Need help finding info on ACCESS for ELLs?

Updated December 8, 2023

It’s official: It’s ACCESS for ELLs testing season. This means that you might want a quick refresh on things like how to get a WIDA Secure Portal account and where to find your ACCESS testing window. Never fear, the WIDA Client Services Center (the incredible WIDA staffers who respond to a multitude of calls and emails every day) are here to answer the top questions coming in about ACCESS.

Before we get started, here are two tips from the WIDA Client Services Center:

• Consult your WIDA member/state page to help answer the following questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on your member/state page, reach out to your district coordinator or your state education agency representative.
• Did you know that each member/state has their own rules for testing, training and creating accounts? If you haven’t yet, head on over to your member/state page — it has a lot of useful information on all these topics!

Who should I contact to get a WIDA Secure Portal or WIDA AMS account?

Select your state from the member/state dropdown menu. Once you’re on your page, scroll down until you see Logging In on the right side of the page. Follow the instructions to learn who to contact to create an account for the WIDA Secure Portal or WIDA AMS. If you’re an account coordinator, check out the Get Help page in the WIDA Secure Portal for step-by-step instructions on creating new user accounts.

Who should I contact if I’m having trouble logging into my account?

To reset your WIDA Secure Portal password, make sure you’re on the portal login page and then select Forgot Password? If you encounter issues, reach out to WIDA Client Services at 1-866-276-7735 or email us at help@wida.us. We can investigate your login issues with you. We can also help you make any necessary changes to your portal account!

What ACCESS training do I need to complete this year?

You will need to work with your district/school test coordinator to determine what tests you are administering this year and what training courses you will need to complete.

How often do I need to recertify to administer ACCESS?

Select your state from the member/state dropdown menu. Your state may post your state-specific recertification policy on your state page. Look for Test Preparation and Training to see if your state has posted this information, or review your state’s ACCESS for ELLs Checklist. Otherwise, reach out to your district coordinator to find out how often you need to recertify.

When is my testing window? When can I order additional materials?

Select your state from the member/state dropdown menu. Your state page posts many relevant testing dates on your state page. You will find the information near the top under Testing Dates.

How do I know what I need to do to get ready for and/or administer ACCESS?

Select your state from the member/state dropdown menu. Many states post an ACCESS for ELLs Online/Paper Checklist (it’s a PDF; look for a blue button). Peruse the checklist to review the role(s) you play this year in testing and see what your state asks you to complete for each role.

What is the exit criteria for ACCESS in my state?

Your state may post this information in your ACCESS for ELLs Checklist, too! Select your state from the member/state dropdown menu. Navigate to the end of the After Testing section in the checklist where test results are discussed. More questions? Reach out to the state contact located on your member/state page.