English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC)

State and federal laws require all schools in California to give a state test of English proficiency to students whose primary language is not English.  All students entering school for the first time will be assessed with the initial English Language Proficiency Assessments of California if their home language is not English.  The initial ELPAC is used to determine if the student is an English learner or is fluent in English.  This test is required to help identify students who need help learning English.  This is important so they can receive the support they need to do well in all school subjects.

Below are some of the basic administration facts about the ELPAC: 

• The Initial Assessment will be shorter than the Summative Assessment and is only given once.
• The Summative Assessment is taken yearly until Reclassification is met.
• There are four domains in the test: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. 
• Speaking items are administered to all students one-on-one and scored by a trained test examiner “in real time.” 
• Group administration is provided for Listening, Reading and Writing at grades two through twelve (2–12).
• The test is computer based; students answer all questions on a computer.