Assessment/Testing Center

Welcome to the Assessment Testing Services

"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 Testing Schedule

           April 2008

           May 2008

FOR LOCATION PLEASE SEE CAMPUS MAPS

Copies also available at the Admissions Office, Counseling Office, Financial Aid Office, Library, DSPS
and Career Services. 

July, August and December are the  busiest testing months of the year.  Testing services
are offered on a first come, first served basis and students with student number have priority.

For Sample Questions for the Writing and Reading test, click on the Accuplacer Study Guide 

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 the degree 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 1 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 30 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/Politics and 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 and ESL writing sample exam.

May I Re-take a Test?

• Basic Math Readiness, Intermediate Algebra, Advanced Math and Calculus may be repeated one time after one semester
  waiting period.
• CELSA and ESL writing sample exam may be repeated one time after one semester waiting period.
• Assessment test may be repeated one time after one semester 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 Student Program. 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