The CAHSEE is divided into two main sections: English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The English section includes 79 multiple choice questions, and requires students to respond to a prompt with a 2 1/2 page essay. The mathematics section consists of 92 multiple choice questions. Scores are scaled out of a possible 450 points on each section. The essay portion is scaled out of one to four (with zeros given in special cases, such as for off-topic or non-English responses).
The English section tests students at an 8th-grade level, and requires a score of 60% to pass; the mathematics section tests students at a 7th-grade level, and requires a score of 55% to pass. Students are offered six chances to pass each test, beginning in their sophomore year but must retake the entire test each time, not just the section or sections they have not yet passed.