English Placement Test (EPT)
The CSU requires new students to be tested in English as soon as possible after they are admitted and before the term begins. The test is used to determine whether students are prepared for college work, and if they are not, to place the students in appropriate remediation courses or activities. Students may be exempt from the test if they have scored well on other specified tests or have completed appropriate courses.
Purpose of the EPT
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 baccalaureate courses. Those undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills will be enrolled in courses or programs designed to help them gain these skills. (The test is not part of the CSU admission requirements, but it is a condition of enrollment if the student is not exempt.) Students may take the EPT only once and there is an $18 charge for this test.
Who Must Take the EPT
The CSU English Placement Test (EPT) must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:
A score of 550 or above on the verbal or critical reading section of the College Board SAT: Reasoning Test taken since April 1995
A score of 24 or above on the enhanced ACT English Test taken October 1989 or later
A score of 680 or above on the adjusted College Board SAT Subject Test: Writing Test taken May 1998 or through Spring 2005
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 Breadth requirement or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum requirement in English Composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better.
There is currently no SAT writing score which automatically exempts students from the EPT.
A result of "ready for college level" English on the Early Assessment Program (EAP)
CSU English Success Website
To support students in meeting the EPT Requirement, the California State University has developed the 
English Success website.
On this site you will find:
Information about the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) Requirement
A personalized roadmap with an interactive checklist to track your progress
Video testimonials of students
Information about the EPT test including practice problems and assessments
