The California Proficiency Program (CPP) is the state-approved examination that allows currently enrolled California high school students to demonstrate they have attained academic proficiency at the 12th-grade level, without completing a traditional four-year diploma.
After passing, students earn a California Certificate of Proficiency, which the State of California recognizes as the legal equivalent of a high school diploma.
The CPP is administered through the HiSET Proficiency exam, managed by PSI Services LLC. It replaced the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE), which operated from 1974 to 2023, after the State Board of Education approved the transition.
Scores from the old CHSPE cannot be transferred or combined with CPP results.
Why Pursue the California Proficiency Program?
- Earn a California Certificate of Proficiency, legally equivalent to a California-issued high school diploma
- Exit high school early to begin higher education or a career with parent or guardian’s permission
- Accepted at California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and University of California campuses (verify per institution)
- Recognized by California employers as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma
- After exiting high school, take 2 additional HiSET subtests (Science and Social Studies) to upgrade to the nationally and internationally recognized California HSE Certificate
| Critical Distinction: CPP vs. HiSET HSE
The California Proficiency Program (CPP) is NOT the same as the California High School Equivalency (HSE) program. The CPP is exclusively for current high school students seeking to exit early. The HiSET HSE is for adults who never completed high school. They have separate registration portals, different fee structures, different passing score thresholds, and lead to different credentials. If you are an adult learner, visit hiset.org/california — not the CPP portal. |
CPP vs. CHSPE vs. HiSET HSE: Full Comparison
Many students and families confuse the California Proficiency Program (CPP), the discontinued CHSPE, and the HiSET High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. This table clarifies the key distinctions based on official sources from hiset.org and cde.ca.gov.
| Feature | CPP (HiSET Proficiency) | Old CHSPE | HiSET HSE (Adults) |
| Purpose | Early exit for current CA HS students | Early exit (discontinued 2023) | Equivalency for adult learners |
| Who It Serves | Currently enrolled CA HS students | No longer offered | Adults not enrolled in HS |
| Min. Age / Grade | 16+ OR completed 1 yr of grade 10 | Was 16+ or grade 10 | Typically 18+ (or waiver) |
| Subjects Tested | 3: Reading, Writing, Math | Was 2 sections | 5: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies |
| Passing Score / Subject | 15 out of 20 | Was a different threshold | 8 out of 20 |
| Credential Earned | CA Certificate of Proficiency | CA Certificate of Proficiency | CA High School Equivalency Certificate |
| Recognition | Primarily California | Was California | National and international |
| Cost Per Subtest (2026) | $158 (test center) | N/A — discontinued | Different fee schedule |
| Current Status | ACTIVE — hiset.org/california-proficiency | DISCONTINUED since 2023 | ACTIVE — separate program |
Bottom Line: If you are currently enrolled in a California high school and want to exit early, the CPP is your path. If you are an adult who never completed high school, you need the separate HiSET HSE program. The credentials are different, the registration portals are different, and the costs are different.
CPP Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the CPP is defined by California Education Code Section 48412. A student must satisfy BOTH of the following criteria simultaneously. These are verified through your submitted transcript and application.
Age or Grade Level (meet at least one condition)
| Condition | What It Means |
| 16 years of age or older | Eligible regardless of current grade placement |
| Enrolled in grade 10 for one full school year | Must have completed at least one full school year of 10th grade |
| Will complete one full school year of 10th grade by end of current semester | Eligible when this milestone will be reached by the time the next exam is administered |
Currently Subject to California Compulsory Education Laws (EC Section 48200)
Demonstrated by one of the following:
- Current enrollment in a California K-12 public high school
- Current enrollment in a registered California private school, including parent-operated homeschool programs registered under EC Section 48222
- Possession of a current California work permit combined with enrollment in an independent study program (EC Section 51745) or a tutoring arrangement (EC Section 48224)
| Who Is NOT Eligible for the CPP?
Adults who have already left high school — apply for the HiSET HSE program at hiset.org/california instead Students under 16 who have not completed one year of grade 10 Students not currently enrolled in or subject to California K-12 compulsory education Previous CHSPE passers — the CPP is a new program and old results do not transfer or count |
Residency
There is no California residency requirement for the CPP. Students enrolled in California schools who reside out of state — such as children of military personnel — may still qualify.
