CSE 40 Testout Exam

What is the CSE 40 testout exam?

The CSE 40 testout exam offers a way for students  who have a working knowledge of machine learning to skip CSE 40 and proceed directly to CSE 142, CSE 144 and other upper division ML and AI CSE classes. 

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

CSE 40 testout exam dates and registration

The next CSE 40 testout will take place  Thursday, July 24, 2025 6pm.
Registration deadline:  Thursday July 17, 2025 5pm  (no exceptions).
If you are interested in taking the exam, please fill out the following registration form:  registration. 

Future dates (TENTATIVE)
Fall testout date:  Thursday, October 23, 2025 5pm

Registration deadline:  Thursday, October 16, 2025 5pm

Winter 2026 testout date:  Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 3pm

Registration deadline:  Friday, January 30, 2026 5pm

CSE 40 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.   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 40 testout?

Students who already know basic machine learning principles and concepts  may wish to take the CSE 40 testout exam. 

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 40 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 multiple offerings of the exam.