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 2025: Register here

• July 15 (Tuesday), 12pm PDT: registration deadline.

• July 16 (Wednesday), 3-6pm PDT: testout exam.

September 2025:  Register here

• September 9 (Tuesday), 12pm PDT: registration deadline.

• September 10 (Wednesday), 2-5pm PDT: testout exam.

November 2025: Register here

• November 8 (Saturday), 12pm PDT: registration deadline. 

• November 9 (Sunday), 3-6pm: testout exam. 

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. 

• Testout exam sample :  see the instructions. 

• Introduction to Python 3, a notebook providing a fast track introduction to Python.

• The official Python tutorial.  

• An introduction to Python in the web2py book. 

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)

• I registered to the testout exam, but now I don't want to do it any more.  What should I do?  Just don't do it.  There is no penalty for registering but then not taking the test.

• I am not sure I am ready for the testout exam.  Should I still take it?  Yes.  There is no drawback in taking the test.  The test outcome is used only to enable you to skip the CSE 20 requirement; it is not part of any transcript, so failing it carries no negative consequences.

• How many times can I try the testout exam?  You can take both Summer offerings of the exam. 

• Can I take the CSE 20 testout during the year?  We currently do not offer the testout exam during the year.  We will announce it here if we change the policy.

• I have AP classes or IBH classes credit, do I still need to take the CSE 20 testout exam?  Yes.  Since 2022 onwards, students with AP credit or IBH credit still need to take the testout, to ensure that they either know Python, or they learn it in CSE 20.