California Supplemental Examination Program (CSE)

Licensure Examination for Architects to Practice in California

The California Architects Board (CAB) regulates the practice of architecture in California. In order to obtain a license to practice architecture in California, a candidate must pass not only the national examination but also the California Supplemental Examination (CSE), which is an oral examination. The CSE assesses minimally competent architectural knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for practice specifically in California. This 3 ½ -year contract includes an occupational analysis study, development, administration, standard setting, scoring and reporting of the CSE. Project activities are summarized below.

Project Management

HumRRO provides ongoing project planning and management tasks, including planning and scheduling project activities and meetings, providing progress reports, developing the candidate brochure, and presentations at Board meetings as needed.

Occupation Analysis and Test Plan

HumRRO worked with CAB to conduct an occupational analysis. With the input of multiple committees of subject matter experts (SMEs), HumRRO developed comprehensive lists of architect tasks and the knowledges, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to perform those tasks. Data about the relevance of the tasks and KSAs were collected through an online survey programmed and hosted by HumRRO. HumRRO used the survey results with input from SMEs to develop a new KSA-based test plan.

Examination Development

HumRRO is guiding the development of three new examination forms. The development process includes multiple development and review meetings with SME Committees, a peer review, a pilot test, development of training materials, and facilitation of standard setting workshops.

Exam Administration Support

At each administration (6 per year), HumRRO provides on-site training and monitoring of administration procedures. HumRRO uses custom software to monitor the calibration of commissioners relative to the training and to scan and verify the integrity of score sheet data. HumRRO also provides psychometric guidance relative to administration procedures, assists CAB in providing special accommodations, and assists with other administration activities.

Exam Analysis, Scoring, and Reporting

Following each administration, HumRRO performs standard item and test level analyses and provides this information along with candidate score reports (individual and group summary) to CAB. HumRRO also consults with CAB as needed regarding psychometric implications of the results.