If you are planning to take the California High School Proficiency Examination, Varsity Tutors can help you prepare with a personalized CHSPE course. We can place you int a CHSPE prep class that focuses on your needs specifically. Your CHSPE class instructor is a test prep expert who knows how to help people like you put everything together to perform at their best on test day. Reach out to our Educational Directors today or continue reading to find out how CHSPE classes could help you reach for your goals.
The CHSPE acts as a gateway to a Certificate of Proficiency, which the State of California considers an equivalent to a high school diploma. By studying effectively in CHSPE courses, you could be eligible to pursue financial aid and move on to college. Your CHSPE prep course instructor can help you focus on the academic areas where you need the most help, or they can assess where your gaps are and put together a customized plan so that you're always working to fill the gaps you need to pursue success on test day. CHSPE prep classes are all about helping you put your best foot forward on the exam.
To earn your Certificate of Proficiency, you'll need to perform up to standards in both the Math and English Language Arts section of the exam. The following table breaks down the exam and what you can expect to study for during a CHSPE class:
CHSPE Breakdown
Number of Test Questions by Content Cluster | |||||
English Language Arts Section | Mathematics Section | ||||
Language Subtest | Reading Subtest | ||||
Content Cluster | Number of Questions | Content Cluster | Number of Questions | Content Cluster | Number of Questions |
Mechanics | 24 | Comprehension | 54 | Number Sense & Patterns | 24 |
Expression | 24 | Vocabulary | 30 | Statistics and Geometry | 26 |
Total | 48 | Total | 84 | Total | 50 |
There's plenty of academic material you'll need to demonstrate your command of during the CHSPE, but that's not all you'll work on with your instructor. Personalized CHSPE prep courses also give you the opportunity to hone your test-taking skills. Strong capabilities in areas like time management and exam strategies can make a difference in your performance. If you have test anxiety issues, understanding the format and utilizing relaxation techniques can help. This is also something a CHSPE course can help you learn about. The goal of building these skills is to help you perform at your maximum potential with confidence.
The drive to build your test-taking skills doesn't come at the expense of making sure you're studying the concepts you need to have command of when test day arrives. Your CHSPE course instructor can help you drill through topics like arithmetic operations, reading comprehension, grammar and punctuation, sentence structure, and more. Here's just a sampling of the topics you can study for in your CHSPE prep courses:
CHSPE Topics (Non-Comprehensive)
- Capitalization
- Usage
- Sentence Structure
- Prewriting
- Initial Understanding
- Interpretation
- Synonyms
- Context Clues
- Number Sense and Operations
- Patterns, Relationships, and Algebra
CHSPE tutors can help you practice concepts at your pace, explaining topics you struggle to understand in unique ways until you feel comfortable moving on to something else. Your instructor can identify and teach to your learning style for maximum efficiency. We'll also set you up with a test prep instructor who can work with you at a time that's convenient. In addition, you can study with your CHSPE class instructor in face to face online sessions using our Live Learning Platform for a convenient test prep experience. If you're ready to get started, contact Varsity Tutors today.
Rebecca
...tutored math at an inner-city school in Los Angeles, English to students in Hyderabad, India, and reading to rehabilitated refugee children in Arizona. After graduating, I instructed reading programs for the Institute of Reading Development, where I saw that, as my students' reading skills improved, their overall confidence skyrocketed. They became better students because they stopped feeling incapable and inept. This experience is the foundation of my tutoring philosophy. I believe education increases one's own...
