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Do I need a placement assessment?
Why is placement assessment required?
What if I fail the assessment?
What do I need to do to take the placement assessment?
Can I use a calculator on the math assessments?
How long are the scores good for?
If I am not satisfied with my scores, can I take the placement assessment again?
Is is possible to "test out" of a class?
What if I took the tests at another Maricopa Community College?
Q. Do I need a placement assessment?
A. If you are taking any English, reading, or math courses for the first time in college, or if you are taking a course which has placement assessment scores as a prerequisite, you must take the appropriate placement assessment.
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 numerical skills and must take all 3 tests in one sitting.
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 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.
Back to topQ. Why is 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 assessment?
A. You cannot fail! 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 placement assessment?
A. First, complete a Student Information Form (pdf format, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) and submit it to the Admissions and Records office. This form may also be filled out online 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 placement assessment. Photo ID is required to take the placement assessment.
Back to topQ. Can I use a calulator on the math assessments?
A. While all math items on the placement assessment have been designed to be answered without the use of a calculator, calculators may now be used on all COMPASS math placement assessments and on the Algebra portions of the ASSET placement assessments. Calculators are NOT permitted on the ASSET Numerical Skills Assessment. Certain types of calculators are not permitted. Contact the Assessment/Testing Center if you are not sure whether your calculator may be used.
Q. How long are the scores good for?
A. Assessment scores are good for 2 years from the date you take the assessment.
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. Please bring photo ID.
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 accepts 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 use the same placement assessments and cut scores. Therefore your scores will be valid at any MCCD campus.
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updated: June 30, 2004
Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/assessment/faq.html
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