U.S. Constitution Challenge Exam
Administered by the College of Extended Learning at CSUSB

Testing sites include the Learning Center at CSUSB, CSUSB Palm Desert Campus and the Yasuda Center.

This exam option is intended for California teaching credential candidates who must fulfill the U.S. Constitution requirement for Baccalaureate candidates.

Credential candidates may approach this exam in one of three ways:

1) Take the U.S. Constitution Examination Preparation Course
This course is a presentation of the basic principles and provisions of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments. It prepares teaching credential candidates for the California State University Constitution test offered by the College of Extended Learning. In addition, it satisfies the U.S. Constitution requirement for Ryan Multiple/Single Subject and Designated Subject Credentials. You may take the examination immediately following the prep course if you wish. Please read the Constitution prior to class. This course and exam do not fulfill the U.S. Constitution requirement for bachelor’s degree candidates. Bachelor’s students should either complete the appropriate course or pass the optional examination given through the CSUSB Learning Center. Enrollment is limited.

Register with the College of Extended Learning for this one-day U.S. Constitution exam preparation course and ensuing exam. This course is offered at least once per quarter. Please refer to the current College of Extended Learning Course Catalog and register online at http://cel.csusb.edu/catalog.html. FEE: $73.00 for U.S. Constitution course and exam.

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2) View the 90-minute video on weekdays at the CSUSB Learning Center
The College of Extended Learning administers weekday video viewings and ensuing U.S. Constitution exam, conducted at the CSUSB Learning Center (University Hall-351). The 90-minute video highlights some key elements of the Constitution, but is not a complete preparation for the exam.

Register in person at the College of Extended Learning (Sierra Hall-134), Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. (Summer office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 am-5:30 pm). The video may be viewed Monday-Thursday, 1-8 pm; or Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm. (Summer quarter hours to view the video are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am-5 pm.) The U.S. Constitution exam is offered Monday and Thursday, 5-8 pm; or Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 am-2 pm. (Summer quarter hours to take the exam are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am-5 pm.) Allow three hours total to view the video and take the exam. FEE: $62.00 for U.S. Constitution video viewing and exam.

For information on hours and schedule at the Palm Desert Campus, please call (760) 341-2883, ext. 78109.

All three of the above options entitle students to three attempts (maximum) at passing the U.S Constitution exam. The exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions; students must answer at least 35 questions correctly to earn a passing score. Candidates must present a photo I.D. before taking the exam. No notes can be used during the exam. Any of the three options must be completed within a year from the date you register. (Students who fail the exam three times must take an appropriate University course to complete this requirement.)

Certificates are issued by the College of Extended Learning to those who pass, and a notation is made for their University permanent record. A certificate of passing or notice of failure will be sent by U.S. mail, usually within 7-10 business days of taking the exam.

Fees:
$73.00 U.S. Constitution course and exam
$62.00 U.S. Constitution video viewing and exam
$31.00 U.S. Constitution exam only
$31.00 additional video review

Suggested books in the CSUSB Pfau Library to review for the U.S. Constitution exam:
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, 4)