We are pleased to announce the availability of the 2021–22 Application and Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) test files as well as the 2021–22 comment code text to aid users as they prepare for testing of their mainframe systems with the Central Processing System (CPS).
The test files posted to the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) website in flat-text (.TXT) format are as follows:
- Elec_App_Data.txt (CPS Test System Electronic Application Test Data)
- Elec_ISIR_Data.txt (CPS Test System Electronic ISIR Test Data)
- Paper_App_Data.txt (CPS Test System Paper Application Test Data)
- Paper_ISIR_Data.txt (CPS Test System Paper ISIR Test Data)
- ISIR_Comment_Codes.txt (CPS Test System ISIR Comment Codes)
To download the CPS test application and ISIR data files and comment code text for the 2021–22 cycle, go to the Software and Other Tools page on the IFAP website (https://ifap.ed.gov/software-and-other-tools), click the “CPS Test System” link, then click the “2021–2022” link. Use the individual links under the “Data” heading to access pages where you can download the data type listed.
The mainframe portion of the CPS Test System is designed to test application and correction data processing between your system and the CPS outside the production environment. You can use CPS test files of application records and matching ISIRs, or you can create and submit your own application test records.
In particular, we encourage schools and servicers to test the 2021–22 correction process. To submit only test correction records you have created, you must contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support to request record IDs that will process successfully in the CPS Test System.
Schools and servicers interested in using the mainframe portion of the CPS Test System should download and review the 2021–2022 CPS Test System User Guide for more information. The guide is available for download in PDF format from the IFAP website at the 2021–2022 “CPS Test System” page noted above.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding the 2021–22 CPS Test System, contact CPS/SAIG Technical Support at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at CPSSAIG@ed.gov.