Placement Testing
What Are The EPT & ELM?
The California State University (CSU) system requires new students to take the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) and Entry Level Math exam (ELM) before registering for classes, unless they are exempt (see below). These are placement tests designed to determine your level of preparation for college work in Math and English. You cannot register for ANY classes at HSU unless you have completed the EPT/ELM or you are exempt.
You cannot retake the EPT (ever) and you can retake the ELM only after a certain time period (mentioned in the bulletin) when a new version has been created.
Do I Need To Take The EPT/ELM?
You cannot register for any classes until we have your EPT/ELM scores or verify that you are exempt. Students who are required to take the test(s) will be informed in their admission letters and will receive a brochure titled "EPT/ELM 2008: Essential Information." If you have not received the information or have questions about your test status, please call the Office of Admissions at: (707) 826-4402 or (866) 850-9556 (toll free). It is your responsibility to provide your SAT or ACT scores to the Office of Admissions prior to attending Orientation.
You may be exempt from taking these tests if:
- Your SAT or ACT test scores
- SAT Verbal 550 or higher
- ACT English 24 or higher
- SAT Math 550 or higher
- ACT Math 23 or higher
- Or if you have earned a C- or higher in an approved college level General Education (GE) written communications course (EPT) or an approved GE math course (ELM).
- You scored high enough on the Early Assessment Program (part of California's Standards test given the junior and seniors years of high school)
- See the "EPT/ELM 08-09: Essential Information," mailed separately, for more detailed exemption information.
EPT
ELM
To qualify for exemption, documents verifying test scores or completion of GE course work must be on file with the Office of Admissions prior to the orientation session you plan to attend.
When Should I Take The Tests?
Students CANNOT register for classes without documentation of an exemption or result of prior completion of both tests per university policies.
If you plan to attend a June or July HOP session, you should take your required exam(s) no later than the May 3 statewide administration date (sign up by April 18). If this is not possible, DO NOT take the exams(s) at another CSU campus after May 3 (scores will not be available in time for you to register for classes). Plan to take the exam(s) at HSU’s campus the day before the session at 8:30am. If you take the test(s) at HSU, please note that on-campus housing is NOT available the night before the test.
If you plan to attend the August HOP session, you should take your required exam(s) on or before the June 14 statewide administration date (sign up by May 30). If this is not possible, DO NOT take the test(s) at another CSU campus (scores may not be available in time for you to register for classes). Plan to take the exam(s) at HSU’s campus the first day of the session Wednesday, August 20 at 8:30 am.
How Much Do The Tests Cost?
- ELM $18
- EPT $18
The EPT is $28 if taken during the HOP session. The Testing Center can only accept payment by check.
When Are The Tests Offered And How Do I Sign Up?
To sign up for one of the statewide administrations of these exams, contact the CSU campus nearest you or refer to the "EPT/ELM 2008: Essential Information" bulletin which was mailed separately. Some campuses may have additional special administration dates for these exams. If you are unable to take a Statewide Administration of the EPT/ELM, they will be offered during the HOP sessions on the Humboldt State campus. To sign up for one of these session administrations of the exams, contact the HSU Testing Center at (707) 826-3611, or sign up online at the Testing Center Website.
A Math 46 workshop is available to improve ELM scores. Contact the Testing Center for more information.
Out-of-State Students
If you live outside the State of California, have been accepted to a CSU campus, and need to test in your state, email csuout-of-state@ets.org or phone (925) 808-2142. Out-of-state testing is arranged for the 2nd week of the month. There is a fee of $50 for testing outside of California.
