Placement Testing

The Reading Placement Test consists of 20 multiple choice questions.

The English Self-Directed Questionnaire consists of 14 multiple choice questions. This assessment should be taken along with the reading test.

Click to take the English Questionnaire test

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test consists of two sections:

ESL Reading:

• Consists of 20 questions

ESL WritePlacer:

• Consists of one essay question

Disclaimer: The English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test should only be taken if English is not your first language and you are not proficient in reading and writing English.
If English is your first language, you will instead complete:

• The Reading Placement Test
• The English Questionnaire

The Math Placement Test consists of three parts: Algebra, Arithmetic and Advanced Algebra. The test will begin with the Algebra section, which contains 20 multiple-choice questions.

• If you score 9 or lower on the Algebra section, the test will automatically open the Arithmetic section, which also consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
• If you score from 10 to 14 on the Algebra section, the test will end, and your score report will display the math course in which you are eligible to enroll.
• If you score 15 or higher on the Algebra section, the test will continue with the Advanced Algebra section, which includes another 20 multiple-choice questions.

This test is optional and not a requirement. If you plan to register for advanced biology classes and have previously studied introductory biology, you may be eligible to skip Biology 110 (Introduction to Biology) by successfully passing this waiver test.

Here are the key details about the test:

• It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
• You will have a 60-minute time limit to complete it.
• A passing score of 70 or above will exempt you from taking the BIO 110 prerequisite, allowing you to enroll directly in advanced biology courses.

There are no practice materials for this test, but this is the open textbook that you can use to review what the course uses: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e.

If you are taking a placement test virtually (at home), we will no longer be using Examity as of Sept. 15, 2024. We will be using ProctorU to proctor your assessments. You will need a desktop or laptop computer with a web camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet place to concentrate and take your assessment. It is important that no one else be in the room with you while taking the test virtually.

You are not allowed the use of any electronic devices during your assessment or the use of a calculator during your math assessment unless approved by Disability Resources & Services as an accommodation.

Live+ (Guardian) Instructions for Test-Takers

Online Exam Proctoring with ProctorU

For your convenience, this course will utilize the ProctorU platform to proctor your online exams.

What is ProctorU?
ProctorU is a platform that is partnered with your institution to help you take an exam online while ensuring academic integrity is upheld. Using this platform gives you the convenience of testing from home 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

How Do I Prepare for My ProctorU Exam?

Step 1:

Create a ProctorU account and download the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser.

Step 2:

Schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance.

• Log in to your ProctorU account and click the "Schedule New Session" button.
• Confirm your institution, term and exam name, then click "Search Sessions."
• Use the calendar and clock features on the left to select your desired testing date and time.

Note: If you choose to take your exam on-demand instead of scheduling in advance, you may incur premium fees and wait times.

Step 3:

Test your equipment.

• Important Note: You will need administrative access of your computer. To view the other minimum requirements, view this this article.
• Please test your equipment before exam day in an environment that is identical to or close to your actual testing location.

Step 4:

Prepare for exam day.

This video will walk you through the exam day experience, including any best practices. For additional information, read this article to ensure you are prepared for exam day.

 

Do you have any testing accommodations?

The ProctorU platform is fully ADA-compliant. If you require special testing accommodations, I will need to let ProctorU know. Please work with me prior to your exam to make sure your accommodations are noted in their system.

Does it negatively interfere with my computer?

ProctorU does not permanently impact your computer in any way. You will be able to see everything your proctor is doing while you are connected. Once your exam is over and you have closed out of your chat session and video page with ProctorU, it completely removes the screen sharing client from your computer. You may also uninstall the Guardian Browser after each exam session if you choose to do so.

Does ProctorU breach my privacy rights?

Absolutely not! ProctorU takes your privacy very seriously and stringently adheres to all Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. No student information can be shared without your direct approval. If you have any privacy concerns, you can visit ProctorU’s Privacy Policy page. For additional information, review ProctorU’s Student Bill of Rights.

Still have questions or concerns?

You can view ProctorU’s test-taker support FAQ page here.

ProctorU wants you to know that help is always available! You can always start a live chat by logging in to your ProctorU account and clicking the chat icon in the lower right side of your screen, open a support ticket, or call 855.772.8678.

  

Contact CCAC's Office of Disability Resources & Services to see if you qualify.

Do I qualify for an accommodation?

You may not need to take all of the placement tests. CCAC offers a number of eligible exemptions.

Do I qualify for an exemption?

If you are a high school senior and are looking to take advantage of the reading/English exemption, you must send your high school transcript only after the first two grading periods or first semester of your senior year to get this exemption. Any transcripts sent without those grades and GPA will not be acceptable.
 

Dual Enrollment students who are juniors or seniors only need to take a placement test if the course they are taking has a math or English prerequisite or if they have not taken the SAT/ACT exams. All other Dual Enrollment students not yet juniors or seniors are required to take all three placement tests (reading, math and English).

The reading and math placement tests are not timed, so you can take the time you need to complete it in one sitting. The BIO 110 Waiver is a timed test, and you have 60 minutes to complete that test.

If taking the reading and math tests together, you should estimate at least 1½ hours, depending on your reading and math skills—longer if you are able to advance to the algebra and advanced algebra sections of the math test.

If you are required to complete the reading test, you will also need to complete the English Questionnaire.

Placement assessments can be taken a second time with the approval of an advisor. A student may retest for placement out of a course in which they were enrolled after a four-year period. Once a student has retested after four years and scores into the same course(s) for which they were enrolled, there is no further alternative, regardless of the result. The BIO 110 Waiver can only be taken once a year.

Once you complete your placement assessments, Academic Advising can help you explore our programs and register for classes.

• Allegheny Campus's Testing Center is in Room SSC–360 and is located in the Student Services Center at 839 Ridge Ave. on the Northside of Pittsburgh.
• Boyce Campus's Testing Center is in Room S–563 and is located at 595 Beatty Road in Monroeville.
• North Campus's Testing Center is in Room 1002 and is located at 8701 Perry Highway in McCandless.
• South Campus's Testing Center is in Room B–447 and is located at 1750 Clairton Road in West Mifflin.
• Homewood-Brushton Center's Testing Center is in Room 213 and is located at 701 N. Homewood Ave.

View Locations