Writing Skills Test

The Writing Skills Test (WST) is part of a CSU system-wide graduation requirement to assess your writing ability and determine whether further coursework in writing is required prior to graduation. The Writing Skills Test is not an admission requirement. However, we strongly encourage all incoming transfer students to take the WST before transferring to SJSU. 

For Fall 2021, SJSU temporarily suspended offering the Writing Skills Test (WST) and created an alternative process to meet the WST requirement called the WST Directed Self Placement (DSP). 

If you have not participated in the WST or DSP by the end of your first semester at SJSU, a registration hold will be placed on your student account, preventing you from signing up for courses in future terms. All upper division (junior and senior level) students must pass the WST in order to register for SJSU Studies General Education courses. Failing to pass the test will delay your graduation, but will not affect your admission status. 

Registering for the WST

The WST is generally offered twice in the spring, summer and fall. Before registering for the WST, students must earn a “C-” or better grade in English 1A and are strongly recommended to have completed a GE area A3 course. The WST information on our Testing Office site provides more information on how to register and upcoming exam dates.