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Do I need a course placement assessment?
Why is course placement assessment required?
What if I fail the course placement assessment?
What do I need to do to take the course placement assessment?
How long are the scores good for?
If I am not satisfied with my scores, can I take the course placement assessment again?
Is is possible to "test out" of a class?
What if I took the tests at another Maricopa Community College?
Can I use a calculator on the math course placement assessments?
How can I get a copy of my course placement assessment scores?
Q. Do I need a course placement assessment?
A. If you are new to college, are seeking a degree, and will be enrolling in 6 or more credit hours, you must take all 3 course placement assessments (English and reading using COMPASS and math using ALEKS).
If you are enrolling in any English, reading, or math courses for the first time in college, or if you are enrolling in a course which has course placement assessment scores as a prerequisite, you must take the appropriate course placement assessment prior to enrollment.
If you are applying for Federal Financial Aid and do not have a high school diploma or GED, you must be assessed in English, reading, and prealgebra (numerical skills) and must take all 3 tests in one sitting. In order to qualify by "Ability to Benefit" you must score at least 32 in Writing Skills, 62 in Reading Skills, and 25 in Prealgebra on the COMPASS course placement assessment. Scores from different administrations cannot be combined.
If you are under the age of 18 and do not have a high school diploma or GED, you must take both the English and the reading assessment and score into the 101 level (70 on Writing Skills and 83 on Reading Skills) in order to take any academic courses at PVCC. If you are taking a math course, you must also take the math assessment and score into the appropriate level. Students planning to take Dual Enrollment courses must take the COMPASS math assessment rather than the ALEKS math assessment given to all other students.
Back to topQ. Why is course placement assessment required?
A. We want you to be as successful as possible. Research shows that placement assessments help you to enter English, reading, or math courses at the proper starting point. The result is that you have a better chance of completing your courses successfully.
Back to topQ. What if I fail the course placement assessment?
A. Course placement assessments are not "pass or fail" tests. They are merely tools to help ensure that you are starting at a course level appriopriate for you. Whatever scores you earn, an English, reading, or mathematics course will be recommended for you.
Back to topQ. What do I need to do to take the course placement assessment?
A. First, complete the Student Information Form at my.maricopa.edu and click on "First Time Users Start Here" if you have not already done so. You can also complete the form in the Admissions Office or by phone at (602)493-2669. Then go to the Assessment/Testing Center, room B226, during walk-in testing hours. Call (602) 787-7050 for the current schedule. Allow at least one hour per subject for English and reading placement assessment and one and a half hours for math. Photo ID is required to take the placement assessment.
Back to topQ. How long are the scores good for?
A. English and reading assessment scores are good for 2 years from the date you take the assessment. The exception is the "Reading Exempt" score which does not expire. ALEKS math scores are good for one year and must be valid at the time the course starts.
Back to topQ. If I am not satisfied with my scores, can I take the placement assessment again?
A. You are permitted one retest in each subject area per year. You must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. Remember to bring photo ID.
With the ALEKS math test, one retest is permitted in EITHER Level I or Level II, not both. It is strongly recommended that you review before retesting. Click here for more information about reviewing for ALEKS.
Back to topQ. Is is possible to "test out" of a class?
A. It is not possible to receive credit for classes based on your placement assessment scores. However, your reading score may be high enough to exempt you from taking CRE101: Critical and Evaluative Reading. If this happens your score report will read "Reading Exempt." This score will never expire. No credit hours are awarded for reading exemption. Please check with an academic advisor to see how this will affect your program of study.
PVCC does accept credit earned through programs such as CLEP, AP, DANTES, ACT-PEP, etc. Please see the section on Credit for Prior Learning in the common pages of the current college catalog for more information. PVCC offers CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) examinations for credit.
Back to topQ. What if I took the tests at another Maricopa Community College?
All Maricopa Community Colleges accept the same placement assessments and cut scores. Therefore your scores will be valid at any MCCD campus.
Back to topQ. Can I use a calulator on the math assessments?
A. PVCC now uses the ALEKS computer adaptive placement tool for most students, which does not allow the use of a calculator other than the one provided within the software. The calculator will only be available for questions that permit the use of the calculator.
If you do not have a high school diploma or GED and will be applying for Federal Financial Aid, you MUST take the COMPASS Prealgebra math assessment instead of ALEKS. Certain calculators are permitted on this test and there is also a calculator provided within the software.
Back to topQ. How can I get a copy of my course placement assessment scores?
A. Sign in to your Student Center at my.maricopa.edu. If you have never signed in, click on "First Time Users Start Here" and follow the directions to get your MEID and set up a password. If you already have your MEID and password, click on "login" and enter your MEID and password to access your Student Center. Under "Academic History" click on "Test Scores". You may print the Test Scores page if you need a hard copy of your scores. At the bottom of the page is a link to the MCCCD placement cut score chart. If you have questions about which courses you should take, please see an academic advisor.
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updated: April 27, 2011
Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/assessment/faq.html
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