Assessment Center

Online Appointment System

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact our office.

1. Why do I need to take the Placement Exam?
2. How can I prepare for the Placement Exam?
3. Can I fail the Placement Exam?
4. Do my Placement Results expire?
5. Can I challenge my Placement Results?
6. How often can I retake the Placement Exam?
7. Are there any English or Math classes I can take without taking the Placement Exam?
8. What is the difference between English as a Native Language (ENL) and English as a Second Language (ESL)?
9. Do I need to take the Placement Exam if I am NOT planning on taking English and Math classes?
10. What is a Prerequisite?
11. How do I get authorization to enroll in English and/or Math classes?
12. How do I get authorization to enroll in classes with prerequisites other than English and Math?
13. Where is the Assessment Center Located?

1. Why do I need to take the Placement Exam?


If you want to take English and Math classes here at Pierce, you must take the Placement Exam.

  2. How can I prepare for the Placement Exam?


Sample tests are available for English as a Native language, English as a Second Language, and Math. You may download and print them by clicking here.

3. Can I fail the Placement Exam?


No. These exams are not on a "pass/fail" basis. The Placement Exams are designed to place students in classes where they are most likely to succeed.

4. Do my Placement Results expire?

Yes. Your Placement Results expire after 2 years.  

5. Can I challenge my Placement Results?


English and Math Advisors are available to discuss your results with you. Please contact the Assessment Center for more information.

6. How often can I retake the Placement Exam?


Students may retake the English Exam once a year and the Math Exam once every 6 months. However, if you complete an English or Math class, you may NOT test again.

7. Are there any English or Math classes I can take without taking the Placement Exam?


English 79, the lowest level of ESL, and Math 105, 110 and 112. We only recommend these classes if you are certain you are not at a higher level.   

8. What is the difference between English as a Native Language (ENL) and English as a Second Language (ESL)? 

The ENL Placement Exam is designed for students fluent in English. The ESL Placement Exam is designed for students NOT fluent in English, have been in the US for 5 years or less, and are wishing to improve their English skills.
Please Note: If any of the 3 criteria apply to you, please schedule the ENL Placement Exam.
1. I was born and raised in the US
2. I graduated High School in the US
3. I have passes the GED or High School equivalency in the US

If you are unsure which exam you should take, please contact our office.  

9. Do I need to take the Placement Exam if I am NOT planning on taking English and Math classes?

Not usually. Only a small number of other classes have an English or Math prerequisite. Please see the Schedule of Classes to verify that no prerequisite is required.

10. What is a Prerequisite?

A prerequisite is a requirement that must be met before enrolling in a specific course.

For Example: Accounting 2, as seen in the Schedule of Classes, has a prerequisite of Accounting 1. This means you must have completed Accounting 1 with a passing grade of “C” or better before enrolling in Accounting 2.

All classes that have prerequisites are specified in any Pierce College Schedule of Classes with the message “PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY MUST BE ON FILE AT THE ASSESSMENT CENTER.”

11. How do I get authorization to enroll in English and/or Math class?

By doing one of the following:
-Taking the Placement Exam here at Pierce.
-Taking the Placement Exam at another College or University. Not all test results are accepted.
-Taking the prerequisite course here at Pierce or another College or University. Students must present their transcripts to the Assessment Center for authorization.

Please contact us if you have any further questions.

  12. How do I get authorization to enroll in classes with prerequisites other than English and Math?

 By doing one of the following:
- Completing the prerequisite with a “C” or better here at Pierce
- Completing the prerequisite with a “C” or better at another College or University. Transcripts must be submitted and approved by the Assessment Center.

Transcripts can be submitted by:
- bringing an official copy (sealed or opened) to the Assessment Center
- accessing your unofficial transcripts on your college’s website on one of our office computers
- Fax directly to the Assessment Center from the college where the class was completed (student faxes will not be accepted)
  

  13. Where is the Assessment Center located?

On the 1^st Floor of the Student Services Building; enter from Parking Lot 1.