Student Affairs

 

Course Placement Testing

It is a requirement that you take a course placement test prior to enrolling in your first English, math, and/or reading course. The course placement test is free and can be taken at any college in the district, and used to register for courses in English, math, and/or reading. There are some exceptions. Please review the Administrative Regulations.

"Course Placement" means the process of gathering information about an individual student to facilitate his or her academic success. At Maricopa Community Colleges, course placement includes the collection of information regarding a student's math, English and reading skills. This may include English language proficiency and the need for educational services.

All students taking their first college level English, reading, or mathematics courses must complete a course placement test before they can register.

Test Instruments: (Not all instruments are available at all colleges. Check with the Testing Center at the college of your choice.)

• ACCUPLACER is a computerized testing system that helps place students into appropriate courses. The tests assess student's English, Reading and Math skills. The test are untimed, multiple choice, and computer-adaptive tests.
  
• ASSET is three, 25 minute tests designed to identify your skill level in English language usage, reading, and mathematics. ASSET scores are used place students in the appropriate classes. Study Guide for ASSET.
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • General Test-Taking Strategies
  • Preparing for the Test Day
  • Sample Questions
  • Scores and Guides for Course Placement
    
• COMPASS is a computer-adaptive testing system that is delivered via the Internet. It helps place students into appropriate courses to ensure student success. Using the latest technology, COMPASS measures your students' skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Then it provides fast, accurate results to help you make the right course placement decisions.
  You may view ESL sample questions by visiting our ESL website.

• CELSA (Combined English Language Skills Assessment) - a 45-minute test consisting of 75 questions. This test is designed to place ESL (English as a Second Language) students in the appropriate ESL classes. Practice Test

For more information on course placement testing, contact an assessment technician/ coordinator at any of the colleges.