The California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination, or CPACE, is the licensure exam for prospective school administrators. Upon successful completion of this exam, test takers have earned their preliminary school administrator credential and are certified to work in a school or educational institution. This exam is administered by California Educator Credentialing Assessments via Pearson VUE and is used by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to determine if a candidate can begin work as a school licensed administrator.
The CPACE test consists of two subtests: Content and Performance. Candidates must pass both subtests to receive a passing grade on the exam but can only take one subtest in a testing session. The Content subtest lasts three hours and fifteen minutes and consists of 70 multiple choice questions (12 of which do not count towards the final score) and three constructed-response questions, while the Performance subtest lasts four hours and requires the candidate to watch a recorded video segment of a teacher providing instruction to students and then write an analysis of the teacher's effectiveness and methods, as well as respond to several situations regarding schools or school leadership. Both subtests of the CPACE are administered via computer.
To prepare for the CPACE, it's important to understand how the exam is organized. The CPACE is divided into six domains, listed below with the approximate number of multiple-choice questions:
| Domain | Multiple Choice Questions | |
|---|---|---|
| I | Visionary Leadership | 12 |
| II | Instructional Leadership | 14 |
| III | School Improvement Leadership | 12 |
| IV | Professional Learning and Growth Leadership | 11 |
| V | Organizational and Systems Leadership | 11 |
| VI | Community Leadership | 10 |
Source: *California Educator Credentialing Assessments
In addition to the questions in these domains, candidates will also have to answer questions that may pertain to any content area, including three written assignments and two performance modules. The domains do not present as different segments of the CPACE exam, but rather as general content categories questions on the exam will fall into.
To pass the CPACE exam, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in each of the six domains. Firstly, visionary leadership tests the candidate's ability to shape the 'vision' of their school and organize programs and plans that further the goals of the school; additionally, they should be able to lead by example and delegate responsibilities to others within the school community.
Instructional leadership refers to the ability of school administrators to implement practices that improve content instruction for teachers and students within a school. Effective school administrators should be able to assess teachers, understand national and state requirements for curriculum and assessment, evaluate student learning, and provide a learning environment that promotes good behavior and a creative and collaborative learning experience.
School improvement leadership includes the ability to develop need-based growth plans within schools, based both on current best practices as well as the individual needs of teachers and students. Organization and systems leadership similarly refers to the management of the school as a whole in the context of providing a safe and effective learning environment, as well as school budgets and following regulations. Finally, community leadership is the candidate's ability to involve the community in achieving the goals of a school.
Access thousands of practice questions so that there are no surprises on the exam
The correct answers are highlighted with green below. Create an account to keep studying for the .
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountCandidates can register for the CPACE exam through the Pearson VUE website. To complete the CPACE registration process, candidates must choose which program they are testing for as well as their desired subtest, select whether or not they need alternative testing arrangements, choose institutions to receive scores, and agree to test rules.
In addition to these items, candidates must pay fees at the time of registration. Both subtests of the CPACE are taken separately, and therefore have separate costs associated with registration. The CPACE-Content exam has a fee of $294, while the CPACE-Performance has a fee of $358. Additional fees may be necessary, depending on the circumstances of the individual test taker. For example, there is a $10 fee associated with ordering additional copies of test results and a $50 fee for score verification. Currently, there is no fee to change the type of exam registration. It's important to pay all outstanding balances to avoid having scores permanently voided. Fees can be paid using credit or debit cards, as well as check cards.
Upon registering and paying fees, candidates will become able to schedule their test date, time, and location. There is no remote testing option for either subtest of the CPACE.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountThe CPACE is ONLY offered during three two-week testing windows during a typical fall-spring school year. The CPACE test dates for the 2021-2022 testing cycle are as follows:
If candidates miss one of these testing windows, they have missed their opportunity for school administrator certification and must wait to test until the next testing cycle begins. Upon registering, candidates must schedule their test date. Appointments are first-come, first-serve, meaning if a test date fills up before a candidate can sign up, they must either select a different test center or wait until the next testing window to sit for the exam. Exam dates can be rescheduled or canceled through Pearson VUE.
There are ample test centers located all around California. Candidates can search locations on the Pearson VUE website and select from a list of testing centers closest to them. Don't worry about the testing center closest to you being closed on the date you'd like to sit for the exam--instead, you can select a location that fits your schedule. Additionally, some universities allow their students to take the test online, proctored by webcam.
On the day of the exam, test takers should get a full night's sleep and eat a nutritious meal. It's important to arrive at the testing location early to provide ample time to park, check-in with your state ID and CPACE test registration forms, and store your belongings. Outside belongings like food, water bottles, notebooks, cell phones, or calculators cannot be brought into the test room.
When it's time to begin testing, take a deep breath. Don't second guess yourself! Pace yourself and allow yourself time to answer each question or writing assignment. You are allowed breaks, but your test clock will not stop when you leave to go to the restroom or stretch your legs.
Future teachers who cannot sit for the test under standard conditions may apply for alternative testing arrangements at the time of CPACE exam registration. People who may qualify for these accommodations include individuals with disabilities or nursing mothers who will need to pump before the duration of their test is complete. Certain accommodations are available to test takers regardless of their disability statuses, such as enlarged fonts or color contrasts on the test computer, wheelchair accessibility, or permission of students to take medication or use the bathroom. Certain aids or medical devices are permitted without pre-approval as well, like inhalers, braces, bandages, insulin pumps, or oxygen tanks. Test centers want all candidates to be able to complete their exams safely and comfortably.
However, certain accommodations require pre-approval as up-to-date documentation from qualified professionals is required by the testing center to verify disability status. Additionally, some accommodations are only available at certain test centers. Accommodations for disabilities that require pre-approval include learning disabilities (like ADHD or dyslexia/dyscalculia), cognitive disabilities, health conditions, or physical disabilities. In general, test centers can offer extra time to complete the exam (usually time and a half), a separate exam room, or the use of a sign language interpreter or screen magnification greater than the already available 200%.
 |
Bryan McMahon, M.A. is a high school biology and special education teacher in New Jersey with over 14 years of teaching experience. He has hundreds of hours of experience tutoring aspiring teachers to take the CSET/CBEST exam suite. He has successfully passed the science and special education Praxis exams. Bryan completed a B.S. in Education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in Teaching from Mangrove College.
CPACE is the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination. It's taken by prospective school administrators in order to earn licensure in the state of California.
When you pass the CPACE, your scores are sent to your designated learning institutions and you become licensed as a school administrator.
There are three two-week testing windows within a school year. Each testing window corresponds with ONE score release date. This means no matter when you take your exam within the window, you'll receive your results on that corresponding date (which will be within 3-5 weeks of your test date).
