Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is assessment?
2. What is the purpose of assessment?
3. Who should take the placement test?
4. Why do students have to take the placement test when they have already completed English and Math courses in high school?
5. What is covered in orientation & advising?
6. Who may be exempted from taking the placement tests?
7. How can students clear prerequisites if they have taken courses at other institutions?
8. How can students use placement test scores from another institution to clear prerequisites?
9. Can students request to re-take the placement test?
10. What kinds of questions are on the English and Math placement tests?
11. Does your office proctor test for other schools?
12. Are the tests timed?
13. What do I need to bring to the tests?

1. What is assessment?

Assessment is a process that includes tests and other measures and is designed to assist students in meeting course prerequisites.

2. What is the purpose of assessment?

Assessment/Testing is used to measure your mathematics, reading, and written English skills.

Assessment scores are used to determine student's placement in college, in addition to assisting students with course selection. Students also use assessment to meet course prerequisites.

3. Who should take the placement test?

• Students who designate their educational goals to include transfer, obtain an associate degree, or earn a certificate of achievement
• Students who register for any English course or for a mathematics course at or above the level of elementary algebra, or for any course which has English or math as a prerequisite
• Students who have taken the Cuyamaca College English and Mathematics Placement Tests more than two years ago and have not used those scores for placement purposes

4. Why do students have to take the placement test when they have already completed English and Math courses in high school?

Assessment assists students in course selection at Cuyamaca College. The scores received are also used as an advisement tool for determining appropriate placement in college courses. We must first accurately assess students' skills before they can enroll in classes.

5. What is covered in orientation & advising?

New college students will benefit from the following information provided in orientation & advising:

• Information About Cuyamaca College
• Class Schedule and Catalog Rights
• Student Services
• Educational Objectives
• Registration Process
• Interpretation of Assessment Scores
• Educational Planning

6. Who may be exempted from taking the placement tests?

• Earned an Associate Degree or higher at an accredited college or university.  Must provide copy of diploma or unofficial transcript.

• Completed English and/or Mathematics courses at an accredited college or university. Must provide unofficial transcript.

• Completed Advance Placement (AP) in English and/or Mathematics.  Must provide a copy of the AP Examination results with scores of 3, 4 or 5.

• Students that have graduated from a high school in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) should be given the Math Articulated Credit Form to have signed by their high school counselor if they wish to be exempt from the Mathematics assessment and receive credit for Math 110.  Students must provide proof of having completed Algebra 1 and Geometry with a grade of “C” or better, and a grade of “B” or better in Algebra II in the last two years.  They can be cleared to take a Mathematics course at the level of 120-178.  Enrollment in higher level courses requires going through the Math assessment process.

• With regards to the bullet above, students from the GUHSD that received a “C” in Algebra II may be exempt from the assessment process by bringing an unofficial transcript. They can be placed in Math 110 while still in high school.

• Completed the assessment process at another California Community College and the appropriate documentation of placement is provided.

• If a student is enrolling in a course for educational/personal enrichment course that does not require English or Math as a prerequisite, co-requisite or advisory (recommended preparation).

• Scores from assessments such as ELM, SAT, ACT and EPT are not used to exempt students or clear prerequisites.

*Substandard grades in previous English or math classes cannot be used for placement.

7. How can students clear prerequisites if they have taken courses at other institutions?

Students may complete the Prerequisite form Allow up to 5 business days for processing. NOTE: Incomplete forms will not be processed.

8. How can students use placement test scores from another institution in lieu of taking our assessment test?

Students who have taken the placement tests at another California Community College can contact the Assessment Office at (619) 660-4426.

9. Can students request to re-take the placement test?

Students can request to re-take the placement tests if it has been two years or more since the last assessment test was completed and if the student has not attempted coursework within the subject they want to retest. Students who have compelling reasons and do not meet these criteria can speak with a counselor about their specific situation. If approved, documentation will be needed that shows approval from the chair of the department. Please contact the Assessment Office for specific information.

10. What kinds of questions are on the English and Math placement tests?

Students can view sample English and Math test questions by clicking here:

• English Practice Test
• CELSA (English as a Second Language) Practice Test
• Math

12. Are the tests timed?

The computerized placement tests (ATB) are not timed. However, the paper/pencil assessment tests are timed. Both math tests are 45 minutes each (of actual testing time) and the English test is 1 hour and 20 minutes (45 minutes for the reading section and 35 minutes for the writing section). Allow for another 15 minutes to fill out the scantron form and go over testing instructions.

13. What do I need to bring to the tests?

It is important that students show up at least 15 minutes prior to the testing time and be prepared to present a picture identification and your student ID number.

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Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Parkway El Cajon, California 92019 619-660-4000

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revised August 28, 2012

Revised  August 28, 2012

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