College Placement Tests

A placement test is a series of reading, writing and mathematics tests that lets you and your advisor/counselor work together to help you choose classes that will meet your educational needs. If you have a disability, contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to make arrangements for accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take the college placement test?
New students who have never attended college - or returning students who need to meet prerequisite requirements by demonstrating current skill levels.
I have never attended PCC: what should I do first?
New students need to fill out and submit an Application for Admission and pay the $25 application fee before taking the college placement test.
What do I need to do after the placement test?

A New Student Orientation is required before students may register for classes.  The orientation can be taken either online or in person.

Where can I take the college placement test?
Students may take the college placement test at any of the PCC Testing Centers: Cascade Campus, Rock Creek Campus, Southeast Center, or Sylvania Campus.
When are tests offered?
Please check our schedule to see what times and dates are offered.
How much do the tests cost?

The tests (and retests, if needed) are free of charge for current students, and new students who have completed the Admissions process (Application and $25 Fee).

For students who do NOT plan to take any classes at PCC (ie., are applying for an apprenticeship program), $15 will cover a test, and a retest if needed.  Please bring a check in the amount of $15.00 to the Test Center and discuss your needs with the Coordinator.

Can I transfer prior placement test scores from another school to PCC?
Yes, if the placement tests were taken within the last three years or are ASSET or COMPASS Placement Test scores. Be sure that you have completed the Application for Admission before transferring test scores. Afterwards, bring your test scores and valid picture identification to one of our testing offices for verification and transcription into your student records.
Can I take the placement test at any campus?
Yes, you may take any of the tests at any of the campuses, regardless of whether you intend to take classes at that campus or not. Please check our schedule to see what times and dates are offered at each location.
What about retesting?

Retests are allowed only once per subject (ie., one retest for Math, one Writing, and one Reading, if needed), after which you will not be allowed to retest until after three years have passed. The highest score is always counted for placement.

What if I only need to take one test, such as Writing or Mathematics?

You do not have to take any placement tests that you do not need, but please be sure to check carefully as to what this might be. All PCC Writing courses, for example, also have a Reading as well as a Writing prerequisite that must be met if the student wishes to enroll in that class. Likewise, depending on the level of Mathematics that you qualify for with the Mathematics Placement Test, there are Reading and Writing prerequisites for those classes, as well.

If you are not sure as to which placement tests to take, it is best to take them all.

What is the difference between the College Placement Tests, and the Writing 121 Challenge Test and the Math 65 Competency Examination?

The College Placement Tests are for all new, and some returning students to qualify them to get into classes with prerequisites. However, if a student has met with an Academic Advisor and has been directed to take either the Writing 121 Challenge Test or the Math 65 Competency Examination, then this is to satisfy graduation requirements so that a student may complete their program. In essence, the College Placement Tests are used to start taking college classes, while the Writing 121 Challenge Test and Math 65 Competency Examination are used to finish a degree or program.

Do I need a Parking Permit when I come to test?
Yes, any time that you park at a PCC campus parking lot, you will need a Parking Permit. When you come to test, you can request a Courtesy Parking Permit, which you will need to display on the dashboard of your car. The Courtesy Parking Permits are good for the rest of the term until the next term begins, at which time you will need to purchase a Student Parking Permit from the Business Office.
Should I study before taking the Placement Tests?
It is a good idea to review the online study guides (listed below) before testing. Don’t study too hard, as the result may be testing into a higher level of classes than you will be able to comfortably maintain or pass.
I have a disability – what are my options?
The COMPASS college placement tests are UNtimed, so if other accommodations are needed, please contact the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD).

Study Guides

It is important to prepare well for the placement tests in order to determine the appropriate placement level of every student. Visit our online Assessment Testing Workshop for help and test preparation advice.

You can also download these free study guides to see the kinds of questions you can expect and to help you get ready for the tests:

It is very important that you take the placement test seriously and to do your best when answering the questions. Take your time and don’t hesitate to ask testing center personnel for assistance. For more information on placement testing, please contact one of our testing centers.