CALPADS System Documentation

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System Documentation

The system documents on this page assist in using the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).

CALPADS File Specifications (CFS)

Effective for the 2026–27 Academic Year

• CALPADS Code Sets v18.0 (XLSX; Effective 01-Jul-2026)
  This document contains the current code values referenced in the file specifications for the coded value data elements. CALPADS course codes are included in this document (see the "Course Group State" code set).
• CALPADS File Specifications v18.0 (DOCX; Effective 01-Jul-2026)
  This document includes overviews of the file formats, data submission windows, and document conventions.
• CALPADS File Specifications (Forms) v18.0 (XLSX; Effective 01-Jul-2026)
  This document contains the file formats for CALPADS.
• CALPADS Extract Specifications v18.0 (DOCX; Effective 01-Jul-2026)
  This document serves to assist LEAs in understanding the extract specifications for CALPADS.
• CALPADS Valid Code Combinations v18.0 (XLSX; Effective 01-Jul-2026)
  This document lists codes that can only be used in specific combinations in CALPADS.

Effective for the 2025–26 Academic Year

• CALPADS Code Sets v17.1 (XLSX; Effective 01-Apr-2026)
  This document contains the current code values referenced in the file specifications for the coded value data elements. CALPADS course codes are included in this document (see the "Course Group State" code set).
• CALPADS File Specifications v17.1 (DOCX; Effective 01-Apr-2026)
  This document includes overviews of the file formats, data submission windows, and document conventions.
• CALPADS File Specifications (Forms) v17.1 (XLSX; Effective 01-Apr-2026)
  This document contains the file formats for CALPADS.
• CALPADS Extract Specifications v17.1 (DOCX; Effective 01-Apr-2026)
  This document serves to assist LEAs in understanding the extract specifications for CALPADS.
• CALPADS Valid Code Combinations v17.1 (XLSX; Effective 01-Apr-2026)
  This document lists codes that can only be used in specific combinations in CALPADS.

CALPADS Error List

• CALPADS Error List
  The CALPADS Error List contains descriptions for each error generated when submitting data to CALPADS, as well as suggested resolutions.

CALPADS Data Guide

• CALPADS Data Guide v11.0 (DOCX; Dated 14-Feb-2020)
  This document provides guidance for local educational agencies (LEAs) regarding the collection and submission of data for CALPADS.

CALPADS Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) and Enrollment Procedures

• Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) and Enrollment Procedures v10.1 (DOCX; Dated 13-May-2019)
  This document contains general business rules relevant to Statewide Student Identifiers (SSIDs) and enrollment.

Retired Course Code Mapping

• Retired Course Code Mapping for 2019-20 (XLSX; Dated 29-Oct-2019)
  This document contains a list of state course codes that were retired at the end of 2018-19 and their associated new course codes for the 2019-20 year.

To receive e-mail updates regarding CALPADS System Documentation, please subscribe to the appropriate CALPADS Listserv.