English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is given as an initial assessment to newly enrolled students whose primary language is not English, as indicated on a home language survey; and annually, as a summative assessment to TK-12 grade students who have been previously identified as English learners.

The ELPAC has three purposes:

1. To identify students who are limited English proficient
2. To determine the level of English language proficiency of students who are limited English proficient
3. To assess the progress of limited English proficient students in acquiring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English

Results from this assessment will determine the English proficiency of students entering California schools for the first time who have a primary language other than English. Identifying students who need help learning in English is important in order that students receive the support they need to do well in school while receiving instruction in all school subjects. The ELPAC is also used as one of several criteria in the process of redesignating students. For more information on the Redesignation Process please visit our English Learners webpage. Once redesignated, English learner students are no longer required to take the ELPAC.

Initial ELPAC Assessment Window - Within the first 30 days of enrollment 
 
Summative ELPAC Assessment Window - February 1 through May 31

For further information about the ELPAC, please visit https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ep/