Questions and Answers about the
EPT/ELM Testing Requirements

Dept of Testing > Fall 2008 Admitted Freshmen > EPT/ELM Q&A

1. Why do I have to take the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test?

Answer: The California State University (CSU) requires that all new students take these tests if they have not satisfied these requirements by another method (e.g., with SAT, ACT or Advanced Placement test scores).

2. When do I have to take the EPT and ELM?

You must take the test on or before May 3, 2008 so that you may register for fall 2008 courses. Bring your test scores with you to SDSU Academic Orientation for planning and advising purposes.

3. Do I have to take the test(s) at SDSU?

Answer: No. You can take the test(s) at whichever CSU campus is most convenient for you. Your score will be sent to SDSU. To register to take the test(s) at SDSU, use the SDSU EPT/ELM Registration Site. In addition, CSU Address and Phone Numbers provides contact information for all of the CSU campuses. This list also provides links to the CSU campuses that offer online registration for the EPT/ELM.

4. What are the passing scores for the EPT and ELM?

Answer: The passing score for the EPT is a TOTAL score of 151. The passing score for the ELM is 50.

5. What happens if I need and do not take the EPT and/or ELM?

Answer: You will not be able to register for classes at SDSU and your admission will be cancelled.

6. What happens if I do not pass the EPT?

Answer: If you do not pass the EPT, you will be required to take an appropriate remedial writing course (Rhetoric and Writing Studies 92A) your first semester at SDSU. If you do not complete your remediation by the end of the summer 2009 semester, you will not be allowed to continue taking courses at SDSU.

7. What happens if I do not pass the ELM?

Answer: If you do not pass the ELM, you will be required to pass one OR two remedial mathematics courses based on your test score. If your score is 41-49, you must take General Math Studies (GMS) 91 your first semester at SDSU. If your score is 0-40, you will need to pass GMS 90A during your first semester at SDSU and GMS 91 in the spring. If you do not complete your remediation by the end of the summer 2009 semester, you will not be allowed to continue taking courses at SDSU.

8. How can I prepare for the EPT and ELM?

Answer:
EPT Study Guides


ELM Study Guides

9. What are the fees for the tests?

Answer: At San Diego State University the fee for the ELM is $18.00. The fee for the EPT is also $18.00. Even though you must register ahead of time to take the test, you don't pay until the day of the test. If you take both tests the same day, you can pay with one $36.00 check.  Contact other CSU campuses using CSU Addresses and Phone Numbers for their fee information, which may differ.

10. I have completed a course that I think satisfies the writing and/or mathematics test requirement listed. How can I find out for sure?

Answer: Contact the SDSU Office of Advising and Evaluation.

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