EPT FAQ

Who must take the EPT?
What does the EPT consist of?
How will my performance on the EPT affect me?
When is the EPT offered, and what is the cost?
How do I sign up for the EPT?
What should I bring on the day of the test?
When will I receive my score?
Accommodations needed?
My score placement indicates that I can take ENG 104 or IGE 120. What's the difference?

Who must take the EPT?

All entering undergraduates admitted to a CSU campus are required, unless exempt, to take the English Placement Test (EPT). You must take the EPT and receive a score prior to enrollment in any coursework. Students are exempt if they meet one of the following:

Placement in the "Ready for College " category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) English taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in English Language Arts.
A score of 550 or above on the verbal section of the College Board SATI: Reasoning Test taken between April 1995 and January 2005.
A score of 550 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test taken March 2005 or later.
A score of 680 or above on the College Board SATII: Writing Test taken between May 1998 and January 2005.
A score of 24 or above on the enhanced ACT English Test taken October 1989 or later.
A score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the Language and Composition or LIterature and Composition examination of the College Board Advanced Placement Program.
Completion and transfer to the CSU of a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in English Composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better.

NOTE: The College Board SAT I and SAT II were renamed SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests, beginning March 2005.

What does the EPT consist of?

EPT consists of a 45-minute essay and two 30-minute multiple-choice sections. You should plan a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for the EPT. For sample questions and information, click Focus on English www.calstate.edu/AR/EPT.pdf and the CSU's English Success website www.csuenglishsuccess.org.

How will my performance on the EPT affect me?

EPT scores will be used to place you in freshman English or a developmental course. If you do not qualify for freshman English, you will be required to enroll in the appropriate developmental course during your first quarter of enrollment. For course-placement information; You may take the EPT only one time.

When is the EPT offered, and what is the cost?

EPT test dates and registration deadlines are posted in the Cal Poly Pomona Test Center and in the Schedule of Classes. If you would like to see the dates on which the EPT will be given at Cal Poly Pomona. You may take the EPT at any CSU campus. The fee for taking the EPT is $18, which must be paid on the day of the test with a check or money order payable to ETS. NO cash or credit card accepted. EPT fees are nonrefundable and subject to change. If taking BOTH exams (EPT/ELM), the fee is $36.

How do I sign up for the EPT?

EPT registration packets are available in the Cal Poly Pomona Test Center. You may mail or hand carry the registration form to any CSU campus that is most convenient for you. If you wish to register online for Cal Poly Pomona only.

What should I bring on the day of the test?

$18 check or money order payable to ETS. NO CASH or credit card accepted. Please write student name on check or money order.
A photo bearing ID (Driver's License, California State ID, Student ID, or Passport). If you arrive without photo ID or late, you will not be admitted to the test.
Several #2 pencils and pens.
You need to know your social security number, but please do not bring your card.
No dictionary, thesaurus, or other materials.
You may not bring a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, or pager.

Check-in 30 minutes prior to time of exam at Building 5 - outside lower level. Parking is FREE in Lot C. Print campus map from Cal Poly Pomona website www.csupomona.edu.

If you discover that you need to take a different test, you may come as a walk-in. However, walk-ins will be tested if possible, but no guarantee that space will be available.

When will I receive my score ?

Your score will be mailed to you and to the CSU campuses you designate approximately four weeks after the test date. Please be sure to retain your score report and present it to college officials if necessary. Click here for additional Test Description.

Accommodations needed?

To receive accommodations, you must notify the Disability Resource Center at (909) 869-3333 no later than the registration deadline. Please note that accommodations are not provided on Saturday.

If your religious convictions prevent you from taking the EPT on the scheduled test dates, you must request special arrangements by providing a letter on official letterhead from an appropriate religious authority to the Test Officer.

My score placement indicates that I can take ENG 104 or IGE 120. What's the difference?

ENG 104 is part of the University General Education Program. IGE 120 is the first class in the Interdisciplinary General Education Program. For more information concerning which course you should take, contact your department advisor or the IGE Department.