Alternate ELPAC: 2026–27 Initial Alternate ELPAC Certification Reminder

Email Update, April 29, 2026

Dear LEA ELPAC Coordinator:

This email contains important information about the 2026–27 Initial Alternate ELPAC Administration and Scoring Training (AST). The Initial Alternate ELPAC testing window will run from July 7, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Statewide LEA Certification Requirements

LEA certification is required within two weeks of a student’s being registered for the Initial Alternate ELPAC. LEAs that typically administer the Initial Alternate ELPAC can get ahead on the training requirements by completing the necessary steps starting on May 6, 2026.

Each LEA with at least one student eligible for the Initial Alternate ELPAC is required to have one current staff member (either the LEA ELPAC coordinator, or a designee) do either of the following:

• Option A—For new LEA ELPAC coordinators: complete both items one and two.
  1. Complete the most recent Summative Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course, which launches annually in early November, and
  2. complete the Initial Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course, which launches annually in the second week of May.
• Option B—For returning LEA ELPAC coordinators: Complete both items one and two.
  1. Complete the most recent Summative Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course, and
  2. Either“a” or “b” below
     1. complete the Initial Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course; or
     2. verify, on the AST website, that one active LEA staff member has previously completed the Initial Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course. Verification should be complete as soon as possible.

        Verify Your Status

        1. Log on to the AST website. (Access code will be provided May 6.)
        2. Select the [Initial Alternate ELPAC Training Verification] button.
        3. Locate the staff member who completed the training and check the box next to their name to certify your LEA.

Partnering with another LEA: MOU

If you are not training your test examiners (TEs), you must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a certified neighboring LEA who will train your TEs or administer the test. Email the MOU confirmation to elpac@scoe.net. MOUs must be updated annually.

Test Examiner Certification

The Alternate ELPAC has a single TE training for both the initial and summative assessments. The training can occur at any time prior to assessing a student. Note the following about TE certification for the Initial Alternate ELPAC:

• Any TE who did not complete the 2025–26 Alternate ELPAC—Test Examiner Certification course, and will be administering the 2026–27 Initial Alternate ELPAC must complete certification prior to testing a student.
• Any TE who completed the training after November 1, 2025, is considered certified to administer the Initial Alternate ELPAC until October 31, 2026, but must recertify after November 1, 2026.

Further information regarding registering students for the Initial Alternate ELPAC, ordering picture cards for assessments, and other pertinent information will be sent at the start of the new test administration year.

Additional Information and Resources

• Information and resources: Initial Alternate ELPAC web page
• Training and scoring questions: elpac@scoe.net
• Moodle Training Site questions and support: moodlesupport@scoe.net

For further support, visit the Contact Us web page.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team
CAASPP & ELPAC Website