California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)
In California, all high school students must pass a test to earn a high school diploma. The test is called the CAHSEE. Some students with disabilities do not have to pass this test.California created the test to improve student achievement in high schools. The test helps to ensure that students graduate from high school with grade level skills in reading, writing, and math.Students first take this test in grade ten. If they do not pass the test in grade ten, they have more chances to take the test. In grade eleven, they can take the test two times. In grade twelve, they have up to five times to take the test.- For more information about the CAHSEE, contact your local school district.
- The CAHSEE - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of the exam.
- The links and information below were developed for educators and others who are directly involved with the CAHSEE.
California Education Code (EC) Section 60852.3 states that students with disabilities (SWDs) are exempted from the CAHSEE requirement until the California State Board of Education (SBE) makes a determination whether or not it is feasible to have alternative means to the CAHSEE for SWDs. On July 14, 2010, the SBE determined that alternative means to the CAHSEE are feasible and adopted regulations in February 2011 extending the implementation regulations date for alternative means from January 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012. The exemption from meeting the CAHSEE requirement for SWDs remains in place until June 30, 2012. The exemption from meeting the CAHSEE requirement ends June 30, 2012, unless legislation extending the exemption is enacted or the SBE adopts regulations extending the implementation date for alternative means through December 31, 2012.CAHSEE Summary Results
CAHSEE results for 2011–12 are now availableProgram Overview
Purpose and Content, Background, and Independent EvaluationsFrequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers about the CAHSEEProgram Resources Exam Blueprints, Released Test Questions, Study Guides, Teacher Guides, Assistance Packets for Local Education Agencies, and Technical ReportsProgram Notes and Legal Updates
CAHSEE Notes, Legal Updates, and Memorandums.Administrative Documents
Exam Administration Dates and Guidelines, Regulations, Intensive Instruction Funding, and Apportionment ProcessTesting Variations, Accommodations and Modifications
Request for Test Variations, Test Matrices, Scribe and Sign Language Guidelines, and Questions and Answers Regarding Test Variations (including waiver process)Independent Evaluation Reports Reports since 2001 from the independent evaluator for the CAHSEEEducational Testing Service's (ETS) CAHSEE Site 
Administration manuals, CAHSEE project calendar, and instructions for ordering test materials, participating in the pre-ID service, and applying to become a reader or item reviewerQuestions: High School & Physical Fitness Assessment Office | cahsee@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-9449
California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)
In California, all high school students must pass a test to earn a high school diploma. The test is called the CAHSEE. Some students with disabilities do not have to pass this test.
California created the test to improve student achievement in high schools. The test helps to ensure that students graduate from high school with grade level skills in reading, writing, and math.
Students first take this test in grade ten. If they do not pass the test in grade ten, they have more chances to take the test. In grade eleven, they can take the test two times. In grade twelve, they have up to five times to take the test.
- For more information about the CAHSEE, contact your local school district.
- The CAHSEE - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of the exam.
- The links and information below were developed for educators and others who are directly involved with the CAHSEE.
California Education Code (EC) Section 60852.3 states that students with disabilities (SWDs) are exempted from the CAHSEE requirement until the California State Board of Education (SBE) makes a determination whether or not it is feasible to have alternative means to the CAHSEE for SWDs. On July 14, 2010, the SBE determined that alternative means to the CAHSEE are feasible and adopted regulations in February 2011 extending the implementation regulations date for alternative means from January 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012. The exemption from meeting the CAHSEE requirement for SWDs remains in place until June 30, 2012. The exemption from meeting the CAHSEE requirement ends June 30, 2012, unless legislation extending the exemption is enacted or the SBE adopts regulations extending the implementation date for alternative means through December 31, 2012.
CAHSEE Summary Results
CAHSEE results for 2011–12 are now available
CAHSEE results for 2011–12 are now available
Program Overview
Purpose and Content, Background, and Independent Evaluations
Purpose and Content, Background, and Independent Evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers about the CAHSEE
Questions and Answers about the CAHSEE
Program Resources Exam Blueprints, Released Test Questions, Study Guides, Teacher Guides, Assistance Packets for Local Education Agencies, and Technical Reports
Program Notes and Legal Updates
CAHSEE Notes, Legal Updates, and Memorandums.
CAHSEE Notes, Legal Updates, and Memorandums.
Administrative Documents
Exam Administration Dates and Guidelines, Regulations, Intensive Instruction Funding, and Apportionment Process
Exam Administration Dates and Guidelines, Regulations, Intensive Instruction Funding, and Apportionment Process
Testing Variations, Accommodations and Modifications
Request for Test Variations, Test Matrices, Scribe and Sign Language Guidelines, and Questions and Answers Regarding Test Variations (including waiver process)
Request for Test Variations, Test Matrices, Scribe and Sign Language Guidelines, and Questions and Answers Regarding Test Variations (including waiver process)
Independent Evaluation Reports Reports since 2001 from the independent evaluator for the CAHSEE
Educational Testing Service's (ETS) CAHSEE Site
Administration manuals, CAHSEE project calendar, and instructions for ordering test materials, participating in the pre-ID service, and applying to become a reader or item reviewer
Administration manuals, CAHSEE project calendar, and instructions for ordering test materials, participating in the pre-ID service, and applying to become a reader or item reviewer