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Course Placement Testing

Course Placement Home · FAQ · Test-Taking Strategies · Preparing · Sample Questions · Scores and Guides

Frequently Asked Questions
for ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS and CELSA

The information included here is also available in booklet form free of charge. Contact any college test center. It describes the ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS and CELSA testing policies, summarizes general test taking strategies and helps you prepare for the test day. Included are practice tests.

Review this information carefully and take the practice test well before the test day so you will be familiar with which test(s) you will be taking, what it measures, and the strategies you can use to do your best.

What are the placement tests?
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 placement tests. COMPASS is an untimed computer-based placement test. Both are designed to identify your skill levels in English language usage, reading, and mathematics.
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.
CELSA is a 45-minute multiple choice test designed to measure context and grammatical understanding of the English language for students speaking English as a Second Language.

Not all instruments are available at all colleges. Check with the Testing Center at the college of your choice. Scores are used by you and your advisor or counselor to help you decide which courses to take. All students taking their first college-level English, reading, or mathematics course must complete placement testing before they can register.

Why is testing required?
We want you to be as successful as possible. Research shows that placement testing helps you to enter English, reading, or mathematics courses at the proper starting point. The result is that you will have a better chance of completing your courses and earning good grades.

Can I fail placement tests?
No! Whatever scores you earn, an English, reading, or mathematics course will be available for you.

Can I retest?
Yes! Test scores are good for two years for course placement at any MCCCD college. You are permitted one retest in each subject area per year.