CSUN's Upper Division Writing Proficiency Examination (UDWPE)
Frequently Asked Questions
Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam Off-Campus Procedures
Who needs to take the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Examination?
Anyone who has not already passed the examination at CSUN must pass the writing exam. Any students who graduated from CSUN in 1985 or after will have taken the UDWPE. Any student attending CSUN for any degree after 1985 must successfully complete the UDWPE.
When do I need to take the Upper Division Writing Examination?
Anyone who has not already passed the examination at CSUN must pass the writing exam before completing 12 units of classes. We recommend that you complete this requirement sometime during your first semester of courses in the program.
When is the exam offered?
The dates on which exams are offered on campus are available at the Upper Division Writing Test site. If you live further than 20 miles from campus, you can contact the office to make arrangements to take the examination at another testing site with an approved proctor. See question 6 below for more detailed information on having the exam proctored off-site.
Do graduate students have to take the test?
Yes, the test is required of graduate students entering CSUN to attain classified status (unless they have passed it previously as undergraduates at CSUN or another CSU campus). Graduate students should try to satisfy the Writing Proficiency requirement during the first semester of classes. The Program Coordinator will provide more information during each semester regarding details of taking the WPE.
What is the writing test like?
Students are allowed one hour to write an extemporaneous essay on an assigned topic. The topic usually asks the student to evaluate some aspect of personal experience or adopt and defend a controversial position.
May I take a practice exam?
Yes. Practice exam questions are available from the website (see above). After completing your practice exam, call 818-677-2033 to schedule a phone appointment, then fax your essay at least 24 hours ahead of the appointment time to 818-677-3632. A tutor will review your essay with you over the phone.
Is there an option for distance students seeking a degree to take the test off-campus?
Yes, students in degree programs through DLSG may take the UDWPE off-site by procuring a proctor. The requirements for setting up a proctored exam are listed below. Your program coordinator will also give you more information about setting up a proctored UDPWE.
Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam Off-Campus Procedures
Before the test
- Contact a nearby college or university to find a proctor, usually a faculty or staff person, who is willing to administer the test to you. Alternately, if the college or university has an on-campus Testing Center, you may use those services for testing. You must allow at least four (4) weeks for processing the exam request so plan accordingly.
- For those taking the exam off-campus with a proctor, the WPE may be taken on dates other than the regularly scheduled dates on campus; however, your exam will not be graded and scored until the next regularly scheduled on-campus exam date.
- Email the following information to udwpe@csun.edu
- Your Name
- Phone number
- Address
- CSUN Student ID Number
- Social Security Number
- Proctor’s name
- Proctor’s email address or phone number
- Name of the department that the proctor works in and proctor’s title (i.e., faulty member, director, coordinator, administrator, etc.).
- Proctor’s mailing address (school or university address)
- A packet containing the WPE test booklet, exam, instructions, and registration card will be mailed to the proctor. It is your responsibility to confirm that the proctor receives the WPE packet.
- Schedule a date & time to take the exam with your proctor.
During the test
- Bring the following items to the exam
- Two forms of identification (1 with a picture)
- A check made out to CSUN for twenty dollars
- No. 2 pencil
- Ball point pen
- Any additional materials that the proctor may require
- After you complete the exam, attach the twenty-dollar check to the test booklet.
- The proctor will mail the entire packet back to CSUN (any arrangements to reimburse the proctor for postage is the student’s responsibility; you may wish to bring with you an addressed and stamped (64¢) 8½ x 11 envelope for mailing the exam).
After the test
- The off-campus exam is graded as soon as possible. The results of the test will be available online on your student records at www.csun.edu/portal usually about four weeks after the scheduled test dates (see UDWPE booklet for scheduled dates throughout the year). If you take the exam before the next scheduled test date, your exam will be held and graded with all other exams taken on the scheduled test date.
- If you pass the exam and it is your last requirement for graduation, please contact your program coordinator to do what is necessary to receive your degree.
- If you wish to complete the exam at the CSUN campus (required for those living within 20 miles of the CSUN campus) you may take the exam on one of the Saturday dates the exam is given. You should contact your program coordinator for more information on the procedure for Saturday testing.
- If you wish to complete the exam at the CSUN campus and cannot make a Saturday test date, you may also complete the exam at CSUN on one of the Mondays following a Saturday test date. You should contact your program coordinator for more information on this procedure, as well.
*If you choose not to email your information, then mail it to:
Writing Proficiency Exam Office
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8330
Attention: Nicole Warwick
or call: 818-677-3303