CSE 20 Testout Exam

What is the CSE 20 testout exam?

The CSE 20 testout exam offers a way for students  with a working knowledge of Python to skip CSE 20 and proceed directly to CSE 30 or other CSE classes. 

Please see the list of exam topics for details on the skills covered in the exam. 

CSE 20 testout exam dates and registration

The CSE 20 testout will take place in July and September.  Here are the registration links and dates: 

July 2024: Register here

Note: the exam is being held in the evening because we have heard from many students who work during Summer that they prefer (and in fact, need) an evening time. 

September 2024:  Register here

November 2024: Register here

Students must register for the exams they intend to take.  Students can register and take both July and September exams.  If a student registers and later decides not to take an exam, it is not necessary to "unregister" or otherwise notify us. 

CSE 20 Testout format and instructions

The exam is electronic; students do not need to come to campus, they just need to be in a place connected to the internet and where Google Apps are available.   A @ucsc.edu account is required to take the testout.

Please study the exam instructions carefully before taking the exam.

Who should take the CSE 20 testout?

Students who already know the Python programming language may wish to take the CSE 20 testout exam. 

AP and IBH class credits do not enable students to skip CSE 20, so even students with AP and IBH class credits need to take the testout exam if they wish to skip CSE 20.

Preparing for the CSE 20 testout exam

The following resources, among others, are available for students who wish to prepare for the testout exam. 

We suggest  students play a little bit with Google Colab before the exam to familiarize themselves with it.  We also suggest that they set it up with 4 indentation spaces (click on the gear symbol on top right, click on Editor, choose 4 spaces for indentation).

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)