FAQs
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How do I get my test results?
Do I need to take the tests?
Yes. If you have never attended college, or attended while in high school, and plan to earn an Associate Degree, transfer to a four-year college, or to take English, math, or ESL courses, you must be assessed.
Are there exemptions to testing? What if I already tested at another college?
You are not required to take the assessment tests if you have acceptable scores on certain national exams such as AP or SAT, or if you have successfully completed certain math or English courses at another college. Occasionally, students can use test scores from another college for placement into classes at Santa Barbara City College. See 'Alternatives to Testing' for a complete list of specific exemptions. If you have a qualifying score or course you will need to submit supporting documentation (test scores, transcript, etc.) and a completed Prerequisite Challenge Form A. Contact the Assessment Office, Room SS-251, (805) 730-4149 for more information or to confirm whether or not your particular score is one that can be used at SBCC.Can I take English, math or ESL classes without testing?
Enrollment in English 60 through English 110, Math 1 through Math 150, Psychology 150 and all ESL Reading, Writing and Grammar classes requires assessment.
How do I take my Assessment tests if I don’t live in Santa Barbara?
You will need to come to the College to test. Testing hours vary, so check the monthly Drop-In Computer Lab Schedule carefully and plan to test on a scheduled testing day. Allow enough time to complete your tests by closing. If you would like to verify your choice of test date before making travel arrangements, please contact the Assessment Office directly at (805) 730-4149.
Can I prepare for the tests?
Yes. The best way to prepare for Assessment is to download and complete the REAP Test Preparation Form, which will direct you to information about alternatives to testing, preparing for Assessment, items to bring to testing, etc. You may also download sample questions for English and Math (see "Which math test should I take?" below). More extensive math worksheets are available for purchase in the Campus Bookstore (805) 730-3047.
How long are the tests?
Allow 2 hours for the English test and 1-2 hours for math, depending on which test you choose to take.
Which math test should I take?
You will need to choose which one of the four math tests is most appropriate for you. Download and work through the sample test questions below. Then choose to take the highest numbered test you feel comfortable with based on your math background and current skills. It is important to make a careful decision about which math test you take. If you choose a test below your skill level you will be placed in a math class that is too easy for you. If you choose a test above your skill level you may be asked to come back to Assessment and take a lower level math test in order to receive a math placement.When should I test?
Test as soon as possible. However, testing is only allowed once per testing period, so it is important that you are prepared on the day you choose to test. Consult the monthly Drop-In Computer Lab Testing Schedule for Spring 2010:NOVEMBER
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
no Friday testing
closed November 11, Veteran's Day
closed November 26 and 27, Thanksgiving HolidayDECEMBER
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
no Friday testing
closed December 18 - January 1, Winter BreakJANUARY
Mondays & Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays & Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
closed January 1, New Year's Day
Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments are not required for computerized testing. Come to the Assessment Center Drop-In Computer Lab during the hours listed above. Allow enough time to complete your test(s) prior to closing. Appointments are required for students requesting paper/pencil tests. Please call the Assessment Center (805) 730-4149 to schedule an appointment.
What is the difference between the computerized test and the paper/pencil test?
The two tests are the same; the difference is the delivery method and availability:
Computerized test: Most students choose to test on computer at their convenience during drop-in lab hours. Tests are completed by clicking on answers to multiple-choice questions. Students testing on computer are given the option to either hand-write or type their essays for the English test and are provided with scratch paper for the math test.
Paper/Pencil test: Students who prefer not to test on computer need to make an appointment for a paper/pencil test. Students taking paper/pencil tests bubble in answers to multiple-choice questions on a scan form. Paper/Pencil testers hand-write their essays for the English test and are provided with scratch paper for the math test. Note: students choosing the paper/pencil test option are not permitted to write in the test booklets.
What if I need accommodation for disability?
If you need extended time or another accommodation for disability, contact the Disabilities Specialists, Room SS-160 (805) 730-4164 to determine eligibility for alternative testing. Note: You may only take the Assessment test once per testing period.
How many times can I test?
You may test once per testing period. The testing period for Spring 2010 runs from November 2 - January 29. One retake for math may be allowed with Assessment permission. Math retake permission for the same level math test is dependent on diagnostic data from your original test. Testing is a pre-enrollment activity designed as a beginning point from which you will progress. Course completion is the means by which students move to higher level courses.
How do I get my test results?
You will be able to look up your placement results on your Pipeline account 1-2 days following your exam. To access your results, log on to Pipeline and go to the 'Registration' area at the far right of the page. Click on 'Student Records' to View Course Placement and Eligibility. A detailed explanation of your course placements is available at 'Understanding your Reading and Writing Course Placements' and 'Understanding your Mathematics Course Placements'.