Acceptable Photo ID
- Photographic driver’s license with signature — any U.S. state or foreign government
- Photographic ID card with signature — U.S. Armed Forces, any U.S. state, or foreign government
- Photographic Tribal enrollment card with signature
- Photographic ID card or badge with signature issued by a California department or agency
- Photographic U.S. or foreign passport with signature
How to Register for the California Proficiency HiSET Exam
Registration is conducted entirely online through the dedicated California Proficiency myHiSET portal — separate from the general HiSET login. Walk-in registration at testing centers is not permitted. Login at: test-takers.psiexams.com/hisetcaproficiency
Step-by-Step Registration
- Go to test-takers.psiexams.com/hisetcaproficiency and create your California Proficiency myHiSET account with your legal name, date of birth, email, and phone number
- If you need testing accommodations (extended time, large print, screen reader), submit a PSI Accommodations Request Form before proceeding — most require pre-approval and documentation; submit as early as possible
- Log in and go to the Schedule tab, select New Booking, click any listed subtest — you will be directed to the eligibility application form
- Complete the application and upload your current high school transcript — unofficial is acceptable if issued by your school or downloaded from the school’s information system
- Verify your CDS code on the application matches the school listed on your transcript — mismatches cause delays or denial
- Submit and await approval — eligibility reviews take up to 7 business days, potentially longer during peak periods
- Once approved, schedule individual subtests and complete payment
- Receive your confirmation and save your admission ticket for test day
Transcript Requirements
Your transcript must include your full name and date of birth, evidence of current high school enrollment, evidence of enrollment in at least the second semester of grade 10, the school name, and an accurate CDS code. The following are NOT accepted: grade reports, individualized learning plans, or any non-transcript documents.
| Processing and Delivery Timeline
Eligibility review: up to 7 business days (longer during peak periods) Computer-based test: reading/math scores within 3 business days; writing within 5 business days Paper-based test: reading/math scores within 7-10 business days; writing within 10-14 business days Score report in MyHiSET: within 48 hours of passing (computer-based) Passing Verification Letter: emailed weekly for the previous testing week Official Certificate of Proficiency + Transcript: mailed within approximately 4 weeks |
California Proficiency HiSET Exam Costs: 2026 Fee Schedule
As of July 1, 2025, the CPP fees were officially updated. These are the current 2026 fees from hiset.org. The CPP fee structure is higher than the standard HiSET HSE because it includes a state administration fee and the cost of your official printed transcript and certificate.
Official 2026 Fee Breakdown
| Fee Component | Paper (Test Center) | Computer (Test Center) | @Home (Remote) |
| Test Fee | $110.00 | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| Test Center Fee | $14.00 | $14.00 | N/A |
| State Admin Fee | $34.00 | $34.00 | $34.00 |
| Remote Proctor Fee | N/A | N/A | $17.50 |
| Total Per Subtest | $158.00 | $158.00 | $161.50 |
| All 3 Subtests (no retakes) | $474.00 | $474.00 | $484.50 |
The $34 state administration fee is collected by the State of California on every attempt including retakes. The test fee includes one printed transcript and one printed Certificate of Proficiency.
Additional Costs
| Item | Cost / Details |
| Duplicate Certificate of Proficiency | $25 per document — order via PSI Online Store (psionlinestore.com) |
| Duplicate Official Transcript | $25 per document — order via PSI Online Store |
| Expedited Shipping | $15 additional per request — processed within 3 business days after payment |
| Score Rescore / Challenge | $25 — call PSI at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738); specify California Proficiency |
| CPP Passing Verification Letter | Available via PSI Online Store for employers and academic institutions |
Fee Waivers: Homeless and Foster Youth
Complete fee waivers are available for qualifying students. If you are under age 25 and certified as a homeless youth by a homeless services provider, OR if you are a foster youth as defined in California Education Code Section 48412, you qualify for a waiver covering all test administration fees.
- Download the Homeless Certification Form from cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/gd/documents/homelesscertform.pdf
- Return the completed form to [email protected] before registering
- Waiver does not cover fees for accommodations documentation, test prep, or non-administrative services
CPP Exam Subjects and Format
The California Proficiency Program tests only three HiSET subtests: Language Arts (Reading), Language Arts (Writing), and Mathematics. Science and Social Studies are NOT required for the CPP credential — those are only needed if you later pursue the full HiSET HSE certificate after exiting high school.
CPP Subject Overview
| Subject | Time Limit | Format and Content |
| Language Arts — Reading | 65 minutes | 50 multiple-choice questions; literary and informational texts |
| Language Arts — Writing | 120 minutes | Part 1: 51 multiple-choice (grammar, usage, mechanics); Part 2: Extended essay (6-point scale) |
| Mathematics | 90 minutes | 55 questions (multiple-choice and grid-in); calculator allowed in Part 2 only |
What Is Tested in Each Subject?
