ENGLISH PLACEMENT TEST

At Cal Poly, the English Placement Test (EPT) is used to determine readiness for the General Education Area A1 (written communication) courses, English 134 (Writing: Exposition) and English 133 (Writing: Exposition--ESL). It's very important for students to establish their qualification for English 134 or 133 at the earliest opportunity by taking the English Placement Test or by documenting an exemption from it. Students taking the EPT must score in an appropriate range to qualify for these courses. Students whose score on the EPT indicates that remedial or developmental work is required must complete remediation within their first year or face administrative probation and possible disqualification from the university.

First-time freshmen are required to satisfy the EPT requirement by testing or exemption BEFORE they register for classes. Students who have not met this requirement before registration opens will find a HOLD (ENROLLMENT BLOCK) on registration privileges for all classes. Use the links below to review possible exemptions from the EPT based on other test scores or transferable coursework. Transfer students usually satisfy this requirement by completing General Education work in Area A1 (English/Written Communication) with a grade of C or better before being admitted to Cal Poly.

Applicants who need to take the EPT or document an exemption from it are notified on the Admission Application Status screen viewable through My Cal Poly Portal. Information about testing dates, fees, what the test covers, how to take it out-of state, and how to prepare is available through Cal Poly Testing Services.

English Placement Test Information and Remediation Requirements