Cerritos College
Welcome to the Assessment Center
"Assessment" means the process of gathering information about an individual student to facilitate his or her success. At Cerritos College, assessment includes, but is not limited to, the collection of information regarding student's study skills. English language proficiency, computational skills, high school/or college transcript review, evidence of A.A. degree or higher from an accredited institution, aptitudes, goals, learning skills, career aspirations, academic performance, and need for special services.
Do I Need To Take The Assessment Placement Tests?
If you plan to enroll in a Math, English, or Reading class or if you plan to earn an A.A. Degree, you need to take the Assessment Placement Test prior to orientation.
Assessment of your reading, writing and mathematics skills will provide you with valuable information that will help you and your counselor select classes that are appropriate for your skill level. Proper assessment and enrollment will ensure you of the greatest opportunity for successful course completion.
Please note: The exceptions listed are assessment options for clearance or placement. To meet the required reading, math, English proficiencies necessary to qualify for the Associate in Arts Degree, ask a counselor.
Assessment and Orientation-Counseling (AOC) is required for first-time, new to any college, students prior to enrollment for the Summer or Fall 2012 semester.
New Students who are required to complete AOC will have two holds on their MyCerritos account: one for Assessment (ASM) and the other for Orientation-Counseling (ORI). Please view the Student Advisoy Notice.
Come in NOW!!! It is not too early!
Requirements to take an assessment test:
Assessment Testing Schedule
(click on month below)
You will need the Adobe Reader software to view the test schedule.
Adobe Reader can be downloaded for free athttp://get.adobe.com/reader/
No appointment is needed to take the Math, English and Reading test.
The following math test levels are available: Basic Math, Intermediate Algebra, Advanced Math and Calculus. All math tests are timed for 45 minutes, except calculus which is 90 min. long.
The English test is not a timed test and the average time students take is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. No no written essay is required.
All tests are multiple choice and on computer. Test results will be given to the student upon completion of test
Copies of the test schedule are available at the Admissions Office, Counseling Office, Financial Aid Office, Library, DSPS and Career Services.
The Assessment Center is located in the Career Services Center in the Administration Building - please see CAMPUS MAPS
English Study Guide
For Sample Questions for the Writing and Reading test, click on the Accuplacer Sample Questions.
Assessment Placement Test Exemptions
Students who already possess an A.A. degree or higher are not required to take the Assessment Test, but will be required to verify thedegree by presenting official documents to the Admissions Office at least one week prior to registration.
Individual Assessment Test Exceptions For:
English
If you have completed English 100 or an equivalent three unit college-level composition course with a "C" grade or higher at an accredited college, you are exempt from the English Assessment. Please submit official proof (grade reports or transcripts) to a counselor prior to registration.
Basic Math
If you have completed Algebra 1 or higher with a "B" grade or higher at a high school or an accredited college, you are exempt from the Basic Math Assessment. Please submit official proof (grade reports or transcripts) to a counselor.
Advanced Math
Students may be placed in advanced math courses based on "B" grade or higher in recently (within the past three years) completed high school algebra course or "C" or better for college algebra courses. Proof of high school or college grades is required.
Or students who have achieved Math 60 clearance on the Basic Math Readiness Test may take the appropriate Advanced Math Tests to determine their suitable math level.
Advanced Placement Courses
Students who participate in advanced placement courses at their high schools and earn required scores on tests can earn college credit for those courses when they come to Cerritos College.For further details ask a counselor.
A student who scored 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Tests in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Spanish, Economics, Government/Politicsand History will be eligible to receive college credit for the appropriate classes.
Accommodations for English as a Second Language
Students planning to take ESL (English as a Second Language) courses need to take the CELSA exam.
May I Re-take a Test?
All assessments (except Ability-To-Benefit exam) may be repeated one time after a 4 1/2 month waiting period.
Accommodation for Special Needs
Any student with verified disability may arrange an appointment for alternative administration of English and Mathematics placement test by contacting the Disabled StudentProgram. 562-860-2451, ext. 2333. Alternative administration may include extended time, large print, readers or methods writers.
For further information please contact the Testing/Assessment Center at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2364 or send email to: assessment-info@cerritos.edu