Assessment

Assessment Center L-207

We provide testing for:

  • Placement tests for English, math and ESOL courses

  • Apprenticeship assessment tests in math and English

  • Ability to Benefit Test (ATB)

  • CELSA Ability to Benefit for ESOL students

Important information about placement tests

Important information for students: The assessment tests should be taken very seriously. If you are not satisfied with your test results, you will need to wait three (3) years before being allowed to retake the test. Also, you cannot retake the test once you complete an English or math class at City, Mesa or Miramar College.

Your assessment test scores are used solely for the purpose of determining your skill level. Based on this skill level, entry into courses requiring a reading, writing or mathematics prerequisite skill level is determined. It is important to know, however, that these tests are meant for placement purposes only, they cannot keep you out of college.

Many of your questions about assessment testing may be answered here: FAQ's for Assessment Testing

 

Types of placement tests Offered

Accuplacer®
  • Placement in English and Math classes
  • Computer-Adaptive
  • Untimed
  • Multiple choice
  • Used for: all new students, Apprenticeship programs, Cosmetology
  • Find test prep tips here: Accuplacer® Test Prep site. View the information for Sentence Skills, Reading Comprehension, Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra.
ESOL
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages
  • Timed
  • Multiple Choice
  • For placement into the ESOL course series

Which English Test Should You Take?
  • ACCUPLACER: Take this if you are a native speaker of English or if you have completed the majority of your education in the United States (junior high and high school).
  • ESOL: Take if English is not your first language and you attended less than four years of high school in the United States
  • If you are still unsure of which test to take, speak with a counselor or contact the ESOL Coordinator, Jan Jarrell, jjarrell@sdccd.edu

    • There are two tests: Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra. You should choose to take the test that most closely matches the last mathematics course you took. The sample questions can help you decide.

    Students who placed at M50 and are interested in enrolling in MATH 121, 141 or 150 may be eligible for a challenge test. Ask the test proctor for details. If you're not sure about which math course is right for your major, speak to a counselor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Apprenticeship Programs

    See the Apprenticeship site for requirements

    Use the Accuplacer sample test to prepare.

    Ability to benefit (ATB)

    The Ability to Benefit (ATB) test is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid for students who do not have a high school diploma or GED. This is taken separately from the placement test, and is a pass/fail test. The Financial Aid office will determine if you are required to take the ATB test.
    We offer two versions of the ATB:

     

    Testing Schedule

    Testing is by appointment only. New Students should contact First Year Services to schedule testing.A 7-digit college student ID (CSID) number is required to sign up for testing. You received your CSID number via email after you submitted your application for admission. If you're not sure what your CSID number is, look it up on Reg-e. (Click the "Get Your CSID" button.)

    You must bring a valid photo ID with you to test. No exceptions. The ID must include your name and a recognizable photograph. Original ID only; we cannot accept copies. The only acceptable forms of photo identification are any one of the following: current driver's license, state approved ID, college ID, current passport, naturalization card, current state or federal ID card, tribal ID card, certificate of citizenship.


    Who should take an assessment test?

    Students who plan to:

    • Take English or Mathematics courses
    • Take a course that has an English or math prerequisite or advisory
    • Obtain an associate degree
    • Transfer to a four year college or university

    Exemptions--You do not need to take an assessment test if:

    • You already earned an Associate or higher-level degree
    • You can prove that you have taken the equivalent English and Math classes at another college or university. *
    • You have taken one of the following tests within the last two years and received the minimum required score or higher.*
          • Test/Minimum Required Score
            SAT – Engl /500
            SAT – Math/ 560
            ACT – Engl/22
            ACT - Math/23
            EAP/ “Ready for CSU College-Level English/Math Course”
            EPT/151
            ELM/50

    * You must submit official transcripts to the District office.
    Instructions for submitting transcripts and test scores

    Disability Support Programs & Services

    Testing accommodations are also available for students with visual or mobility disabilities. For more information, please contact the Disability Support Programs and Services Office.

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