Passing the CPACE can be used to complete the school administration postgraduate preparation program toward meeting the requirements for the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
The CPACE consists of 2 subtests:
CPACE–Content (test code 603) CPACE–Performance (test code 604)
The CPACE–Content (test code 603) subtest consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and 3 focused constructed-response assignments.
The multiple-choice section includes both content questions, in which knowledge about school leadership is directly assessed, and contextualized questions that assess the candidate's ability to apply specific knowledge, to analyze specific problems, or to conduct specific tasks related to educational administration.
The constructed-response section consists of 3 written assignments. For each assignment, the candidate is presented with a problem or task relating to a particular school. The candidate is asked to consider this information and provide explanations related to appropriate strategies and considerations in addressing the problem or task.
The CPACE–Performance (test code 604) subtest consists of 2 performance modules. For the first module, the candidate will be asked to review 8 exhibits, including a video-recorded segment of a teacher's instruction (approximately 12–15 minutes), and then provide a written analysis of the teacher's effectiveness. In the second module, the candidate will be asked to review several exhibits related to a school and then provide a written analysis regarding the school leadership.
The CPACE exam is offered during three two-week testing windows throughout the year at multiple conveniently located test centers. It is a computer-based exam consisting of two subtests, with candidates required to pass both subtests, CPACE-Content and CPACE-Performance. Scores range between 100 and 300 per subtest, with a passing score of 220. Fees for this exam are: $294 for CPACE-Content, and $358 for CPACE-Performance. Three hours and fifteen minutes are allotted for the content subtest, and four hours for the performance subtest.
Necessary Academic Skills fot CPACE: The CPACE exam is centered around six learning domains as listed below:
Visionary Leadership Instructional Leadership School Improvement Leadership Professional Learning and Growth Leadership Organizational and Systems Leadership Community Leadership
More details on exam contents:
CPACE-Content (Test Code 603) This subtest contains 70 computer-based multiple choice questions, and all questions are based on the six domains mentioned above. The questions are allocated as follows:
Instructional Leadership has the heaviest focus - 14 questions Community Leadership is touched on the least - 10 questions The remaining four domains are all around 12 questions each
Additionally, three written assignments are part of the CPACE-Content subtest, and these include elements of all six domains. For this task, examinees will be given a scenario at a school, and they will be asked to analyze the scenario and develop a strategy for an appropriate outcome to the scenario. Three hours and fifteen minutes are allotted for this subtest.
CPACE-Performance (Test Code 604) The CPACE-Performance subtest contains two performance modules. One module centers around domain 2, Instructional Leadership, while the other module encompasses all of the domains.
In the first module, candidates will review eight exhibits and provide written feedback to each exhibit. One of these exhibits will be a 12-15 minute recording of a teacher delivering instruction, and the examinee will be asked to provide written feedback regarding the teacher's performance. The second module will contain multiple school-related exhibits, and the candidate will be asked to write an analysis of the school's leadership.
Join 4M+ learners. Unlock unlimited quizzes, wrong-answer tracking, flashcards + reminders, study guides, and 1-on-1 challenges.