Download a printable pdf version of the Assessment Center Frequently Asked Questions.
Q. What is assessment?
A. Assessment is part of the Matriculation process. Matriculation gives you the information you need for a good start at Sacramento City College. Assessment tests are used to recommend English, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Math classes because these classes are prerequisites to many classes you will take and are required as part of an AA/AS Degree or transfer program. For these reasons, it is helpful for you to have these Assessment results before you see a SCC counselor. Most Assessment testing is done on the computer. If you are not familiar with using computers, we can help you get started.
Q. Do I need to take an Assessment Test?
A. Take an assessment test if you:
• Are planning to earn a degree and/or certificate, and/or transfer to a university;
• Are taking a course that requires a prerequisite in English, English as a Second Language (ESL), Reading
and/or Math;
• Are applying for the Vocational Nursing Program (LVN), Register Nurse (RN) and Dental Hygiene.
Q. Should I take the English or English as a Second Language (ESL) test?
A. If you plan to enroll in an English course or lab, you should take the English test. IF you plan to enroll in ESL course or lab, you should take the ESL test.
Q. How long are my assessment results valid?
A. English, math and ESL placement results are valid for a period of 2 years from the date of the test. Chemistry results are valid for one year. Math Competency and Reading Competency are valid forever.
Q. What are the fees for taking the test?
A. Testing is free.
Q. Do I need to register or make an appointment to take a test?
A. You must complete an application http://www.losrios.edu/lrc/lrc_app.html and have a Los Rios Student ID number in order to test. No appointment or registration required. English, reading, math, chemistry, Myers-Briggs and Strong Interest Inventories are don on a walk-in basis, first-come, first-served. English as a Second Language (ESL), English Essay, and Ability to Benefit (ATB) are offered at specified times.
Q. What do I need to bring for the test?
A. You have to know your Los Rios student ID number and must bring any type of photo identification. Acceptable forms of photo identification include: driver license, high school ID, college ID, current state or federal ID card, current passport, a naturalization card or certificate of citizenship. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided.
Q. May I use a dictionary, calculator or any other resources?
A. You may not use dictionaries, calculators or other resources during the assessment tests. You can use a calculator only on the Chemistry test.
Q. How many tests do I need to take?
A. Most new students take both either English or ESL and Math tests. There are three tests in the English assessment: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills and English Essay if placed below English Writing 300. ESL is a two part test. The first part is the ESL Essay, and second part is the computerized Reading Skills and Language Usage.
Q. How long does the test take?
A. The time limit for the English Essay or ESL Essay is 35 minutes. The computerized tests are not timed. The average time of completion for the English assessment is about 60 minutes, for math it is about 30 minutes, and for ESL is about 2.5 hours.
Q. Do I need to take the English Essay?
A. Only students who have already taken the CPT multiple choice English assessment and the result indicates that "You must complete the English essay to receive your English placement" are required to take an English Essay Assessment Test.
Q. Do I need to take the Chemistry Diagnostic Test?
A. All students intending to enroll in CHEM 400 and who have not completed CHEM 300 with a grade of "C" or better, have to take the chemistry test in order to satisfy the course prerequisite. You may use any type of calculator on the Chemistry test.
Q. Are there sample questions that I can preview before the test?
A. Yes. You may review the study guides available online at http://www.scc.losrios.edu/assessment.xml.
Q. What if I fail the placement test? Can I retake it?
A. The placement test is not a "pass" or "fail" test. The purpose of testing is to place you in the appropriate English, ESL and Math courses to help you succeed in college. It does not affect your admission to SCC.
English and Math Retest Policy - Students may repeat an Accuplacer placement test once without a referral from a counselor. After the second test, students may retest with a counselor referral after a minimum waiting period of 4 months. You may not retest for English unless you have completed both the computerized and essay portions of the test.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Retest Policy - If students have started taking ESL courses in the Los Rios District, retesting will not be allowed. An ESL test may not be retaken within two years unless there is a valid reason for the exception.
Q. May I take only the reading test?
A. Yes, if you are preparing for graduation and have not completed English Reading 310 or ESLR 340 with a grade of "C" or better, you may take the test to meet the reading proficiency requirement for Los Rios an AA/AS degree. Reading Competency to Graduate may only be taken twice (second try requires a Counselor referral). Please note that your first test for English or Reading placement COUNTS as one of your two tries!
Q. May I take only the math test?
A. Yes. There are three math tests: Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra and College Level Math (CLM). You will begin math testing with either the Arithmetic or Elementary Algebra Test. The computer selects which test to present depending on how you answer certain background questions. If you obtain a high score on the Elementary Algebra Test, you will be able to take the CLM Test.
Q. What is Math Competency for Graduation?
A. Math Competency for Graduation is to satisfy the Los Rios AA/AS math graduation requirement. You must bring a Math Competency Information Form from a counselor on the day of the test.
Q. How soon can I get my results?
A. The results of the computerized assessment tests are available to students immediately after completion of the tests. The English Essay results will be available four (4) working days after taking your essay. The ESL testing results will be available four (4) working days after taking your test.
Q. What if I completed coursework at another college or university?
A. If you have a college degree, you are exempt from placement testing. However, if you plan to enroll in any English, ESL or math course(s), you must present an official or unofficial transcript showing that you have met the prerequisite for the course(s) or take the assessment tests to place into the course(s).
Q. What do I do if I have a disability or learning (dis)abilities?
A. If you need assistance, other than extra time or zoom text while taking your computerized assessments, contact the Disability Resource Center - Student Services 101, (916) 558-2087 or Proctor Testing Center, Administration of Justice Building Room 5, (916) 558-2545.