do americans take their GCSE exams or do they have some other exams?

I'm Canadian, but our system is somewhat similar to the US. I'll answer from a Canadian perspective and also tell you what I understand of the US system. Perhaps someone from the US can correct me or add to it.

We don't have GCSE exams as such, in Canada, but there can be college and university entrance exams. There are also national tests done at various levels, but in Canada they don't necessarily affect your future, nor are they necessarily required. Some provinces do criterion referenced tests at various levels, more for programming purposes than for individual assessment. Alberta does have some required standardized tests that are required, I believe. In the US there are exams called SAT's I think that can affect your future as you have to do well on them to get into college or university.

In Canada at the end of high school, or sometimes throughout high school, there are provincial exams in various subject areas, especially those pertinent to further education. YOu have to do well on those to get accepted at a university for example.

Both countries also have scholarship exams.

I hope this is not totally confusing and is of some help!!

Yeah it's called the get the hell out of my house when your 18 exam. You leave home one night and come back and find that the doorlocks have been changed. You are then forced to find a job at a local burgerking or join the army and that is your new career path. HAPPY HUNTING!