Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California

The Initial ELPAC is an assessment administered to students whose primary language is another language other than English. The Initial Assessment is administered only once during a student's time in the California public school system, based on the results of the home language survey. The assessment results are used to determine the English proficiency of students. Identifying students who need help learning English is important so students get the supports they need to do well in school. 

The purpose of the initial ELPAC is to

• determine the English proficiency of students entering California schools for the first time,
• identify student who need help learning English, and 
• provide language support needed to do well in school in all school subjects.

The initial ELPAC is administered via a computer-based platform. Students in TK/K through grade two will take the writing domain on paper-pencil. 

 Additional Resources

⌊Initial ELPAC General Performance Level Descriptors⌋⌊FAQs⌋ ⌊ Practice Test⌋