Frequently Asked Questions About the EPT

Is this an admission test?

No. The results of the test will not affect your admission to any CSU campus.

I have not yet been admitted. Can I still take the test?

Yes. It does not matter when the EPT is taken, so long as it is taken before the deadline set by the campus at which you seek to enroll. However, it is best if you take the test as soon as you apply to CSU. You must take the test before you can enroll in CSU General Education courses.

I have completed freshman English at another university. Do I need to take the EPT?

Probably not. The EPT is not required if you have completed and transferred a campus-acceptable four-quarter or three-semester unit college English composition course with a grade of C or better. You should contact the Admissions Office or Testing Office on the campus where you plan to attend to confirm you have a transferable course.

Do I need to take the EPT if I did well on admission tests such as the SAT®, AP® or ACT®?

No. A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test exempts you, while a 3, 4 or 5 on either the Language and Composition or Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Advanced Placement® Program gives you six units of credit and exempts you from the EPT. Also, a score of 22 or higher on the ACT® English Test will exempt you. See Who Must Take the EPT for other grounds for exemption.

I have a high GPA in my high school English classes. Do I still have to take the EPT?

Yes. GPA is not a consideration in determining whether or not you have to take the EPT. The only grounds for exemption are those listed in What is the EPT?

I am still unsure whether I am required to take the EPT. What should I do?

The staff of the Admissions Office or the Test Office of the CSU campus that you plan to attend will be able to answer your questions.

Can I retake the EPT test?

No. The EPT test can only be taken once.

Why are you testing English?

Unless you read well enough to understand your textbooks and write well enough to complete essay tests and term papers, you will have difficulty in your other subjects. Reading and writing skills are basic.

What is the relationship of this test to the graduation requirements of my college?

The CSU Board of Trustees has called for a graduation requirement in student writing proficiency for all degree candidates. The EPT will help you prepare to meet that requirement at your campus by giving you descriptive information about your reading and writing skills.

How do I prepare for the test?

The test assesses an examinee’s reading and writing skills. You develop these skills with steady practice over a period of years. However, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the kinds of questions and writing topics that you will find on the test. There are practice materials available at www.csuenglishsuccess.org.

I have had English in high school. Shouldn't I be ready for college-level reading and writing?

Probably. But if you have not had very much practice in writing essays or in careful reading, you still might benefit from special instruction.

Suppose I don't do well on the test?

The CSU Early Start initiative will require students who do not perform well on the tests to start remediation during the summer before the freshman year. Students who score below 138 on the EPT will be required to participate in Early Start. Contact the CSU campus that you plan on attending for further information regarding Early Start.

Will I have to pay for extra help if I receive a low score?

That will depend on where you satisfy the Early Start requirement and if you qualify for financial aid. Early Start English and math courses will be available at all CSU campuses, at a few community colleges and online.

I will be out of the country on the first test date available. What do I do?

You must take the test at the next opportunity. It is to your advantage to take the test as soon as possible, and you must take it before you can enroll in CSU General Education courses.

Do I have to take the test at the campus I will be attending?

No. Plan to take the test at whichever campus is most convenient for you. On the day of the test, you can select to have your scores reported to up to four CSU campuses.

How much time do I have to complete the test?

You have 45 minutes to complete the essay portion and 60 minutes to complete the combined multiple-choice portion (30 minutes for each of the two sections). If you are taking the ELM test at the same sitting, be prepared to test an additional 90 minutes for the ELM.

How do I receive my test scores?

Your test scores will be mailed to you at an address you will provide on the day of the test. In addition, at the time of testing you will be asked to provide a personal identification number (PIN) so you can retrieve your scores online. See Test Dates for the score report release dates.

How long are my EPT testing materials and scores retained by ETS?

ETS retains essays for six months and answer sheets and test books for 18 months. Although essays and answer sheets (not test books) are available for review at the ETS office in Concord, they may not be returned to students. EPT scores are available from 1977 to the present.