Education & Certification
- Occidental College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- History
- College Essays
- Graduate Test Prep
- AP English Language and Composition
- +31 subjects
Simon
...and intimidating. I love activating students' natural curiosity and inquiry, and using that to build confidence in and mastery of a wide variety of academic topics. I graduated from Yale University with a double major in Environmental Studies and International Studies, and I love the way science and real-world issues can interact. Part of my interest in the environment comes from my love of being outdoors, and I am an avid rower and bicyclist. I...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Environmental Studies
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- College Essays
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Essay Editing
- Algebra 2
- +43 subjects
Nisarg
...the University, I'm usually in class, studying, hanging out with my friends, or at club meetings! In my free time, I love to breakdance, write poetry, debate politics and economics, and participate in practically every nerdy endeavor possible (huge Star Wars fan!!). I love to talk and will talk your ear off if you let me! I love trying new things, exploring the city, and traveling. My teaching philosophy is that teaching is a responsibility...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- Psychology
- French 2
- French 3
- AP Macroeconomics
- +38 subjects
Allison
...99th percentile for both the ACT and SAT prior to college. While in high school (St. Paul Academy graduate), I spent my time volunteering at the homeless shelter, helping out with their daycare and tutoring children. Nowadays, I spend most of my tutor hours helping students with the ACT, editing college essays, or imparting some admission-worthy wisdom. Curriculum- A number of my former mentees/tutees have been accepted into preeminent undergraduate and graduate universities, including Stanford,...
Education & Certification
- Dartmouth College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening
- Computer Science
- ACT Reading
- Languages
- +13 subjects
Max
...also minoring in Creative Writing. Throughout my schooling, I have thrived in all subjects. However, my favorites are Science and Writing/English. I find that the two have similar way in promoting creativity. Not surprisingly, I will be tutoring Physics, Chemistry and Writing. Additionally, I will be tutoring for ACT prep. I took the test officially three times and was successful each time and believe that I can share effective tips on how to increase scores...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Undergrad, Physics with Concentration in Chemical Principles
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- AP Chemistry
- ACT Reading
- ACT
- +18 subjects
Josh
...UW as well. All of my degrees are in music composition, a field that allows me to interpret and describe ideas that intrigue me in creative ways using sound. That said, I still have a secret crush on math and science, and I love exploring and analyzing languages and the written word. (In fact, much of the music I have written has been inspired by literary or linguistic concepts.) I have taught courses in music...
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelor in Arts, Music, Concentration in Composition
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters, Music Composition
Subject Expertise
- SAT Math
- College English
- GRE Verbal
- Elementary School Math
- +42 subjects
Chris
...student at NYU, I took advantage of America Reads, a fantastic work-study opportunity where I was able to work as a classroom tutor and student teacher in several classrooms around Manhattan. I was also lucky enough to complete a semester abroad in Paris, where I took courses (taught in French) on culture, politics, and literature taught by professors from partnered universities including Sciences Po and the Sorbonne. My greatest passion is linguistics and language in...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, French, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- AP French Language and Culture
- SAT Subject Tests
- CSS
- American Sign Language
- +23 subjects
Ariel
...into the issues. Quality writing, speaking, and argument can only come with a full understanding of facts and context, and having that will distinguish my students over their peers. Tailoring the material to the student will be an important way for him or her to, not only, understand and retain the information, but also to apply it. There are many educational tools that are either not used in classrooms or are not suitable for groups,...
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelors, Policy and Management
- Carnegie Mellon University - Masters, Public Policy and Management
Subject Expertise
- Business
- Pre-Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Pre-Calculus
- +40 subjects
Valerie
I am currently a student at Ithaca College pursuing a degree in physics. I am very passionate about math and science especially, and I have found that teaching students is another passion. I have experience tutoring high school students in areas including algebra, algebra 2 and AP Physics 1. I love working with students to help them achieve their goals, and finding exactly what teaching style works best for which students.
