U.S. Constitution Challenge Examination
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE U.S. CONSTITUTION CHALLENGE EXAMINATION?
This U.S. Constitution exam option is intended for California teaching credential candidates who must fulfill the U.S. Constitution requirement. The exam does not fulfill the U.S. Constitution requirement for baccalaureate candidates. It satisfies the U.S. Constitution requirement for multiple/single subject and designated subject credentials.
By definition this is a challenge examination to a full college-level course. As such, it is a very difficult examination and the assumption is that those challenging the exam have done serious preparation for this exam.
Note that this is a testing experience and not an educational experience. Students who take this exam will not be given the correct answers to questions missed.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS TO VIEW THE VIDEO AND TAKE THE EXAM?
Testing hours can change due to holiday and alternate schedules. Students are advised to contact the Learning Center directly at (909) 537-5038 to check current hours and review their proposed time line.
HOW MANY ATTEMPTS DO I HAVE TO PASS THE EXAM?
You have a maximum of three attempts at passing the U.S. Constitution exam. Your three attempts at passing the exam must be completed within one year from the date you first register.
DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION TO VIEW THE VIDEO AND TAKE THE EXAM?
No appointment is necessary to view the video or take the test at the Learning Center on the CSUSB campus or at the Palm Desert campus. Video viewing and testing is on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may have to wait during peak testing hours.
HOW LONG IS THE VIDEO?
The video is approximately 1 1/2 hours long.
WHAT IF I DID NOT FINISH WATCHING THE VIDEO?
If you do not finish watching the video in one sitting you will have to return to the College of Extended Learning and pay a fee for an additional video review. It takes at least 1 ½ hours to watch the video and students should allow at least an additional hour to take the exam plus an additional hour to park, register and study any notes taken during the video. Please take into account the Learning Center hours to ensure that you have sufficient time to finish watching the video and taking the exam. You have the option of watching the video on one day and taking the exam on another day.
WHAT IS THE COST TO WATCH THE VIDEO AGAIN?
The cost for an additional viewing of the video is $31.00
DO I NEED IDENTIFICATION TO WATCH THE VIDEO AND TAKE THE EXAM?
Definitely, yes. Only students who present a photo I.D. will be allowed to view the video and take the exam.
IS THE EXAM TIMED? WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE THE EXAM?
The U.S. Constitution exam is not timed and on average takes at least an hour to complete. But there is a time limit that is imposed by the hours of the Learning Center and students should allow ample time to watch the video (at least an hour and a half), review notes and take the test (at least an hour), and register and park (about an hour).
WHAT IF I DID NOT FINISH TAKING THE EXAM?
Students should allow a minimum of at least an hour to take the exam. Exams will be taken from students at the end of the Learning Center testing hours whether or not the exam has been completed. Questions not answered will be marked incorrect. Please refer to the Learning Center testing hours before planning your video viewing and testing.
CAN I USE MY NOTES WHEN TAKING THE EXAM?
Absolutely not. No notes or any reference materials are allowed during the exam. Students are instructed to leave all personal items on a separate table during testing.
WHAT IF I NEED TO TAKE A RESTROOM BREAK DURING TESTING?
Students are advised not to leave the testing room after testing has begun. If an emergency arises, it will be noted that the student left during testing and your test may be declared invalid, thus using one of your three exam attempts.
CAN CHILDREN AND/OR FRIENDS BE PRESENT IN THE TESTING AREA?
No. Only students who are testing are allowed in the testing area.
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR NOTIFICATION RESULTS?
The College of Extended Learning will contact you with your results by mail at the address you provide. It generally takes 7-10 business days for your exam to be graded and your results mailed to you. Students who pass will receive by mail a certificate of completion and students who fail will receive a letter stating the number of questions missed. Students will not know which questions were missed nor the correct answers. Remember, this is not an educational experience, this is a testing experience. No exam results will be given over the phone. Students may arrange to pick up their written results by calling the College of Extended Learning in advance to assure results are available. Students picking up written results in person must present a photo I.D.
Note: The highest success rate comes from students who take the one-day U.S. Constitution preparation course. Those who fail their first or second attempt may register for this course but must pay the full course fee and still have a total of three attempts.
IF I FAIL ALL THREE ATTEMPTS AT THE EXAM, CAN I STILL REGISTER FOR THE U.S. CONSTITUTION PREP COURSE?
No. Students who fail all three attempts at the exam can no longer satisfy this requirement through the College of Extended Learning.
WHAT IF I FAIL ALL THREE ATTEMPTS AT THE EXAM?
Students who fail all three attempts will have to satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement by taking the appropriate university course at CSUSB or another institution.
HOW DO I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY SECOND AND THIRD ATTEMPTS?
Students who fail the exam the first or second time must bring in their letter of notification when they report to the College of Extended Learning to pick up a cover sheet for their second or third attempt. Students must also present a photo I.D.
Contact Information:
College of Extended Learning on the CSUSB campus: (909) 537-5976
CSUSB Palm Desert Campus: (760) 341-2883 ext.78109
Students are encouraged to call ahead with any questions. |
