PLACEMENT Testing for STUDENT SUCCESS
penciling in answers on a testPlacement tests are designed to help plan a student's best course of study and to promote student success at TCC.
Most new students who wish to enroll in classes at TCC must complete the College's Placement Tests.
These tests are not admissions tests.
To ensure accurate course placement,
it is vital that you prepare by reviewing
Math and English competencies.
All students are encouraged to prepare for placement testing. The importance of reviewing material that has previously been studied cannot be over emphasized. Not reviewing before taking the placement tests could place students into courses that are below their actual skill level. This can delay the students' progress, causing disruption in course sequencing and costing extra time and money.
Students are highly encouraged to start the review process early to provide enough time to practice and to build confidence, especially in mathematics.
Resources are available to help students perform at their optimum--and TCC strongly recommends that students use them. Preparation materials vary by English and math, and also vary by a student's academic background. Most students will need to complete the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) for English and Math.
Review the following links to help you prepare for the Placement Test:
VPT
- Document Listing Online Resources to Prepare for VPT English
- VPT Math Site with links to Math resources
- A printable set of questions and answers for the VPT Mathematics Tests (PDF)
- Instructions for taking the VPT Practice Test online
COMPASS
Resources to Review English:
Resources to Review Math:
Resources for Dealing with Test Anxiety:
On-Campus Workshops:
Norfolk Campus
For more information about the VPT for English and Math
Placement testing is required for:The scores that exempt a student from the math placement test at TCC* are:
The counselor will allow you to enroll in college-level English or select math courses as indicated by your scores.
* NOTE: With the indicated math scores, students qualify for placement into MTH 152 or MTH 158.
If your curriculum requires MTH 163 or higher, you must take the math placement test.
Testing feeStudents may take placement tests at any campus Testing Center.
Military students may take placement tests at any campus Testing Center or on many of the local military bases.
A $4.00 testing fee is payable at the Cashier Window at any campus Business Office, and the receipt should be shown to Testing Center personnel. ( Business Office hours do not include weekends or hours immediately prior to Wednesday and Thursday 6:00 PM testing.)
Special accommodations upStudents with disabilities are encouraged to make an appointment with an Educational Accessibility Counselor at least 45 days before classes begin, and should bring medical documentation of the disabling condition that is no more than three years old. Educational Accessibility Counselors can assist students in obtaining the required documentation.
Students with documented disabilities may qualify for academic accommodations such as more time on tests, priority registration, and other services as needed.
Transactions between counselor and students with disabilities are confidential. Information regarding students with disabilities will not be shared with anyone without the student’s written permission. The student’s confidential files, related to his/her disability, never become a part of the student’s academic record.
Retaking Placement Tests[ more]
Testing for Non-Native English Speakers: English-as-a-second-language students (ESL)Test scores are valid for two (2) years after the date of the test. Students who take the placement tests and do not enroll in an applicable developmental math or English course are allowed to take one (1) retest within 12 months. Students who attempt applicable developmental coursework will be ineligible for a retest.
Most non-native English speaking students are required to take an English-as-a-Second Language placement test before enrolling in college courses.
Placement Testing for ESL students is available in every campus Testing Center according to the Placement Testing Schedule.
Select non-native English speakers are NOT required to take the ESL Placement Tests and instead take the placement tests for native speakers. These include students who have earned a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (Internet-based).
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