Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for the test?
The Imperial Valley College campus administers the test on a walk-in basis. Appointments are not necessary.
What do I need to bring with me to the test?
Photo identification. We cannot administer the test without your I.D. A driver's license, state identification, resident card, passport, Imperial Valley College student ID, or high school ID are all examples of acceptable picture ID's. You should also know your social security number and your Imperial Valley College student ID number. You can use either one on the test.
What should I NOT bring with me to the test?
Cell phones and pagers. If you bring a cell phone or pager, please turn it off or set it to silent mode. Also do not bring: radios or MP3 players (such as Ipod, etc.), calculators, dictionaries, food or drink.
How should I prepare for the test?
Make sure you are rested, feel healthy and are not hungry. The test is not timed, so work at your own pace and answer each question carefully.
Can I use a calculator or dictionary on the test?
No. No study/computation aids are permitted.
How long is the test?
The test is not timed, so you don't need to worry about running out of time. It generally takes from 1-2 hours to complete. However, you may take as long as necessary to complete your test.
When do I get my placements?
You get a printed copy of your placements immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail the test?
This test is for placement purposes. It is not a pass/fail test.
I'm taking the test and...
I'm running out of time! (because of an upcoming class, an appointment, etc.)
I'm feeling nervous, stressed, or otherwise unwell.
I just got paged and it's an emergency!
You may leave the test at any time, but make sure you check out with the test administrators. You may return the next day or any other day the Assessment Center is open for up to ten calendar days. When you do, you'll be able to pick up right where you left off.
Make sure you come back before your expiration date. Before you leave the room the Assessment Center Staff will tell you when your expiration date is. If you do not return before your expiration date, you will be given a new test.
If I don't like my placement on the Assessment Test, can I take it again?
In accordance with Matriculation regulations [Title V, Section 55521(a)(2)], the assessment test is only to be used for initial placement into courses. This means you can only take the test once. Any appeals must be made through the Matriculation Director who is located in the Counseling Center.
I just finished the Assessment Test. I have the placement print-out in my hand.
Now what do I do?
The next step in the matriculation process is to take the on-line Orientation and then make a Counseling appointment. To schedule an appointment call Imperial Valley Counseling Office 760-355-6246
I don't want to take the test?
All Matriculated students need to take the test. If you strongly feel you don't have to take the test, talk to a counselor to see whether or not you need to take the test. I was told my selection of major affects the math placement.
The major you choose on the test in no way affects your placement. The new computerized test adapts to your answers and you can receive a placement into any level of Math regardless of your initial test. However, your major does affect which Math classes you need to take in order to transfer and/or graduate. Discuss these matters with a counselor.
Is there testing at my high school?
We test 12th grade students at the local high schools. Testing typically takes place from late January to mid-May. Check with your High school for specific dates and times.
Imperial Valley High Schools
Brawley Union High School
Calexico High School
Calipatria High School
Central Union High School
Desert Oasis High School
Desert Valley High School
Holtville High School
Imperial High School
Southwest High School
Vincent Memorial High School Concurrent Admissions Students
Concurrent Admissions students (students attending college classes while still in high school) cannot take the Assessment Test until after your Imperial Valley College District online application is processed. It generally takes 24 hours for this to take place.
Please be aware that the Concurrent Admissions requirements have changed. Make sure you consult the Concurrent Admissions section if you have not done so already.
What is Matriculation?
Matriculation is a process which brings the student and the college into an agreement for the purposes of realizing the student's educational goals. It is actually a partnership between Imperial Valley College and the student to ensure the student's educational success.
We adhere to the California Community College Chancellor's Office and State Senate Regulations for implementation of matriculation components. To view these documents in their entirety, select a link of interest:
California Education Code
Good Practices (PDF) - PDF
Model District Policy - PDF
Matriculation Standards - PDF
Imperial Valley College District Matriculation Plan - PDF
Where can I use my test results?
You can use your test results to attend many Community Colleges (please check with individual college).
Once I have completed the tests, how do I move through my Math and English requirements?
When you complete the test you receive a print-out showing your placements. These placements are your personal starting points in English, Math and Reading. How far you as an individual need to progress from these starting points depends on various factors, such as your educational major, whether you are graduating and transferring, transferring without graduating, graduating with a major or certificate, and where you want to transfer.
Because many factors affect your personal pathway here, it is imperative you seek a counselor's advice when interpreting your placements. However, below you will find two charts to give you a general idea of the progression of English, Math and Reading courses. These charts are also printed in the schedule of classes.
Chart for English/Reading - PDF
Chart for Math - PDF
Where is the Assessment Center located?
The Assessment Center is located on the west side of the campus in building 2000.
