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The Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners test (ACCESS for ELLs) is a suite of secure, English language proficiency assessments for kindergarten through grade 12 students who have been identified as English learners. Participation in the ACCESS for ELLs assessments by English learners is both a state and federal requirement. In 2007, the Virginia Board of Education selected the ACCESS for ELLs as the state-approved English Language Proficiency assessment . The ACCESS for ELLs is administered annually to monitor student progress in acquiring English language proficiency. Students with a significant cognitive disability may take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs and students with a vision or hearing impairment may take the ELP Checklist.
Test Overview
Test questions assess the four language domains of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The online ACCESS for ELLs test is semi-adaptive. The test platform tracks student progress in Listening and Reading tests and presents test items based on students’ previous performance. Listening and Reading test performance determines placement in Speaking and Writing. Students in Kindergarten take an interactive paper test that is semi-adaptive and individually administered.
Test Mode and Sequence:
Kindergarten –> All tests on paper
Alternate ACCESS –> All tests on paper
Online ACCESS –> Laptop/desktop or iPad with keyboards
Students in grades 1 – 3 will complete the writing domain on paper
Students in grades 4 – 12 may take the Writing domain on paper
Students may take the test on paper for all domains if indicated in their IEP/504 Plan
Who Participates in ACCESS for ELLs Testing
Students identified as English Learners will participate in the ACCESS for ELLs if they have not yet reached language proficiency. This includes students with a WIDA composite score lower than 4.4.
| WIDA Composite Score | English Language Proficiency Level |
| 1.0-1.9 | Level 1 |
| 2.0-2.9 | Level 2 |
| 3.0-3.9 | Level 3 |
| 4.0-4.3 | Level 4 |
In Virginia, students who have an overall composite score of 4.4 or higher no longer need language support services and do not participate in the ACCESS for ELLs assessments.
When is the ACCESS for ELLs Test Administered?
Students test annually during the testing window. This year’s testing window in APS is January 12 – March 20, 2026.
Test Practice
Teachers work with students prior to the test administration to provide test practice.
Practice resources are available here
Understanding Scores
Individual student score reports provide a proficiency level and scale score for each of the language domains (listening, reading, speaking, writing) and four composite areas (oral language, literacy, comprehension, overall). Composite scores are created from two or more domain scores.