In California, K–12 students whose home language is not English were required by law to take the CELDT for English language proficiency assessment before the test was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the ELPAC. This page provides AI-generated practice test sets and study materials covering language structures, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking to help learners prepare for English language proficiency assessments.
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery (Initial ELPAC (CELDT successor)) | Computer-based; Writing for kindergarten–grade 2 is on paper[1] | caaspp-elpac.org · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Delivery (Summative ELPAC (CELDT successor)) | Computer-based; Writing for kindergarten–grade 2 is on paper[2] | caaspp-elpac.org · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Eligibility (CELDT (discontinued)) | K–12 students whose home language is not English[3] | California Department of Education (CDE). The CELDT was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the ELPAC, whose testing co · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Eligibility (Summative ELPAC (CELDT successor)) | Identified English learners, every year until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient[2] | caaspp-elpac.org · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Testing window (Initial ELPAC (CELDT successor)) | July 7, 2026 – June 30, 2027; within 30 calendar days of first enrollment[4] | California Department of Education (CDE). The CELDT was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the ELPAC, whose testing co · Oct 28, 2026 |
| Testing window (Summative ELPAC (CELDT successor)) | February 1 – May 31, 2027[4] | California Department of Education (CDE). The CELDT was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the ELPAC, whose testing co · Oct 28, 2026 |
According to California Department of Education (CDE). The CELDT was discontinued in 2018 and replaced by the ELPAC, whose testing co, “Students in kindergarten through grade twelve whose home language is not English are required by law to be assessed in English language proficiency (ELP). In California, the ELP assessment was the CELDT.”[3]
The California Department of Education (CDE) designated the CELDT to evaluate English language proficiency for K–12 students whose home language is not English. California discontinued the CELDT in 2018 and replaced it with the ELPAC.
Delivery format for the ELPAC is computer-based; however, the Writing domain for kindergarten through grade 2 is paper–pencil. The Initial ELPAC testing window runs July 7, 2026, through June 30, 2027. It must be administered within 30 calendar days of enrolling in a California public school for the first time. The Summative ELPAC testing window runs February 1 through May 31, 2027.
Students classified as English learners take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient. Official California Department of Education regulations state that there is no parent opt out or medical exemption for this assessment. Reclassification details and local administration procedures can vary by school district, so families should consult the California Department of Education for official local guidelines.
Prepare for the CELDT - California English Language Development Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: How many domains does the CELDT assess?
Answer: C. Four: listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Explanation:
Option C is correct because the CELDT assesses four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Option A is incorrect because it lists only two domains, omitting listening and speaking. Option B is incorrect because it includes three domains while leaving out writing. Option D is incorrect because it adds math, which is an academic subject rather than an English language proficiency domain. When preparing for English proficiency exams, remember that language assessments focus on the four core communication modes: receptive skills (listening and reading) and productive skills (speaking and writing).
Question: What does 'context clues' mean when reading an unfamiliar word?
Answer: B. Using surrounding words and sentences to figure out the word's meaning
Explanation:
Option B is correct because context clues refer to hints found within the surrounding sentences and paragraph that help readers deduce an unfamiliar word meaning. Option A is incorrect because using a dictionary relies on an external reference tool rather than textual context. Option C is incorrect because skipping the vocabulary item bypasses comprehension entirely. Option D is incorrect because sounding out a term addresses pronunciation but does not explain semantic meaning. As a general reading rule, examine nearby adjectives, contrast words, and definitions embedded in the passage to clarify unknown vocabulary before seeking outside help.
Question: What does the word 'collaborate' mean?
Answer: B. To work together
Explanation:
Option B is correct because collaborate means to work together with others to accomplish a common purpose or project. Option A is incorrect because working alone describes independent effort, which is the opposite of collaboration. Option C is incorrect because competing against others implies rivalry rather than cooperative teamwork. Option D is incorrect because giving up indicates quitting, not participating in shared effort. A reliable rule for vocabulary questions is to check root parts like the prefix col-, meaning together, which signals joint action across academic and conversational settings.
To prepare effectively, begin by reviewing foundational skills across each communication domain. Start with core mechanics by practicing CELDT Grammar and Language Structures and expanding terminology through CELDT Vocabulary. Strengthening these basics supports performance across receptive and productive language tasks.
Next, focus on individual domain sets to build familiarity with test question formats. Practice receptive language skills using CELDT Listening and CELDT Reading. Pair those exercises with productive language practice in CELDT Speaking and CELDT Writing to rehearse spoken clarity and written responses.
Finally, examine test structures and test-day approaches. Work through CELDT Academic Language and Content, review formatting with CELDT Overview and Structure, and apply CELDT Test-Taking Strategies. Because California transitioned from the CELDT to the ELPAC, always pair these practice materials with official sample items and technical guidelines from the California Department of Education website.
No, California discontinued the CELDT in 2018 and replaced it with the ELPAC. English language proficiency in California is now measured through the Initial ELPAC and Summative ELPAC rather than the CELDT. Our practice sets remain available to help learners practice standard English language domains, vocabulary, and grammar concepts.
K–12 students whose home language is not English were required by law to take the CELDT in California public schools. The assessment determined English language proficiency until California discontinued the test in 2018 and transitioned to the ELPAC for assessing English learner students.
The ELPAC is computer-based; however, the Writing domain for kindergarten through grade 2 is paper–pencil. This delivery format applies to the Initial ELPAC and the Summative ELPAC. Students complete testing through California public schools following administration procedures established by the California Department of Education.
The Initial ELPAC testing window runs July 7, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and it must be administered within 30 calendar days of enrolling in a California public school for the first time. The Summative ELPAC testing window runs February 1 through May 31, 2027.
No, there is no parent opt out or medical exemption for the Summative ELPAC. Official California Department of Education policy mandates that students who are classified as English learners take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient in California schools.
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