(Map - PDF)
How can I contact you?
Before calling or sending an e-mail, it's a good idea to see if your question is answered in the Frequently Asked Questions. The phone numbers for the Assessment Center are:
(760) 355-6450
(760) 355-6465
(760) 355-6447 The Ability to Benefit Test
If you do not have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and will be seeking Federal Financial Aid, the Federal Government requires that you demonstrate the ability to benefit from college coursework. First implemented in 1996, this Ability to Benefit legislation is the Federal Government's response to an alarming number of students who failed to repay their student loans.
IVC uses the Accuplacer Online test for your Ability to Benefit evaluation. Click here for Accuplacer Online information. So, if you are taking the test to fulfill your requirement as a new or returning student, you will automatically be evaluated for Ability to Benefit purposes if:
You indicate you do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and
You indicate you are interested in applying for or have already applied for financial aid.
By achieving a minimum score on an approved test, the student demonstrates that s/he has the potential to benefit from college coursework. At the end of your test, you should discuss your Ability to Benefit results with a Financial Aid Advisor. The Financial Aid Advisor will tell you your next steps.
Each student has three attempts at meeting the Ability to Benefit requirements.
The first initial attempt is usually also the student's Assessment Test taken as a first-time student.
If the student does not meet Ability to Benefit criteria on the first attempt, s/he will need to make an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor to re-test.
If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, the student still has one last chance. The student must enroll in developmental classes (such as English 096, Math 70 or Reading 086) that will help them acquire the skills they need to meet the criteria. Then, after satisfactory coursework is completed, the student must see a Financial Aid Advisor. The counselor will evaluate the situation and make the choice when to grant the student a third attempt.
Second and third attempt is by Financial Aid Advisors referral only. Accuplacer Online
The Accuplacer Online tests consists of two parts - one of English and one of Math - taking a total of about one and a half hours. New students will have to take the full test of English and Math. Some continuing students may have to only take the English part or Math part. If you don't know which you need, don't guess - consult a counselor instead.
Keep in mind that these sample questions aren't meant to be a study guide. These are designed to give you a general idea of the types of questions you will encounter on the Accuplacer test.
English Part (May be taken independently of Math Part)
The English part of the test consists of two sections of 20 questions each which take about 30 to 50 minutes in total. The first section is a reading comprehension section. The second is a sentence skills section. This part of the test results in a placement into English and Reading courses. For more information about the English part, click here. Math Part (May be taken independently of English Part)
There is now one general math test for all Imperial Valley College students, no matter what their academic goals. Taking the math test can place you anywhere from Math 70 (Arithmetic) to Math 192 (Calculus) depending on your personal skill levels as evaluated by the test. For more information about the Math part, click here.
However, there are three sections within the test: Arithmetic (17 questions), Elementary Algebra (12 questions) and College Level Math (20 questions). You will begin with one section and - depending on your performance - may be branched into others. Total time: Approx. 45 min.-1 hour. How to Take the Test
Although Accuplacer Online is a computerized test it isn't much different than a paper/pencil test. The test consists entirely of multiple choice questions - instead of filling in a bubble on a scantron sheet, you are clicking the bubble on the computer screen. In general, you will only use the mouse when taking the test. The test is not timed, so it is crucial you do not rush. Take your time, relax and work at your own pace. You should not take the test if you are not feeling well, are tired, hungry, angry, stressed or in a hurry. If you begin to feel any of these things during the test, or if you need to leave for another reason, you can leave the test for the day.
Consult the Assessment Staff and they will close your test and give you a reminder sheet showing the dates you can return to complete your test. Generally you can return up to ten days after you begin the test.
If you learned another language prior to learning English, the ESL test might be more appropriate for you. Consult the current schedule and call the Assessment Center. Also, even though the test is not timed, and we do have wheelchair access and large print capability available; if you have a documented disability requiring a unique accommodation, please consult the Assessment staff or the Office of Disabled Students Programs and Services.
The assessment test is an adaptive test - when you answer a question correctly, the following question will be more difficult. Or, if you answer a question incorrectly, the following question will be less difficult. Because of this, you cannot leave a question blank and come back to it at a later time. All questions must be answered in the order they appear. Carefully read the directions for each question. Make sure you understand what the question is asking before you choose an answer.
It is important to understand you will take this test once and then proceed through the curriculum. If it has been more than one year since your last math class, the IVC Math department recommends you review your math skills before taking this test.
The ESL Test
IVC uses the Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA). It is designed to measure a studet's knowledge of the English language as well as the student's readiness to take college-level classes.
Details:
Number of questions:
75 Total
Time Limit: Approximately 45 minutes
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