Education & Certification
- Ithaca College - Current Undergrad, Physics-engineering 3-2
Subject Expertise
- Physics
- AP English Language and Composition
- Algebra
- Science
- +35 subjects
Matt
...a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical school, but in the meantime I try to...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- Algebra 3/4
- High School Biology
- GRE Subject Test in Physics
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- +85 subjects
Gabrielle
...and a half studying abroad. During my time traveling throughout Asia, I worked and volunteered as a teacher for students of all ages, gaining significant experience in tutoring a wide variety of subjects. From ESL to public speaking, I have had the chance to help students make remarkable advancements in both confidence and competency levels. I am particularly passionate about tutoring English, Mandarin, and standardized test prep. In my experience working with students struggling to...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Reading
- College Essays
- IB Extended Essay
- +29 subjects
Sarah
...subjects, such as calculus courses, physics, chemistry, programming (python), french, and writing courses. Additionally, I took many AP classes throughout high school which enabled me to enter college with over 30 credits already completed. I have spent two years tutoring in the past and have gained experience learning how to work best with struggling students. I enjoy teaching and helping others learn, be it for a specific subject, test preparation (ACT, SAT or AP), or...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Undecided
Subject Expertise
- College Algebra
- Calculus
- French 3
- Conversational French
- +38 subjects
Colton
...music, reading, soccer, surfing the web, and traveling. In terms of experience, I've worked publicly at my high-school for an after-school program, tutoring subjects from Spanish literature and English grammar to organic chemistry and calculus. Similarly, I've worked as a private tutor in SAT prep, AP test prep, and French, as the latter is my native language. For that reason, I like tutoring foreign languages, since a foreign language is a process that doubles one's...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Algebra
- Environmental Science
- SAT Math
- +99 subjects
Ema
...and writing, I am most passionate about tutoring math. I have five years of experience as a math tutor, during which time I helped students ages 3-17 with math ranging from basic arithmetic to pre-calculus. My favorite math topic is algebra, particularly because of its usefulness in solving real-world word problems. In addition to mathematics, I find joy in teaching/elucidating Shakespeare to high-school students. As a classically trained actor, I find it fun to tackle...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- Pre-Algebra
- SAT
- SAT Math
- College Essays
- +18 subjects
Daniel
...out in seconds. I hate asking that guy for help because he doesn't know how to explain somethinghe just gets it right away. He's never sat down and broken it down. I never was that guy and I will never be that guy. I will always be that guy that stays after class to asks questions because I didn't get it right away. I will always be that guy that is in office hours from...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Applied Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- Calculus
- AP Calculus AB
- SAT Subject Tests
- +31 subjects
Rachel
...schools Biological Sciences Honor Society and as a mentor for graduating high school students through the Dream Project. As a tutor, my main duty is to work with a student as an individual and to adjust my own tutoring to fit the way they learn best. I believe that all students have what it takes to succeed in school, its just a matter of finding the style of learning that is most effective for them....
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, General Biology
Subject Expertise
- GRE Subject Tests
- SSAT
- Latin
- PSAT
- +89 subjects
Tessa
...by repeating facts until they're drilled in, but by helping my students understand precisely why the laws of science, the rules of grammar, and the events of history are the way they are, and by lifting the curtain on the intricacies of the subject matter. I believe that learning is, and ought to be, for its own sake. Math and philosophy, and their nuanced interactions, are my great passions. I've run more 5ks and 10ks...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- European History
- World Literature
- Shakespeare
- Spanish
- +106 subjects
Neel
My name is Neel Rana. I studied philosophy and film in college and received a B.A. in Humanities with Honors. I also attended a Post-Bacc Pre-Medical program for two years and am in the process of applying to medical school. I have worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA, a private tutor, and in Harm Reduction. ... I believe it is crucial to teach to the style and needs of your students. Good teachers and tutors are chameleons.
Education & Certification
- Shimer College - Bachelors, Humanities
- Mills College - Current Grad Student, Post-Bacc Pre-Med
Subject Expertise
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Graduate Test Prep
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +2 subjects
Mihir
...were capable of. Having recently graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Chemistry with Highest Distinction, I know that hard work and dedication to your education can pay great dividends. I have tutored students from middle school through college-level and had tremendous pleasure of helping over 50 students achieve their potential and dramatically improve their grades and test scores. Seeing the students I have worked with succeed provides me with tremendous satisfaction and...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Current Undergrad, Chemistry - Biochemistry Track
Subject Expertise
- General Biology
- 7th Grade Science
- Other
- Algebra
- +57 subjects
Julie
...with the NBC Homework Hotline, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to teach French for 2 years while earning my Master's. I am very passionate about learning and teaching foreign languages, and I hope to share that with my students. In my experience students particularly enjoy (and benefit from) learning and exploring new cultures while learning the language itself. As the child of a teacher I am a strong believer in the...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Master of Arts, French and Francophone Studies
Subject Expertise
- French 4
- Languages
- French 3
- Italian
- +5 subjects