200+ Free CPACE Practice Questions
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A school principal is leading a collaborative process with staff, parents, and community members to refresh the school's vision and mission. Which leadership domain is most central to this work?
Key Facts: CPACE Exam
70
Multiple-Choice Questions
CTC
4
Constructed-Response Assignments
CTC
220
Passing Score per Subtest
CTC
$296
Exam Fee
CTC
The CPACE is a two-part exam for aspiring school administrators in California. The exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed-response assignments. The passing score is 220 per subtest.
Sample CPACE Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CPACE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A school principal is leading a collaborative process with staff, parents, and community members to refresh the school's vision and mission. Which leadership domain is most central to this work?
2An administrative team reviews student performance data and notices a significant achievement gap between English learners and native English speakers in mathematics. According to the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSEL), what is the most critical first step the instructional leader should take?
3A school leader is developing a School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). The plan includes specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Which leadership domain does this activity primarily represent?
4A principal wants to foster a culture where teachers collaboratively analyze student work and adjust their instruction accordingly. To achieve this, the leader restructures the master schedule to create common planning time for grade-level teams. This action is a clear example of:
5To increase family engagement, a school leader establishes a parent advisory committee and hosts regular 'coffee with the principal' meetings to gather input on school policies. This strategy primarily falls under which leadership domain?
6A new principal observes that teacher evaluation feedback has historically been generic and not linked to specific student data or professional standards. To improve this process, the principal co-constructs a new evaluation rubric with teachers that is aligned with the CPSELs and requires evidence of impact on student learning. This initiative is an example of which leadership domain?
7A school's vision statement emphasizes 'educating the whole child.' Which of the following school programs would be the strongest evidence of this vision being actively implemented?
8A principal is conducting a classroom observation and notes that the teacher is delivering a lecture with minimal student interaction. In the post-observation conference, what is the MOST effective coaching question the principal could ask?
9A school leader allocates Title I funds to hire instructional aides to support small-group instruction in reading for at-risk students. This decision must be documented and justified in which of the following?
10A school district is implementing a new student information system (SIS). The principal's primary responsibility in this process is to:
About the CPACE Exam
CPACE is California’s state-approved school administrator certification assessment. This practice bank is aligned to the current CPACE blueprint, which covers visionary leadership, instructional leadership, school improvement, organizational systems, and community leadership.
Questions
70 scored questions
Time Limit
5 hours
Passing Score
220 per subtest
Exam Fee
$296 (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC))
CPACE Exam Content Outline
Visionary and Instructional Leadership
Developing a shared vision, promoting a positive school culture, and leading instructional improvement.
School Improvement Leadership
Using data to drive school improvement, leading change, and engaging in continuous professional learning.
How to Pass the CPACE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 220 per subtest
- Exam length: 70 questions
- Time limit: 5 hours
- Exam fee: $296
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CPACE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPACE exam?
The CPACE is the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Exam, which is required for obtaining an administrative credential in California.
How many questions are on the CPACE?
The CPACE consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and 4 constructed-response assignments across two subtests.
What is the passing score for the CPACE?
The passing score for each subtest of the CPACE is 220.