Frequently Asked Questions on Placement
- Does everyone need to provide math and writing placement?
If you are new to COCC and enrolling as a degree-seeking student, you will need to provide math and writing placement as part of your enrollment steps.
If you are not seeking a certificate or degree, you must satisfy course prerequisites and/or co-requisites (which may include placement) before you are able to register for those courses.
- How long does it take to complete the placement assessment?
In order to satisfy placement requirements at COCC, start with the online Directed Self-Placement (DSP) survey. The DSP takes 10-20 minutes and will either determine your math and writing placement level(s) and/or indicate that skills-based assessment(s) are needed.
If skills-based assessments are needed, the DSP will direct you to call CAP Services (541-383-7200) to request access to complete the assessments remotely. (You can schedule time to take skills-based assessments in-person if you prefer.) The ALEKS (math) skills-based assessment typically takes 45 minutes to 2hrs and the ACCUPLACER (writing) skills-based assessment takes 30 minutes to 2hrs to complete. Neither ALEKS nor ACCUPLACER have time limits.
- Can I retake a placement assessment?
The first step in COCC's placement process is the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) survey: students can only complete DSP once, and DSP scores expire after 2 years. If your placement scores are expired and you've previously completed DSP, contact CAP Services at 541-383-7200 to request the links and instructions to complete the ALEKS and/or ACCUPLACER skills-based assessment(s). You can schedule time to take skills-based assessments in-person if you prefer.
ALEKS (math) skills-based assessment: retake available after a minimum of 7 days AND 5 hours spent in the ALEKS online learning modules. You'll be directed to the learning modules immediately after you complete ALEKS for the first time.
ACCUPLACER (writing) skills-based assessment: retake available after a minimum of 7 days. Students must request by calling CAP Services at 541-383-7200.
- Do placement scores expire?
Yes, placement scores expire after two years. At the end of that time, students who have not successfully completed a math and writing course must update their placement scores by completing a skills-based assessment (Accuplacer for writing, and ALEKS for math).
- Do you offer in-person or remote testing?
Most students complete COCC math/writing placement online, though in-person options are available.
COCC's main placement method is the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) survey: Available online 24/7, and linked from your enrollment steps.
ALEKS (math) skills-based assessment (if needed): once you request the link/instructions from CAP Services, you can complete ALEKS on any computer with a web browser, 24/7. If you prefer to complete ALEKS in person, contact CAP Services (541-383-7200) to schedule an appointment.
ACCUPLACER (writing) skills-based assessment (if needed): once you request the link/instructions from CAP Services, you can complete ACCUPLACER on any computer with a web browser and a webcam, 24/7. If you prefer to complete ACCUPLACER in person, contact CAP Services (541-383-7200) to schedule an appointment.
- Can I use COCC's placement information for another college?
The DSP is a survey developed and used by COCC, so DSP results are unlikely to be accepted by other institutions. Depending on the institution's placement requirements, you may be able to transfer your ALEKS and/OR ACCUPLACER placement scores. Check with the institution that you are interested in attending to find out more about their placement policies.
- When will my placement results post to my student record?
Directed Self-Placement (DSP) results will be available in your Bobcat Web account immediately after completing the survey.
Skills-based (ALEKS and ACCUPLACER) assessment results typically post to your Bobcat Web account within several hours, but may take up to 2 business days after completion.
If you've completed the DSP survey and/or skills-based assessments and you don't see results in Bobcat Web, contact CAP Services at 541-383-7200.
- Do I need to study?
There is no need to study before completing the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) survey, since DSP mostly asks about your academic history.
If you need to complete a skills-based writing or math assessment, you may choose to review information on the ALEKS math assessment and/or the ACCUPLACER writing assessment prior to starting the assessment(s).