Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

CALPADS System Documentation

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

Quick Links:

CALPADS Home
Calendar
Communications
Contact
County Certification Reports External link opens in new window or tab.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hours of Operation
Listservs
Regional Update Meetings
System Documentation (this page)
Training


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 2025–26 Academic Year

CALPADS Error List

  • CALPADS Error List External link opens in new window or tab.
    The CALPADS Error List contains descriptions for each error generated when submitting data to CALPADS, as well as suggested resolutions.

CALPADS Data Guide

CALPADS Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) and Enrollment Procedures

Retired Course Code Mapping

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

Questions:   CALPADS Office | calpads@cde.ca.gov
Service and Support: CALPADS-CSIS Service Desk | calpads-support@cde.ca.gov | 916-325-9210
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Recently Posted in School Performance
  • CALPADS and CBEDS Charter Letter (added 22-Jun-2026)
    CALPADS and California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) Charter School Data Reporting Policy and Status Change Window(Dated 09-May-2025).
  • CALPADS File Specifications (Forms) v17.1 (added 16-Jun-2026)
    This document contains the file formats for the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
  • CALPADS Extract Specifications v17.1 (added 16-Jun-2026)
    This document serves to assist Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in understanding the extract specifications for CALPADS.
  • CALPADS Valid Code Combinations v17.1 (added 16-Jun-2026)
    This document depicts the valid codes that can only be used in specific combinations in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
  • CALPADS File Specifications (CFS) v17.1 (added 16-Jun-2026)
    Overview of the CALPADS file formats, data submission windows, data submission calendar, and document conventions.

  • CALPADS Code Sets v17.1 (added 16-Jun-2026)
    Current code values referenced in the CALPADS File Specifications (CFS) for the coded value data elements.
  • CALPADS Update Flash #325 (added 12-Jun-2026)
    Business Rule Change to Homeless Program Records and Reminder to Review 2025-2026 End-of-Year (EOY) 1 Homeless Counts.
  • CALPADS Update FLASH #305 - Revised (added 08-Jun-2026)
    Topics Include: New 2025-26 Data Collections for Attendance Recovery Program and Expanded Learning Programs.
  • 2025-26 End-of-Year Special Education Updates (added 04-Jun-2026)
    Important Uses of End-of-Year (EOY) 1 Data Certified by the July 31, 2026 Close of the Amendment Window and CALPADS Special Education Data 2025-26 Roadshows.
  • CALPADS/CBEDS Charter Reporting Status Change Form (PDF) (added 03-Jun-2026)
    Instructions and form for new or existing charter schools to update their CALPADS and CBEDS reporting status.