
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Alternative credential options
The US Constitution exam is a requirement for teaching credentials in California. Alternative credential options to satisfy this requirement include:
Coursework
According to the California Education Code, the US Constitution exam requirement can be met by completing coursework at a regionally accredited university or community college. California State University Long Beach (CSULB), for example, offers Political Science 100 or Political Science 391 courses that satisfy this requirement.
College-level examination
The California Education Code also allows for the completion of a college-level examination at a regionally accredited university or community college to satisfy the US Constitution exam requirement. UCLA Extension offers such an examination that is accepted for credentialing purposes.
AP US History Test
If you have a record of taking the AP US History Test, this may cover the requirement, meaning you would not need to take the US Constitution exam.
US History Class in College
Taking a US History class in college may also satisfy the requirement, negating the need to take the US Constitution exam.
Online Preparation Courses
Online platforms such as usconstitutionexam.com offer preparation courses and practice questions to help you pass the US Constitution exam. These courses provide unlimited access to preparation materials and instant results upon completion.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution exam is a requirement for teachers seeking certification in California. It covers the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution.
The exam focuses on how the constitution came to be, its specific contents and amendments, the cause of the Constitutional Convention, and issues of the Constitutional Convention. You will also need to know the minimum ages for the president, house, and congress, and understand checks and balances.
The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer 35 correctly to pass.
You can take the exam at a regionally accredited university or community college, such as UCLA Extension. Exams are typically held every other Monday and begin at 2:30 pm PT.
You can find preparation materials and practice questions on websites like usconstitutionexam.com and quizlet. You can also watch YouTube videos on the relevant topics. Additionally, some universities may offer courses or examinations that cover the necessary content.
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