College of Business requires all students to demonstrate computer proficiency before graduation.

Computer Proficiency Exam (CPE)

CPE is a hands-on computer exam consisting of four Microsoft Office modules: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. The exam is graded as Pass/Fail.  Passing a score (70%) in each of the four modules on the Computer Proficiency Examination (CPE), CPE is a way to satisfy your Computer Proficiency Requirement.  Microsoft Office Access is mandatory for this exam.  If the student does not have MSAccess, on their MAC or PC, they can use the Student Virtual Lab or download the software through the Software Depot chicklet on the single sign-on home page.

CPE will replace the completion of IS233 (as a pre-requisite for other courses) CPE will replace the completion of IS233 (as a pre-requisite for other courses) and a student can take those other courses earlier.

All business and pre-business majors shall demonstrate computer literacy and competency prior to taking junior and senior-level courses. 

The College of Business (COB) requires all students to demonstrate computer proficiency before graduation.

You can satisfy computer proficiency by completing ONE of the following:

  1. Passing score (70%) in each of the four modules on the Computer Proficiency Examination (CPE), CPE is a way to satisfy your Computer Proficiency Requirement.
  2. With Credit (Cr) or "C" or better grade in a transfer equivalent course
  3. With Credit (Cr) or "C" or better grade in Complete IS 233. Office Productivity Software

Exam Dates for Computer Proficiency Exam
Exam DateMax. SeatsLogin TimeExam LocationFeeRegister Deadline
Friday, March 7, 20254010:00 A.M. to NoonONLINE ZOOM$40.00 NO REFUNDSWednesday, OMarch 5, 2025, 11:59 P.M.

Note: Complete the CPE Registration online by clicking on the date above. A $40 CPE fee must be paid by the Deadline for the scheduled exam date. Payment should be made online.  No fee refunds.

*Open seat counts are shown as 'Available Space' on the Registration Page. Alert: Registration will be closed when seats are full. So if you cannot register that may be a reason.

Instructions will be sent to you and will be added after the Deadline.  Prepare to log in on time on Exam Day and check a few minutes early 10:00 A.M. to sign in and get set up.

 

Use the panel 'Register and Pay" to start the registration.  Please enter your full name and CSULB Campus ID Number exactly as it appears on your CSULB Student ID card. Please enter your email carefully, because that will be the only way the CPE administrator will be able to communicate with you. You will receive an E-Mail confirmation of your registration. You cannot take the exam unless you have registered online.

  • $40 CPE fee must be paid prior to your scheduled exam date. 
  • Payment should be made online. No Cash payments will be accepted.
  • No Refunds for CPE fees will be provided.
  • Generally, there is a Deadline to Register at 11:59 PM on a Wednesday the week of the test date.
  • Registration will also be closed if seat capacity is full.

CPE is a hands-on computer exam consisting of four Microsoft Office modules: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. The exam is graded as Pass / Fail. To receive a passing grade, 70% of your answers must be correct in EACH of the modules. Note: Microsoft Office Access is mandatory for this exam.  If the student does not have MSAccess, on their MAC or PC, they can use the Student Virtual Lab or download the software through the Software Depot chicklet on the single sign-on home page.

The CPE is a 2-hour online exam. You must keep your camera on throughout the entire exam, which will be proctored by an instructor. You will take the exam on a computer and be required to perform various tasks, such as formatting text in Word, writing a function in Excel, inserting a slide transition in PowerPoint, or adding a relationship between tables in Access. 

  • There is no limit to the number of attempts for the CPE; however, a $40 fee applies for each attempt. 
  • If you do not pass the CPE and decide to retake it, you must complete all modules, regardless of whether you passed any modules in previous exams.s.

Day of the Exam

  • Log into the CPE Canvas class and select the CPE Zoom link.
  • An invitation to join the CPE Canvas class will be sent to your school email a few days before the exam date.
  • Join the Zoom session 15 minutes before the exam to receive further instructions.

  • Log into the CPE Canvas class and select the CPE Zoom link.
  • An invitation to join the CPE Canvas class will be sent to your school email a few days before the exam date.  After the deadline date.
  • Join the Zoom session 15 minutes before the exam to receive further instructions.

Results will be available within 7 days of taking the exam, and it will be emailed to your provided Email. If you pass CPE, COB Center for Student Success is notified and your transcripts are updated.

CPE Preparation Self Study Materials

Reading

Exploring Microsoft Office 2010 Volume 1 (Custom), by Robert Grauer et al., Prentice-Hall, ISBN 9781256284321.

Exam questions are similar to the exercise questions in the textbook.

Suggested CPE Study Topics 

CPE Study Topic Guide

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Access

 

 

No Refund will be issued.

To request disability-related accommodations, please reach out clearly in advance to BMAC and the contacts below.

Open seat counts are shown as 'Available Space' on the Registration Page.  Alert: Registration will be closed when seats are full.  So if you cannot register that may be a reason.

Once the registration deadline has passed,  you will be emailed with further instructions and your CPE access provided.

CPE schedule and test-related questions:

Asela M. Thomason, M.B.A

College of Business

California State University Long Beach

Email: asela.thomason@csulb.edu