Ordering Test Materials
Find information about ordering and returning test materials.
ELPAC Materials Overview
The Writing domain for the ELPAC is administered on paper using Writing Answer Books for students in K–2. LEAs must order these materials during the ordering windows prior to administration. There are other optional materials that certain LEAs may need to order, such as Large Print or Braille tests and Alternate ELPAC picture cards. LEAs selected for RSVP or Second Scoring will also receive Pre-identification (Pre-ID) labels automatically.
For the Summative ELPAC, Writing Answer Books must be returned to ETS for scoring in white cartons after testing. Other secure materials will need to be either securely destroyed locally or returned to ETS for secure destruction in non-white cartons. More information about returning materials can be found in the ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Secure Destruction and Return Instructions.
At the end of each administration year, LEAs must complete the ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Materials Return or Destruction Certification to notify ETS how materials will be securely handled.
Materials Tracking
Find tracking information for CAASPP and ELPAC administration materials not ordered in TOMS. Various materials are shipped to local educational agencies throughout the administration year; the Materials Tracking Lookup tool provides tracking numbers for:
- Pre-ID labels for Initial and Summative ELPAC,
- special versions of CAASPP and ELPAC paper–pencil tests,
- white cartons for returning ELPAC scorable test materials,
- Group Information Sheets (GISs), and
- CAST and Smarter Balanced graphic packages.
Tracking information for ELPAC K–2 writing answer books can be found in TOMS.
Initial ELPAC Test Materials
LEAs order Writing domain testing materials for kindergarten through grade two through the Test Operations Management System (TOMS). For instructions, refer to the Place Primary Orders page of the TOMS User Guide.
Orders for Initial ELPAC test materials can be placed during the following order windows:
| Type of Test Materials Order | Order Window Opens | Order Window Closes | Earliest Delivery Date | Latest Delivery Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Test Materials Order | April 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | Week of May 12, 2025 | Week of May 26, 2025 |
| Supplemental Test Materials Order | May 12, 2025 | June 5, 2026 | June 2, 2025 | June 19, 2026 |
NOTE: All LEAs must order new materials for the 2025–26 administration. No materials from previous administration years can be used and must be returned or securely destroyed.
Initial ELPAC Supplemental Orders
Supplemental orders can be placed once a month throughout the testing window and will be delivered 10 to 14 business days from the date on which the order is placed.
Initial ELPAC Excess Materials Orders
There will be no charge for Initial ELPAC excessive material orders for the 2025–26 administration.
Initial ELPAC Pre-ID Labels
Pre-identification (Pre-ID) labels are available only for the 10 percent of LEAs participating in the RSVP. Participating LEAs do not need to request or order these Pre-ID labels. LEAs participating in RSVP will receive labels automatically for returning scorable materials for students in kindergarten through grade two once SSRs are available in TOMS.
LEAs that are not participating in RSVP do not order or receive Pre-ID labels.
Returning Initial ELPAC Test Materials
At the end of the administration, LEAs will need to either securely destroy locally or send to ETS for secure destruction all used K–2 Writing Answer Books. More information about returning materials can be found in the ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Secure Destruction and Return Instructions.
For LEAs participating in RSVP, refer to the Initial ELPAC RSVP chapter of the ELPAC Online Test Administration Manual for more information.
Summative ELPAC Test Materials
LEAs order Writing domain testing materials for kindergarten through grade two through TOMS. For instructions refer to the Place Primary Orders section of the TOMS User Guide.
Orders can be placed during the following ordering windows:
| Type of Test Material Order | Ordering Window Opens | Ordering Window Closes | Estimated Material Arrival Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Test Material Order | November 1, 2024 | December 20, 2024 |
Orders will arrive the week of January 13, 2025. |
| Supplemental Test Material Order | January 13, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | 10–14 business days after order has been placed. |
Summative ELPAC Supplemental Orders
Supplemental orders can be placed once a month throughout the testing window and will be delivered 10 to 14 business days from the date on which the order is placed.
