US3 California Government Waiver Exam

About the US3 Waiver Exam

The US California Government waiver exam may be used to waive the US3 California Government graduation requirement. It is a 60-minute, multiple-choice examination with 50 questions. A score of 35/50 is needed to pass. The test may be taken a maximum of two times. (2 weeks between attempts)

This exam is administered on an individual basis, in-person, by advance appointment only. Passing the waiver exam only waives the US3 requirement; it does not grant any unit credit.

The US1 (US History) and US 2 (American Government/US Constitution) requirements can be cleared (with credit) using the appropriate CLEP exam.

Who needs to take the US3 Waiver Exam?

Waiver exams are optional. No one is required to take them; however, they may be of benefit to students who want to clear lower division GE requirements, advance more quickly towards their degree, or satisfy program admission criteria.

US3 Waiver Exam Test Dates/Fees

We host waiver exams on a by-appointment basis. Appointments may be scheduled via e-mail, with 2-3 business days' notice, on Monday through Friday from 9am until 3pm (latest start 3pm).

The fee for the exam is $11 (SJSU students w/Tower Card), $15 (non-SJSU students), payable when you check in on the day of your test. We accept cash (exact change only) or check/money order (payable to SJSU).

Special Circumstances

• I usually test with accommodations.

  • If you receive disability-related accommodations, contact SJSU's Accessible Education Center after you schedule an appointment with our office. Additional time may be necessary to process your accommodations; we can reschedule if needed.

• I need to reschedule my exam.

  • E-mail us to reschedule your test date. We can reschedule you to another available date/time. We reserve the right to approve/deny all requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I prepare for the test?

  • The suggested reading list for the test includes California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach (14th Edition), and Guide to California Government (16th Edition). Reading both texts is advised; older editions may be substituted.
    
    Topics to study include: California's early constitution, Growth and Population Characteristics of California, Political Parties, Direct Democracy, Elections, Campaigns, Interest Groups, The Courts, The Legislature, The Governor and Executive Branch, Local Government, and Major Issues in Public Policy (such as education and immigration).
    
    For questions on how to prepare for the US3 California Government Waiver Exam, contact Professor Garrick Percival, Department Chair of the SJSU Department of Political Science, at 408-924-5553.

• When will I know my score?

  • Your score will be available within 2-3 business days. SJSU students will be notified via MySJSU messaging; non-SJSU students will receive their score report in the mail.

E-mail us for any other questions.