Assessment Center

What is assessment?

Assessment is a test used to determine your placement into the appropriate level of math, English, English as a second language (ESL), and chemistry courses.  Assessments are not something that you "pass" or "fail;" They help determine which coursese are the best for you, so that your studies at Las Positas are successful. All students should take assessments before enrolling in courses at Las Positas College.

Why is assessment important?

Assessment places you into a specific level of math, English, English as a second language (ESL), and/or chemistry.  It determines where you start in the sequence of courses and how long it will take for you to get your degree or transfer.  The better you do, the fewer classes you will need to reach your goal. When you come to take the assessment, DO YOUR BEST!

Do I have to take an assessment?

All new students should take the assessment, unless you fall into one of the following categories:

• You have a college degree
• You have already been assessed (see question below)
• You are here for personal development courses only

If you have additional questions about whether you should take an assessment, please contact our counseling department via phone: 925-424-1400 or Email Counseling.

What if I’ve taken an assessment at another college?

Please bring the assessment results to a counselor who will determine if LPC can use your results.  Your results must state the exact class you assessed into, not the raw scores.

What if I have taken an Advanced Placement (AP) exam?

If you received a score of 3 or higher, bring your scores to a counselor for placement.

What do the assessments consist of?

• The math assessment is a multiple-choice test of math skills, taken on a computer.  It will take about 1 hour.
• The English assessment is a multiple-choice test of reading comprehension and sentence skills, taken on a computer.  It will take about 1 hour.
• The ESL assessment includes a multiple-choice grammar test (45 minutes) and a short essay (30 minutes).  Both of them are written on paper.  
• The Chemistry assessment is a multiple choice test from the American Chemical Society. The test is taken on paper and takes about 1 hour.

Which assessments should I take?

All students should take the math and English or ESL assessments.
To choose between the English and ESL assessments, please answer the following questions:

1. Is English the first language you learned as a child?
2. Did you complete at least six years of education, including high school, in schools where all of your subjects were taught in English?
3. Do you usually speak English with your friends and/or co-workers?

If you answered “Yes” to two or three of the questions, select the English assessment.
If you answered “No” to two or three of the questions, select the ESL assessment.

You should take the chemistry assessment if you want to enroll in Chemistry 1A. Students who have taken Chemistry 31 and received a C or better do not need to take the chemistry assessment test.

What should I expect on the day of the assessment?

Buy a parking permit for $2 (available at machines in the parking lot) and place it on your windshield. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the testing center, and be prepared to stay 2 hours.  Students cannot bring family or friends into the testing center.

What classes could I get placed into?

( link to “simplified” flow charts: Math, English, ESL)

Do I need to make an appointment to take my assessment?  

The English and math assessments require an appointment.  You can make an appointment through the Assessment Scheduling Website.
Students taking the Chemistry or English as a Second Language assessments do not need an appointment.  You may attend any scheduled session, even those indicated as “full” on the schedule.  You should arrive at least 15 minutes early and tell the assessment staff what test you need.

(Jeff - more info)

What should I do to prepare for my assessment?

• Understand that the assessment determines the level of courses you’ll start out in.
• Understand that placement into lower-level courses will mean more semesters in community college.
• Familiarize yourself with the style and content of the test (for a better outcome and to reduce test anxiety).
• Review and work the sample questions in the Study Guides.
• Come to your appointment well-rested and refreshed.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Don’t come to the assessment hungry.
• Be prepared to stay for the duration of the test.

What if English is not my first language?

To choose between the English and ESL assessments, please answer the following questions:

1. Is English the first language you learned as a child?
2. Did you complete at least six years of education, including high school, in schools where all of your subjects were taught in English?
3. Do you usually speak English with your friends and/or co-workers?

If you answered “Yes” to two or three of the questions, select the English assessment.
If you answered “No” to two or three of the questions, select the ESL assessment.

What accommodations are available for students with disabilities?

We are committed to accessibility for all students. Our Disability Resource Center (DRC) can provide accommodations for students with disabilities. The DRC website has additional information.

What happens after I take my assessment? 

At the time of the assessment, you will sign up for an orientation [hyperlink to orientation site].  At the orientation, you will receive your results and get help choosing classes based on those results.
You may also get your results on Class Web 36 hours after taking the assessment

Can I retake the assessment if I am not satisfied with my score?

We strongly discourage students from re-assessing.  If you think you need to re-assess for any reason, please contact the Dean of Student Services.

What if I have other questions about the assessment process?

Contact the counseling department.