All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on meeting this requirement may be obtained at the Testing Center and Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam websites.

At CSUN, all students who have met the lower division writing requirement, completed 56 units or more, and intend to graduate with a baccalaureate or master’s degree are required to pass an essay examination as a demonstration of their proficiency in writing.

Undergraduate students are required to take the UDWPE no later than the semester in which they complete 75 units. Transfer students entering the University who will have completed 75 units by the end of their first semester must attempt the examination during their first semester at CSUN. Students who have not taken the UDWPE by the completion of 75 units will have a registration hold placed on their subsequent registration.

See the Testing Center website for test dates, test fee and registration information. The website also describes the type of payment accepted, identification requirements, other regulations that must be followed for the exam, essay scoring and how to obtain scores. All registrations, including accommodation requests, must be submitted prior to the exam date reaching participant capacity. Scores are available through myNorthridge Portal approximately four weeks after test administration.