About Testing

Testing Services provides a variety of services to the campus community designed to assist students in their admissions, placements, and graduation requirements. Tests are offered on a regular basis.
Download the current EPT / ELM Bulletin here.

All new undergraduate students entering the California State University are required to take the English Placement Test (EPT) except those who qualify for an exemption. If you are not exempt, you must take the EPT and provide scores to the university prior to beginning your first semester of enrollment. Failure to take the EPT prior to registering for your first semester will result in your not being allowed to enroll at the CSU.

The EPT is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of entering undergraduate students so that they can be placed in appropriate courses. Those undergraduates who do not demonstrate college-level skills will be directed to courses or programs designed to help them attain these skills. The EPT contains the following three sections

Essay 45 minutes on an assigned topic
Reading Skills 30 minutes to answer 45 multiple-choice questions
Composing Skills 30 minutes to answer 45 multiple-choice questions

The EPT is given in conjunction with the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM). Students may take the test at the most convenient CSU campus. Most campuses have online registration available. THE EPT CAN ONLY BE TAKEN ONCE!

Exemptions from the EPT:

The CSU English Placement Test must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:
  1. placement in the "Ready for CSU college-level English courses" category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) English taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in English Language Arts
  2. a score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test (Starting Fall 2011terms)
  3. a score of 680 or above on the writing section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
  4. a score of 550 or above on the verbal section of the College Board SAT I: Reasoning Test
  5. a score of 680 or above on the College Board SAT II: Writing Test
  6. a score of 24 or above on the ACT English Test
  7. a score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the Language and Comp or Literature and Composition examination of the Advanced Placement Program
  8. completion and transfer to the CSU of a community college course that satisfies English composition, with a grade of C or better

EPT Test Registration Information:

There will be an $18 charge for the EPT, payable on the day of the exam. Payment must be made by check or money order, payable to ETS. Cash will not be accepted. No student will be admitted without proper payment and picture identification with a signature.

EPT Test Scores for Sonoma State:
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EPT < 141
-English 100A (3) First Year Composition (Fall) and English 99T* (1) Composition Tutoring (Fall)
-English 100B (3) First Year Composition (Spring)

*Note: English 100A and English 99T must be completed successfully (Fall) in order to advance to English 100B (3)(Spring).
*English 99T is a requirement and must be completed successfully. However, courses numbered less than 100 will not count towards graduation.
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EPT = 142-146
-English 100A (3) First Year Composition (Fall)
-English 100B (3) First Year Composition (Spring)
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EPT = 147-155
-English 101 (3) Writing and Reading
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EPT = 155 and above
Philosophy 101
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Exemptions for ENGLISH 101 Placement:
SAT 1 = 500 (Verbal)
-English 101 (3) Writing and Reading

ACT ENGLISH = 22-26
-English 101 (3) Writing and Reading

EAP** English = Exempt
-English 101 (3) Writing and Reading
**Passing E.A.P. English (part of 11th grade STAR testing) = Exempt from EPT.

Exemptions for PHILOSOPHY 101 Placement:
SAT I = 560 (Verbal) or higher
-Philosophy 101

ACT – greater than 27
-Philosophy 101

Advanced Placement Exam (AP) greater than 3
-Units of credit for English 101 (3)
-Philosophy 101 (3) Critical Thinking (Fall)

TEST PREPARATIONS:
Take a peek at -English Success Website
-EPT Sample Questions onine.
-EPT Practice Tests (Free)