CPACE
This page provides access to all the key info you need as a CPACE test-taker, including 2025 exam dates, testing center locations, fees, registration info and prep resources.
You can view our free CPACE Study Guides for a concise, bullet-pointed listing of exactly which topics appear on your exam. You can also take our free CPACE Practice Tests to see your current likelihood of passing and a breakdown of your individual strengths and weaknesses.
Need help preparing? We offer live CPACE Prep Courses and self-paced Online Prep.
CPACE Quick Facts | |
Test Content: | CPACE-Content (Test Code 603) and CPACE-Performance (Test Code 604) |
Number of questions: | 70 multiple-choice questions and 3 constructed-response assignments (Content); 2 performance modules (Performance) |
Time to complete: | 3 hours and 15 minutes for Content; 4 hours for Performance |
Passing score: | 220 per subtest (scaled score) |
CPACE Overview
The California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE) is designed to assess candidates planning a career in school administration. The exam is comprised of two components: CPACE-Content and CPACE-Performance.
CPACE-Content includes 70 multiple choice questions and three focused written assignments from six major areas: Visionary Leadership, Instructional Leadership, School Improvement Leadership, Professional Learning and Growth Leadership, Organizational and Systems Leadership, and Community Leadership.
CPACE-Performance includes one performance module related to Instructional Leadership and a second performance module related to School Leadership.
2025 CPACE Testing Costs*
Below is an overview of the 2025 CPACE testing fees for computer-based testing. Registration fees for California educator examinations are currently being waived for eligible California residents. Visit the official testing service website to learn more.
Service | Fees |
---|---|
Registration for CPACE-Content | $294 test registration fee |
Registration for CPACE-Performance | $358 test registration fee |
Change of registration | No fee |
Additional copy of test results | $10 per copy |
Score verification for constructed-response (CR) section | $50 per subtest |
Fee to clear an account | $20 |
2025 CPACE Test Dates*
Computer-based testing for the CPACE exam is available during four 6-day testing windows each year, with upcoming dates listed below.
CPACE Test Dates | Results Release Date |
---|---|
9/18/25 - 10/1/25 | 10/22/25 |
1/15/26 - 1/28/26 | 2/18/26 |
5/14/26 - 5/27/26 | 6/17/26 |
CPACE Test Dates - Online Proctored | Results Release Date |
---|---|
9/25/25 - 10/1/25 | 10/22/25 |
1/22/26 - 1/28/26 | 2/18/26 |
5/21/26 - 5/27/26 | 6/17/26 |
*This information is subject to change. All test-takers should visit the official CPACE website at https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com to confirm fees, registration, and testing requirements before enrolling.
Free Tools to Help You Get Started
Not sure how you’ll perform on the exam? Start by viewing our free CPACE Study Guide to get a concise overview of exactly what subject matter will appear on your exam. Then take our free, full-length CPACE Practice Test with diagnostics to see your overall likelihood of passing and identify any areas in which you may need to improve.
Online Prep Programs That Guarantee You'll Pass
Our Core Plus Online Prep Programs feature:
- instructional videos that teach you the exact content you need to pass
- interactive practice tests that replicate the real exam
- virtual tutoring videos that guide you through every practice question
- advanced diagnostics that offer in-depth insights into your strengths and weaknesses
And they’re backed by the strongest guarantee available: If you don’t pass, you don’t pay.*
(*See our Guarantees page for details.)
Our Partners
As the nationwide leader in credentialing exam preparation, Teachers Test Prep is proud to serve over 850,000 individual account holders as well as top universities, schools and teachers’ organizations.
Are you an administrator at a teacher preparation program? Please visit our Organizational Partnership Program page to learn more about how we can give you the diagnostic insights and support services you need to help your aspiring teachers succeed on their certification exams.