Testing can be stressful, and we understand that. Be sure to read our test taking skills section and consider meeting with an Academic Coach if you need help with test anxiety.
- Placement Tests
- Makeup Tests
- Tests for PVCC Online Courses
- PVCC Tests Taken at Other Testing Sites
- Take Other Schools' Tests at the PVCC Testing Center
- Testing Instruction Form
Placement Tests
Most students who want to take a class at PVCC need to start with a placement test.
We use COMPASS test for math and English placement. The combined tests take about 2 hours to complete.
Pointers to prevent you from placing below your true level:
- Take practice tests. Go to COMPASS Practice Tests or COMPASS practice modules.
- Take math and English placement tests on different days to minimize test fatigue.
- Give yourself the time you need. The test is not timed! If you are about to start the test and will be crunched for time (personal deadline, center closing, etc) you can stop at any point and return to the test later, even on another day.
- Take the placement test seriously. The test determines your starting level of both mathematics and English. Under normal circumstances you are required to wait four months before re-taking the test.
- Remember that the correct answer is in front of you, and process of elimination/careful consideration of the choices will help.
Tips for the Math Placement Test
- You are allowed the use of a graphing calculator on this test. If you find yourself without the proper calculator, please ask for assistance at the desk.
- Brush up on your mathematics before the test.
- Find sample questions for the COMPASS test in mathematics in the Learning Center and on the internet (www.act.org/compass).
- The library has math texts on reserve for your review.
- The Math Center has computer-based instructional software and an online instructional service that you can use to brush up on your skills before you take your placement test.
Makeup Tests
Your instructors will tell you if they allow makeup tests. You can only take a makeup test in the Testing Center by special arrangement with your instructor.
- You need to know the name of your instructor or professor. This is how the tests are filed, and if we don't know your instructor's name, it will take us longer to find the test.
- You need to know your class title, name, and number. Some instructors teach more than one class, so there is generally more than one test in their folder.
- You need to know which test you need to take. If you know which test or quiz number you need to take, it will make our job of finding it much easier.
- Come as early as possible. While we will hand out tests up until a few minutes before we close, our staff is not permitted to keep the center open after hours. If you are not able to complete your test, you will have to speak to your instructor or professor about the possibility of finishing it some other time. We can allow students to come back and finish a test only when the instructor specifically instructs us to.
- Be prepared. Make sure that if your instructor allows books and/or notes, you have them with you.
- Have a photo ID ready. Many instructors require us to check IDs. Make sure you have your driver's license or other photo ID with you.
Tests for PVCC Online Courses
When you take an online course, you will be required to take some of your tests in a proctored or supervised setting. For PVCC online courses, your proctored test will be taken at the Testing Center unless you make special arrangements. See PVCC Tests Taken at Other Testing Sites
- You need to know the name of your instructor or professor. This is how the tests are filed, and if we don't know your instructor's name, it will take us longer to find the test.
- You need to know your class title, name, and number. Some instructors teach more than one class, so there is generally more than one test in their folder.
- You need to know which test you need to take. If you know which test or quiz number you need to take, it will make our job of finding it much easier.
- Come as early as possible. While we will hand out tests up until a few minutes before we close, our staff is not permitted to keep the center open after hours. If you are not able to complete your test, you will have to speak to your instructor or professor about the possibility of finishing it some other time. We can allow students to come back and finish a test only when the instructor specifically instructs us to.
- Be prepared. Make sure that if your instructor allows books and/or notes, you have them with you.
- Have a photo ID ready. Many instructors require us to check IDs. Make sure you have your driver's license or other photo ID with you.
PVCC Tests Taken at Other Testing Sites
If you are enrolled in an online course through PVCC and want to take your tests at another testing site, read the instructions and fill out the forms here.
Take Other Schools' Tests at the PVCC Testing Center
If you are enrolled in a distance learning class through another College or university and you would like to take your tests at the PVCC Testing Center, you will need to make arrangements with your school and with us. You can come into the Learning Center to make arrangements or read the instructions and fill out the form here. There is a $25.00 proctoring fee for each test for schools outside of the PVCC system. Some schools pay this fee and others require the student to do so. You may wish to check you school's policy before paying the fees to PVCC..