Summative ELPAC Excess Materials Orders
At the end of each testing year, ETS invoices LEAs for excess materials ordered during the Primary Test Material Order window and for any supplemental orders.
Excess materials are calculated using the difference between the number of Answer Books scored and 90 percent of the tests ordered by the LEA. An LEA is responsible for using, and returning for scoring, 90 percent of the Answer Books ordered, excluding the overage included in the shipment. Excess Answer Books (K–2) will cost the LEA $2.50.
Summative ELPAC Pre-Identification Labels
Pre-identification (Pre-ID) is the process of electronically identifying students through a barcoded label rather than filling in student demographic information on the Answer Book. Pre-ID labels are provided for students in K–2 for their Summative ELPAC Writing domain Answer Books at no cost. LEAs do not need to request or order these Pre-ID labels; they will be sent to the LEAs to return scorable materials.
There are two production dates for Pre-ID labels:
| Type of Test Material | Production Date | Estimated Material Arrival Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-ID Labels for Enrolled Students | January 13, 2025 | Week of February 3, 2025 |
| Pre-ID Labels for New Students | March 10, 2025 | Week of March 31, 2025 |
For students enrolled after Pre-ID labels for new students are produced, the test examiner will need to mark the student demographic information by hand.
Returning Summative ELPAC Test Materials
ELPAC Answer Books for kindergarten through grade two must be received by ETS for scoring. It is not necessary to complete all student testing prior to returning test materials for scoring. White cartons for returning the ELPAC Answer Books for kindergarten through grade two are included in the primary and supplemental orders. Note that approximately 150 answer books fit into one white carton.
LEA ELPAC coordinators are encouraged to return completed Summative ELPAC K–2 Writing Answer Books at least twice a month. LEAs should download and complete the ELPAC School Group List when returning answer books to serve as a reference for the LEA as to what is being returned in each shipment. Answer Books must be scheduled for pick up by June 13, 2025, to be scored by ETS.
To request additional cartons or Group Information Sheets (GISs), complete the Carton and GIS Request Form.
For additional information about returning test materials, refer to the printed Summative ELPAC Packing and Return Instructions included in your order.
Alternate ELPAC Picture Cards
Picture cards are secure alternate response options identified by a student's IEP team. They are not used by all students. The Initial Alternate ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC use different picture cards. LEA ELPAC coordinators should work with special education staff to determine how many grade-level or grade-span sets are needed at each site. Note that picture cards may be used by more than one student.
Picture cards can be for downloaded as a PDF for LEAs to print from the Secure Materials screen, which is accessed through the [Resources] tab in in TOMS or printed picture cards may be ordered on the AST website. Ordered picture cards are printed and shipped at no cost to LEAs. Please allow up to 10 business days for shipping.
| Assessment | Picture Cards Ordering Window |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 Initial Alternate ELPAC | May 8, 2024, through April 15, 2025 |
| 2024–25 Summative Alternate ELPAC | November 1, 2024, through May 1, 2025 |
CAASPP and ELPAC Special Request for Paper Exams
Please visit the CAASPP and ELPAC Special Request for Paper Exams web form to request CAASPP and ELPAC braille, large-print, or paper–pencil tests for students with an IEP or Section 504 plan.
Note that the braille hybrid adaptive test (HAT) for the Smarter Balanced for Mathematics and the optional, supplemental tactile graphics package for the California Science Test (CAST) can be requested by contacting the assigned LEA Success Agent. Either package can be ordered for a student to minimize the amount of embossing that must be done during either Smarter Balanced mathematics or CAST testing.
For information on returning CAASPP secure materials, visit the After Testing chapter of the CAASPP Paper–Pencil Testing Test Administration Manual. Information on returning ELPAC secure materials can be found in the ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Secure Destruction and Return Instructions.