California Supplemental Examination (CSE)

Taking the Examination

The CSE consists of multiple-choice items. The examination may contain items for the purpose of pre-testing (non-scorable items). Pre-testing allows performance data to be gathered and evaluated before the items are scorable in a future examination. These pre-test items, distributed throughout the examination are not identified or used in calculating the examination score.

All of the items in the CSE have been written and reviewed by multiple teams of California-licensed landscape architects. The items are based on the knowledge and ability statements contained in the CSE Test Plan and are written at a level to assess minimum standards of competency necessary for practice in California. The items are supported by the CSE Reference Material and have been pre-tested to ensure statistical performance standards are met.

There is only one correct answer for each item. The "incorrect" answers are typically common errors and misconceptions, true but not relevant statements, or incorrect statements. There are no "trick" questions in the examination. Scores are based solely on the number of correct answers. It is to the candidate’s advantage to answer every question.