- Language Arts — Reading: Comprehension of literary texts (fiction, poetry, drama) and informational/nonfiction texts. Skills assessed include identifying main ideas and supporting details, understanding author’s purpose and point of view, making text-based inferences, interpreting vocabulary in context, and analyzing text structure. All answers must be supported by the passage — outside knowledge is not required.
- Language Arts — Writing, Part 1: Tests standard written English: grammar, capitalization, punctuation, sentence construction, word usage, and mechanics. Questions present a short text with errors for you to identify and correct by selecting the best revision.
- Language Arts — Writing, Part 2 (Essay): You receive a prompt and must compose a structured argumentative or analytical essay. Scoring evaluates development of ideas, organization, language use, and writing conventions. Scored on a 6-point holistic scale. Importantly, the CPP requires a minimum of 4/6 — double the 2/6 minimum for the standard HiSET HSE. This makes the essay one of the highest-stakes components to prepare for.
- Mathematics: Covers four domains: Numbers and Operations (fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios); Measurement and Geometry (area, perimeter, volume, the coordinate plane); Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistics (charts, graphs, mean/median/mode); and Algebraic Concepts (linear equations, inequalities, patterns, and functions). Part 1 is calculator-free; Part 2 provides an on-screen calculator.
Available Testing Formats
| Format | Details and Score Timeline |
| Computer-Based — Test Center | Most widely available; reading/math scores within 3 business days; writing within 5 business days |
| Paper-and-Pencil — Test Center (select sites only) | Reading/math scores within 7-10 business days; writing scores within 10-14 business days |
| @Home — Remote Proctored | Test from home with a live online proctor; requires webcam, microphone, stable internet, private space; $161.50 vs. $158 per subtest |
The CPP is offered in both English and Spanish.
Passing Scores: CPP vs. HiSET HSE
The CPP passing score requirements are significantly higher than the standard HiSET HSE. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the California Proficiency exam. You cannot rely on standard HiSET benchmarks when preparing for the CPP.
| Scoring Criteria | CPP (Proficiency) | HiSET HSE (Equivalency) |
| Minimum per-subtest score | 15 out of 20 | 8 out of 20 |
| Minimum total score (all tested subtests) | 45 out of 60 (3 subtests) | 45 out of 100 (5 subtests) |
| Minimum Writing essay score | 4 out of 6 | 2 out of 6 |
| Number of subtests required | 3 (Reading, Writing, Math) | 5 (all subjects) |
| Maximum per-subtest score | 20 out of 20 | 20 out of 20 |
| Warning: All Three Criteria Must Be Met Simultaneously
You must score at least 15/20 on EVERY individual subtest, achieve a combined total of at least 45/60 across all three subtests, AND earn a minimum essay score of 4/6. Falling short on any single requirement — even if your overall total is high — means you must retake that subtest. |
Retesting Policy
Each subtest may be taken a maximum of 3 times within any 6-month period
The year is divided into two windows: January 1 to June 30, and July 1 to December 31
If you use all 3 attempts in one window (e.g., January, February, March), you cannot retest on that subtest until July 1
The California Department of Education will not approve requests to waive the 6-attempt-per-calendar-year limit under any circumstances
Full fees apply on every attempt, including retakes
Score Challenges
If you believe a score was recorded inaccurately, you may request a rescore for $25 by calling PSI Customer Service at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738). The California Department of Education does not interfere with HiSET’s established scoring protocols. PSI notes that if a subtest has been taken twice with the same result, this is generally a reliable indicator that the score is accurate.
Certificates, Transcripts and Next Steps
Document Delivery Timeline
| Document | When / How You Receive It |
| Score Report in MyHiSET | Within 48 hours of passing (computer-based test) |
| Passing Verification Letter (email) | Sent weekly for the previous testing week — usable as immediate proof |
| Official Certificate of Proficiency | Mailed to registered address — allow up to 4 weeks |
| Official Transcript | Mailed with certificate — up to 4 weeks |
| Superintendent’s Roster | Passing students forwarded to district superintendent quarterly |
| Address Check Before Your Final Subtest
Before completing your last subtest, verify your mailing address in MyHiSET Proficiency is current and includes any apartment or unit number. Certificates and transcripts are mailed here. Ordering duplicates costs $25 per document plus $15 for expedited shipping. |
Stay in or Exit High School?
