Taking the Placement Test
All new students enrolling in credit classes are required to provide placement information prior to registration. Most students do so by taking COCC's Placement Tests.
The purpose of the COCC Placement Tests is to assess your current skills in reading, English and math for placement into appropriate coursework at COCC. COCC uses the College Board's Accuplacer Reading, Sentence Skills, and math tests for placement. This test uses a computer-based format, unlimited time and immediate scores.
Other placement options
Students who have completed placement testing, completed writing and/or math courses, or have a college degree may not have to placement test. There are also some courses at COCC that can be taken without providing placement information. Read about placement test options and how to provide the documentation required to fulfull your placement test requirement.
How to reserve a time to take the placement test
Students must have completed a COCC Application for Admission and paid the $25 application fee prior to testing. Students can make an appointment to take the placement tests by calling Admissions and Records in Bend (541-383-7500), the Redmond campus (541-504-2900), or the CAP Center in Bend (541-383-7200).
You can also schedule a Placement Test Appointment online. You will need your COCC ID (820 #).
How to prepare for the COCC placement test
Refreshing your memory on math formulas, grammar rules, reading skills, or reviewing general information on test preparation may help you feel less anxious and more confident. Additional information about Accuplacer, as well as sample questions, can be found on the College Board Accuplacer web site; look for Free Sample Questions. You will also find many resources if you use a search engine to research "Accuplacer". Students can review math concepts at http://math.com/ or Khan Academy on youtube.com.
What to expect the day of the test
COCC will provide you with all the materials you will need to test. You will not be permitted to have a cell phone or electronic device with you during the test. The tests begin on time, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time for check in. Students arriving after the test has begun may be asked to reschedule.
About your scores
You have the option of printing your test scores at the conclusion of your test. The scores will be entered into your Bobcat Web Account within two days of taking the test. You can interpret your course placement by using the Placement Test Guidelines.
Retest policy
Students can only retest if 1) some aspect of the original test session negatively influenced the student's test performance or 2) there is reason to believe that a significant change in the student's knowledge and skills has occurred. There must be at least 60 days between tests sessions and there may be a fee to retest.
Arrangements for students with disabilities
If you have a disability that will prevent you from taking the test under standard conditions, contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (541-383-7583) to establish accommodations prior to reserving a testing time. ADA accommodations that require special testing environments should be scheduled well in advance of the start of the term; requests in the three weeks prior to the start of the term may not be possible to schedule.