California Architect License Exam - Exam Procedure

Exam Procedure

The CSE was previously a structured oral examination that lasted approximately 1.5 hours. The exam was administered by a panel of three architects with current California registration. A question was asked to the candidate, with no further clarification of the question allowed. The candidate was to give an answer that is scored by each member of the panel independently. The number of questions was approximately thirty.

Candidates were given the opportunity to demonstrate through oral responses their overall understanding of architectural practice, and required to demonstrate at least entry-level competence in the areas outlined in the CSE test plan. A competent entry-level architect is able to discharge the responsibilities incumbent upon him or her in providing professional architectural services to the public. Additionally, a competent entry-level architect must understand the integration of architectural practice and the architect's responsibilities as they relate to architectural practice in California.

The CSE is based on a hypothetical project and includes graphic and written documents that candidates have the opportunity to review prior to - and have access to during - the CSE. The project description and graphics provide a focus for the examination questions and establish a context for candidate responses.

The Oral format for the California Supplemental Exam was phased out in 2010, and now the CSE is given in a timed computer-delivered multiple choice format.