Passing the CPP does not automatically withdraw you from high school. You may choose to remain enrolled and complete a traditional diploma, or exit with a parent or guardian’s permission to begin college or a career. The decision does not need to be made immediately after passing.
Upgrading to the Full HSE Certificate
Once you have passed the CPP and exited high school, you become eligible to take the remaining two HiSET subtests — Science and Social Studies — to earn the California High School Equivalency Certificate. This credential is recognized nationally and internationally, opening broader opportunities than the Certificate of Proficiency alone, which is primarily recognized within California.
California Proficiency Program Practice Tests and Study Resources
The California Department of Education explicitly recommends taking preparation courses and California Proficiency Program practice tests before the official exam. Because the CPP requires 15/20 per subtest — significantly higher than standard HiSET HSE minimums — preparation is not optional.
Official and Recommended Resources
| Resource | Where to Access and What It Offers |
| HiSET Official Prep Materials | hiset.org/test-takers-hiset-test-prep-materials — math and language arts prep created by the test maker; the most accurate reflection of real CPP question types and difficulty |
| HiSET Free Practice Tests | hiset.org/prepare-for-your-test/practice-tests — full-length timed practice tests with scoring; use these to measure your readiness before registering |
| Prepsaret.com (Free) | khanacademy.org — self-paced video lessons for all three CPP subjects; particularly strong for algebra, grammar, and reading comprehension fundamentals |
| California Public Libraries | Many offer free access to Learning Express Library with HiSET-aligned practice tests, instant scoring, and detailed answer explanations |
| Adult Education Centers | Programs like Acalanes Adult Education and similar centers offer in-person and online HiSET prep classes — often at no cost through CAEP or WIOA funding |
Practice Score Targets for CPP Readiness
| Subject | Practice Test Target |
| Reading | Aim to answer 37-40 of 50 questions correctly on practice tests before scheduling |
| Writing Part 1 | Aim to answer 38-42 of 51 questions correctly |
| Writing Essay (Part 2) | Practice scoring 4-5 out of 6; have a teacher or tutor review at least 2-3 practice essays before exam day |
| Mathematics | Aim to answer 38-42 of 55 questions correctly; practice both with and without a calculator |
| A Note on Reddit and Community Forums
Many students research the California proficiency HiSET exam on Reddit and other forums before registering. Community experiences can be valuable for morale and general tips. However, fee amounts, score requirements, and registration steps change periodically — always verify current details against official sources: hiset.org/california-proficiency and cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/cp.asp. |
Recommended CPP Study Timeline
| Timeframe | Study Focus |
| 6-8 weeks before exam | Take a full official practice test in all three subjects to establish your baseline scores |
| 5-6 weeks before | Identify your weakest subject and dedicate 60-70% of study time to it using official HiSET prep materials |
| 3-4 weeks before | Begin rotating study across all three subjects; complete at least one timed practice test per subject |
| 2 weeks before | Focus on essay writing practice — outline and draft at least 3 full argumentative essays; review grammar conventions systematically |
| 1 week before | Light review only; memorize key math formulas; do not introduce new material |
| Day before | Prepare your ID and admission ticket; confirm test center location or set up @Home environment; rest well |
| Day of exam | Eat a full meal; arrive 30 minutes early at test center; for @Home, complete environment check 15 minutes before start |
Expert Tips to Pass the California Proficiency HiSET Exam
Before the Exam
- Aim for 16+ out of 20 on practice tests before scheduling — not the minimum 15 — to give yourself a safety margin on exam day
- Use official HiSET practice tests from hiset.org as your primary study material; they most accurately reflect real CPP question difficulty
- Enroll in a free adult education or CPP prep class; structured instruction consistently produces better outcomes than self-study alone
- Schedule your strongest subject first to build confidence; reserve your most challenging subject for when preparation is most thorough
- Give yourself at least 6-8 weeks of structured study before your first subtest
Subject-Specific Strategies
- Mathematics: Memorize key formulas — area, perimeter, volume, and coordinate geometry formulas are not provided during the exam. Practice Part 1 entirely without a calculator to build fluency. Focus heavily on word problems and multi-step algebra equations — these are the most frequently missed question types.
- Writing Essay: The CPP requires a minimum essay score of 4/6 — double the standard HiSET HSE minimum of 2/6. Practice writing structured 4-5 paragraph argumentative essays: a clear thesis, 2-3 body paragraphs with specific textual evidence, acknowledgment of a counterargument, and a strong conclusion. Have a teacher, tutor, or adult educator score at least two practice essays before your exam.
