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NET--Nurse Entrance Test

What is the NET?

The NET (Nurse Entrance Test) is a computer based test consisting of six parts: math skills, reading comprehension, test taking skills, stress level, social interaction, and learning style. All six parts must be completed in order to receive scores and be considered for admission. However, only the math and reading scores will be used to calculate application eligibility. A reading score of 60% or higher and a math score of 50% or higher must be achieved for admission to one of the Maricopa Community Colleges' Nursing Programs.

Math skills problems consist of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, number system conversions and algebra equations. Calculators are NOT allowed. Scratch paper will be provided.

Reading comprehension involves reading selections and answering questions.

Can I retest if I have not achieved the minimum scores?

Students may retest after a 60-day waiting period. This allows time for remediation. Up to 2 retests are permitted within one year from the date of the first test. A minimum score of 50% on the math portion and 60% on the reading portion is required for entrance into the nursing program. After the minimum score is achieved no retesting is necessary or permitted. Scores are valid for two years (24 months).

Can you accommodate students with disabilities?

Students with documented disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center to make arrangements to take their test. The Disability Resource Center is located on the ground floor of the Kranitz Student Center and can be reached at 602-787-7170.

Students requiring extra time will not be able to take the computer based test because the program is self-timing and cannot be adjusted. These students will be given a paper and pencil test instead. This test cannot be scored locally but must be sent back to ERI for scoring, requiring at least a 2-week turnaround time. Please take this into consideration when scheduling and allow sufficient time prior to nursing program application due dates.

I've taken the NET test at another school. Can I use my scores here?

NET scores from any school in the Maricopa County Community College District are good at all other Maricopa campuses and are accessible through the student information system (SIS). If the scores are from a school outside the Maricopa system the scores must be sent directly from that school to one of the Maricopa schools for input into SIS. A Student Information Form must be on file with the Admissions Office of the Maricopa campus receiving the scores. The test must have been taken within one year of application to the Nursing Program. Contact the Assessment/Testing Center for more information.

I will be attending another school. Can I take the NET at Paradise Valley Community College?

If you will be applying to a nursing program at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges you may take your test at Paradise Valley Community College. If you are attending a school that is not part of the Maricopa Community College District, additional fees for proctoring an exam for another institution will apply along with postage and/or faxing charges. For a complete list of fees charged see our webpage at http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/assessment/proctor.html

I live outside your area. Where can I take the NET test?

We do not have information concerning other sites or schools that offer the NET. Please contact the nursing school you wish to attend for information on where and when you can take the NET in your area if it is required for admission.

How can I prepare for the NET?

The NET study guide is available for purchase in the PVCC bookstore, through Educational Resources, Inc. at www.eriworld.com, and is also on reserve at the college library. The MCCD Nursing program offers a downloadable NET Preparation Workbook on their website. A free NET Study Guide and sample questions are also available at StudyGuideZone.com. Online sample questions are available at http://www.testprepreview.com/nursing_practice.htm. In addition, we have prepared a brief tutorial on how to use the computer to take the NET test, Navigating the NET, to help you feel more comfortable with a computer-based testing format.

Can I take the NET "for practice" before I take it "for real"?

No. Because the NET is a standardized test used by Nursing Programs all over the county, all test materials are confidential. Live test questions should not be used to "practice". Taking the test for the purpose of viewing live test questions in order to improve a later test score is considered cheating. All such instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Nursing Program and may result in the student being permanently blocked from entering the Nursing Program. Instead, visit one of the many websites that have NET practice questions available or refer to the NET study guide for practice questions.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the NET test is $25. This fee is subject to change. Please call 602-787-7050 to verify current fee. After the Assessment/Testing Center verifies eligibity, a fee payment form will be issued which is taken to the Cashier's Office on the ground floor of the Kranitz Student Center. The form and the receipt are then taken back to the Assessment/Testing Center. The Cashier's Office is open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday. Eligibility verification, fee payment, and testing must all take place on the same day.

When will I get the results?

The results of the NET will be printed upon completion of the test and students will receive a copy before they leave the testing center. The scores will also be posted in the Student Information System (SIS). KEEP THE PRINTOUT of the results of the NET test, as a copy of the results must be submitted with each nursing program application. We are unable to provide copies of the printout after the initial test although the scores will remain on file in the Student Information System.

If you have a documented disability and must take the paper-pencil version of the test in order to receive accommodations such as extra time, your test scores will not be available immediately. The paper-pencil version of the test cannot be scored locally but must be returned to the test publisher for scoring. Please allow at least two weeks for your scores to be received. Copies of these test scores are also unavailable so KEEP THE PRINTOUT for your own records. The scores will be kept on file in the Student Information System but we are unable to provide another copy of the score report. Due to the length of the paper-pencil test and the staff time required, an appointment is necessary to ensure staff will be available to administer the test.

Where and when can I take the test?

Assessment/Testing Center
Kranitz Student Center
Room 226
602-787-7050

NET testing is available on a walk-in basis during our walk-in testing hours. Due to heavy volume of other tests, NET testing will not be available the week before classes start or the first week of class, or the last week of classes or finals week. Hours may vary during school holidays and semester breaks. Call 602-787-7050 to verify current hours.

You must arrive at least three hours prior to closing in order to test. No NET tests will be started after that time. Photo ID is required and a Student Information Form must be on file with the Admissions and Records Office.

It is recommended that students complete the NET test well before they plan to submit their nursing application. In the event that the student did not achieve the required score, time for remediation and retesting is available. The NET test can be taken only once every 60 days, and no more than 3 times in a one-year period at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges. The scores are valid for two years.

Refer to the Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program website for additional information.