English Placement Test

Frequently Asked Questions:

• 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?
• May I come to the test as a walk-in?
• What should I bring on the day of the test?
• When will I receive my score?
• Accommodations needed?
• What is the difference between ENG 104 and IGE 120?

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 at least one of the following:

• A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
• A score of 22 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) English Test
• A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition or Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement Program
• Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for 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
• A score of "Exempt" or "Ready for college-level English courses" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken along with the English Language Arts California Standard Test in grade 11

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.

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 administered at Cal Poly Pomona, please click here. You may take the EPT at any CSU campus. The fee for taking the EPT is $18, which must be paid through ETS.org.  EPT fees are nonrefundable and subject to change.  If you are taking BOTH exams (EPT/ELM), the fee is $36.

How do I sign up for the EPT?

EPT information packets are available in the Cal Poly Pomona Test Center.  You may register to take the EPT Test online for any CSU campus location that is most convenient for you.

May I come to the test as a walk-in?

No.  Walk in test takers are no longer admitted into the exam.

What should I bring on the day of the test?

• 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 also 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 is 30 minutes prior to time of exam.  Please report to the exterior patio section of building 5, which faces out onto the main quad.  Print campus map from Cal Poly Pomona website www.csupomona.edu.

 

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 information.

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.

What is the difference between ENG 104 and IGE 120?

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.