- Reading: Read the questions before reading each passage — this focuses your reading and saves time. For inference and author’s purpose questions, anchor every answer to specific text evidence from the passage. Practice with both fiction and nonfiction equally — the CPP tests both types.
On Test Day
- Bring your government-issued photo ID and printed or digital admission ticket — entry is denied without both
- Arrive at the test center 30 minutes early; for @Home testing, complete your system and environment check 15 minutes before your session start
- Leave all prohibited items behind: phone, smart watch, notes, food, drinks, hats, and extra paper
- Use process of elimination on multiple-choice questions — narrow to 2 options before committing to your final answer
- Spend the first 5 minutes of your essay time outlining your argument before writing — structured outlines consistently produce better-scoring responses
- Pace yourself — check the clock periodically and do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single question
California Proficiency HiSET Exam FAQs
How is the CPP Different from the Standard HiSET HSE?
The CPP is for current high school students seeking to exit early; the HiSET HSE is for adults who never completed high school. The CPP covers only 3 subjects (vs. 5 for HSE), requires higher passing scores (15/20 vs. 8/20 per subject), uses a separate registration portal, and costs more per subtest.
The credentials are also different — the CPP earns a California Certificate of Proficiency, while the HSE earns a California High School Equivalency Certificate with national recognition.
How Much Does the California Proficiency HiSET Exam Cost in 2026?
As of July 1, 2025, each CPP subtest costs $158 at a test center or $161.50 for @Home remote-proctored testing. Completing all three subtests with no retakes totals $474 at a test center or $484.50 at home.
These fees include the state administration fee and the cost of your official certificate and transcript. All fees apply on retakes as well.
What Score Do I Need to Pass the California Proficiency Exam?
You must meet all three criteria simultaneously: score at least 15 out of 20 on each subtest, achieve a combined total of at least 45 out of 60 across all three subtests, and earn at least 4 out of 6 on the Writing essay. These thresholds are significantly higher than standard HiSET HSE minimums.
Can I Take the California Proficiency Exam Online at Home?
Yes. The @Home remote-proctored option is available for the CPP. You need a compatible computer (Windows or Mac), a webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private distraction-free space. This option costs $161.50 per subtest — slightly more than the $158 test center fee.
Where can I Find California Proficiency Program Practice Tests?
Official practice tests are available at hiset.org/prepare-for-your-test/practice-tests. Free and premium online test prep, such as prep sets. Additional math and language arts prep materials are at hiset.org/test-takers-hiset-test-prep-materials. California public libraries may offer free access to Learning Express Library with HiSET-aligned practice tests. Adult education centers throughout California often provide free in-person or online CPP prep classes.
Is the California Certificate of Proficiency Accepted by All Colleges?
The Certificate of Proficiency is widely accepted at California Community Colleges, CSUs, and UCs, but it is primarily a California-recognized credential.
For national or international recognition, completing the remaining HiSET HSE subtests (Science and Social Studies) after exiting high school to earn the California High School Equivalency Certificate is recommended. Always verify acceptance directly with your prospective institution.
What Happened to the CHSPE?
The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) operated from 1974 to 2023, when it was replaced by the California Proficiency Program. The State Board of Education approved the transition.
The CPP uses State Board-approved HiSET subtests administered by PSI Services. Previous CHSPE results cannot be transferred, combined, or applied toward CPP or HiSET HSE requirements.
California Proficiency HiSET Exam: Final Thoughts
The California Proficiency Program (CPP) is a meaningful and flexible pathway for currently enrolled California high school students who are ready to move forward into higher education or a career. The credential — the California Certificate of Proficiency — carries genuine weight with California’s colleges, universities, and employers.
The defining feature of the CPP is its higher passing bar: 15/20 per subtest versus the standard HiSET HSE minimum of 8/20. This means preparation is essential. Start with official HiSET practice tests, take advantage of free adult education programs available throughout California, and allow 6-8 weeks of structured study before your first subtest.
| Ready to Get Started?
1. Visit test-takers.psiexams.com/hisetcaproficiency to create your California Proficiency myHiSET account 2. Gather your current high school transcript (unofficial is acceptable if school-issued) 3. Take official free CPP practice tests at hiset.org/prepare-for-your-test/practice-tests 4. Find a free local CPP prep class through your nearest adult education center or community college 5. Schedule your first subtest only when you are consistently scoring 16+ per subject on practice tests HiSET Customer Support: 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738) — specify California Proficiency California Department of Education CPP Office: [email protected] | 916-445-9449 |