What is a placement test?

Placement tests are designed to assess your current reading, writing, math and chemistry skills. Placement test results will determine eligibility to enroll in courses appropriately matched to your skill level. The placement test is not a pass or fail test, and there is no grade assigned for this test.

Am I exempt from taking the test?

You are exempt from taking the placement test in a subject area (math, chemistry, or English) if you fulfill one or more of the following:

1. Have taken a course at a post secondary accredited institution in that subject area, (the course will determine placement.)
2. Have earned a High School AP score of 3 or higher in the subject area, (contact Admissions and Records.)
3. Have a valid and current (within the last 3 years) SRJC placement test result in the subject area.

What do I need to do to take the placement test?

Submit a Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) application to Admissions and Records. Photo identification is required on the day of the test, and you must know your SRJC Student Identification Number. All testing materials will be provided. Please no cell phones, food or beverage allowed in the testing room.

Do you have to make an appointment to take the placement test?

Both appointment and drop-in scheduling options are available. Check online at www.santarosa.edu/assessment for an updated testing schedule. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Latecomers will not be admitted after the test begins.

Where can I find a placement test schedule?

Testing schedules can be found in the Schedule of Classes published each semester, and also on the Assessment Services Web site at www.santarosa.edu/assessment/. Testing schedules are also available at the Assessment Services Centers at the Santa Rosa Campus in Room 531, Plover Hall; and at the Petaluma Campus in Room 109, Jacobs Hall. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Latecomers will not be admitted after the test begins.

Where can I take the Placement Test?

Check the testing schedule for the room number and location of the test.

Is there a fee for taking the placement test?

There is no fee to take the placement test.

How can you prepare for placement tests and the GMCT Exam?

Placement Test study guides are available online at http://www.santarosa.edu/app/placement/Study-Guides/. Additional study guides are available for the IADT and PCDT math placement tests at http://mdtp.ucsd.edu. Study Guides are also available at the Assessment Services Centers.

How long are the English, Math and Chemistry Placement Tests?

The English Placement Test is comprises a 45 minute writing sample, and a 50 minute multiple choice question test. The Math and Chemistry placement tests and the GMCT are 45 minutes; however, the Math Pre-Calculus test is 1 hour. There will be a 15-minute orientation before the placement test begins.

How long does it take to get the test results?

Test results are available next business day.

How do you get your placement test results?

Your placement test results will be mailed to you. In addition, access your test results online at www.santarosa.edu. It is recommended that you also meet with a counselor to go over your placement test results.

How long are the placement test results valid?

Placement test results are valid for three years.

Which Math Placement Test should you take?

There are five different math placement tests to choose from; each is a different level of math. You must choose one of these five tests that are most appropriate for your current math skill level. To help you decide the appropriate test for you, consider the following: how long ago did you take a math course, what level was it, and what grade did you receive?

Is a calculator allowed during the Math and Chemistry placement tests and the GMCT exam?

Calculator use is not permitted during the math placement test. A scientific calculator is permitted during the chemistry placement test. You may bring your own calculator, or one will be provided.

Will you accept placement test results from other colleges?

Placement Test results from other 2-year colleges will be accepted for evaluation. Fax your official placement test result to Assessment Services at the Santa Rosa Campus at (707) 524-1638. Test results older than three years are not valid.

Do you have to make an appointment to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test?

An appointment is required for ESL placement testing at the Santa Rosa Campus. Contact the Testing Specialist at the Santa Rosa Campus for more information at (707) 527-4881, or contact Assessment Services at the Petaluma Campus at (707) 778-3908. Prior registration or an appointment is not required for ESL placement testing at the Petaluma Campus.

Where do I find out about the GED?

For information regarding the GED call (707) 527-7956, or go online to http://www.santarosa.edu/app/placement/.

What is the Wonderlic/Ability to Benefit (ATB) test?

The Wonderlic/ATB test is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for use in qualifying non-high school graduates for Title IV Federal financial assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. It is required that you make an appointment with Assessment Services to take this test. Valid photo identification is required. Study Guide booklets are available at Assessment/GED Services Centers. And a one page study guide is available online.

What if I need special accommodations to take the test?

For special accommodations (i.e. extra time for testing,) contact the Disability Resources Department at (707) 527-4278 at the Santa Rosa Campus, or call (707) 778-2491 at the Petaluma Campus.

Does Assessment Services proctor Distance-Learning Exams?

Yes, contact Assessment/GED Services or go online for more information at http://www.santarosa.edu/app/placement/proctoring-services/.

What is the Mathematics Competency Exam?

The Mathematics Competency Exam is offered to students who are ready to graduate and have not fulfilled the SRJC math requirement for an Associate Degree. Photo identification is required. This exam is not transferable, and does not apply to the SRJC math course sequence. SRJC Catalog Rights determine which math competency exam a student may complete. For more information contact an Assessment/GED Services Center for more information.

Questions or comments about this page may be directed to pnasseem@santarosa.edu.