The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) is an early exit testing program established under California law (specifically, California Education Code Section 48412). Testers who pass the CHSPE receive a Certificate of Proficiency from the California State Board of Education which is equivalent to a high school diploma. All individuals and institutions subject to California law that require a high school diploma must accept the CHSPE certificate as satisfying that requirement. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has ruled it acceptable in federal civilian employment applications, and the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the CHSPE as equivalent to a high school diploma for various purposes, including applications for federal student aid.