Students holding an associate degree or higher may be exempt from WPCC placement testing depending on the Math and English courses previously taken.  Students who have successfully completed ENG 111 with a grad of “C” or better may be exempt from the reading and writing sections of the placement test.  Exemption from the numerical, elementary algebra or intermediate algebra sections of the placement test is dependent on the student’s major.  Questions regarding exemptions for the placement test should be directed to the Director of Admissions. 
 General Placement Testing Information.

*Testing is by Appointment

• Submit your college application prior to scheduling a testing appointment.

• Call 438-6052 or 438-6046 to schedule an appointment for the next available test date.

• Seating is limited, so please call at your earliest opportunity to schedule your appointment.

• Check in at Student Services in Hildebrand Hall at least 30 minutes before test time.

• Present a photo ID.

• Allow 2-3 hours to complete the testing process.

• You will receive your test results at the conclusion of the test.

About the Test
Most programs offered by WPCC require students to take all or part of a series of placement tests.  The purpose of placement testing is to determine the level at which a student is to begin his/her college course work.  The following is a description of the various parts of the test series.

Writing Skills
Students are required to read passages in which parts of sentences or whole sentences have been underlined and to determine if the underlined part is grammatically correct.  If not, the student is to choose the best alternative way of writing the underlined part. 

Reading Skills
Students are required to read a passage and answer questions about its main ideas, important details, ideas the author has suggested, but not stated directly, and about the meaning of words as used in the passage.

Numerical Skills/ Pre-Algebra
This mathematics test consists of questions in multiplication, division, subtraction, decimals, percentages, fractions, mixed numbers, and proportions.  Dollars and cents, prime factors, exponents, negative and positive numbers and word problems are also covered. 

Algebra Skills
This mathematics test consists of questions that require solving linear equations, linear inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, and equations with absolute value and radicals.  Students must also know how to graph equations in the xy-plane, use the distance formula, and factor polynomials.  Mastery of exponents, negative and positive numbers, square roots, < and >, and forming algebraic expressions from word problems must also be demonstrated. 

Note:  WPCC's Placement Test is given in two formats -

• COMPASS - computerized version, not timed, calculator allowed with all math portions.  Preferred format.

• ASSET - paper and pencil version, timed, 25 minutes/section.  Calculator allowed with algebra sections only.

*Recommended:  Review Before You Test – The Learning Lab Service
Each student is allowed to take the placement test only once, so it is important to be prepared.  The Learning Lab staff can help you prepare for placement testing by giving you a “pre-test” to evaluate your skills in writing, reading, and basic arithmetic.  A review program will be designed to help you to improve any areas of weakness. 

If you plan to review algebra skills, you must specifically ask for a review program in algebra in addition to the basic math review program.  Please allow up to 25 hours per subject area to complete your review before you plan to test.  In order to be eligible to use this service, a student must be a high school graduate or have received his/her GED or Adult High School Diploma.