Testing Requirements and What to Expect Before Testing


Before choosing the date you plan to test, review all the information listed on this page so that you will be prepared.

• You must either be a continuing MJC student , a new or a returning student who has submitted an Admissions application to the college.
  
• Wait approximately 10 days until you application has been processed before arriving to test.
  
• Bring picture identification. It's required for ALL testing. No identification means no testing will not be allowed. If you are a high school student and you do not have picture identification, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be asked for their identification.
  
• Seating is first-come, first-served. During busy times, students may need to wait or attend another session.
  
• Appointments are only given for Ability-to-Benefit examinees. Other testing is first-come, first-served. 
  
• Tests are only given on the MJC West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA in Yosemite Hall, Room 147.
  
• Please check the Math Examples before arriving. If you select Level 4, Pre-Calculus, check the schedule for the times this test is offered. 
  
• Please arrive about 20 minutes before the Level 4 PreCalculus test, ESL test, and Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test. The English and math (level 1-2-3) tests are open labs. Arrive anytime between the beginning and ending hours.
  
• Purchase a $1.00 parking permit at yellow dispensers by each parking lot if needed. 
  
• Children, friends or relatives are not allowed in the testing room.
  
• Children may NOT be left unattended anywhere on campus.  
  
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room. You may be asked to dispose of them.
  
• No bookbags. If bookbags are brought, they must be left near the front or back of the room.
  
• Testing may be available at some local high schools at certain times during the year. Check with a high school counselor and/or MJC outreach recruiter at 209 575-6789. 
  

What to Expect On Your Testing Day

  1.  Bring picture identification. 

Without picture identification, testing will not be allowed. No exceptions. (If you are a high school student and you do not
have picture identification, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be asked for their identification.) 
     

  2.  You must have a student identification ("w" number).

This number begins with a lower case "w" followed by a zero (0) and six digits. This number is assigned to you when you complete and submit an MJC admissions application. This identifications number must be used for the test. You can look it up on PiratesNet, or with picture identification on the day of the test, staff can provide it for you.  Students who have not attended MJC within the past year should complete a new admissions application to reactivate their student status.

  3.  Check-in will be required before you start a test.

Check in consists of stopping at the Testing counter on the left side of first U-shaped counter in Room 147 of Yosemite Hall. Completely fill out a check-in slip and present picture identification. Without picture identification, testing will not be allowed.

  4.  The English/Reading and math tests are computerized and the sessions operate as an “open" labs.

For example, if the hours listed for the first and second sessions are 8:00-10:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m., you may come it at 8:00, 8:15, 8:28, or any time up to 10:30 a.m. during the first session. During the second session you may arrive at 1:00, 1:29 up to 3:00 p.m.

  5.  The PreCalculus (Level 4), ESL, and ATB tests are NOT open labs, but are scheduled tests. 

Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of the test. Level 4 Math, ESL, and ATB testing also requires that you show valid picture identification.  After checking in, please wait until you are asked to enter the testing room as other testing may still be in session. 

  6.  Review the English Test (Accuplacer) Study Guide and the Math Sample tests before you test. 

The English/Reading  link takes you to the Accuplacer study guide (pages 2-3). This willl help familiarize you with the types of questions on the test. 

The math test has four different levels from which to choose. Please review these four levels at www.mjc.edu/assessment/MathExamples.htm 
before you test so that you will know which test is right for you. Choose the test that best matches you skill level. Students who choose a test that exceeds their skill level must retest at a lower level. If you choose Level 4 PreCalculus, you must choose a date that this test is given--it is not offered during the open lab tests.

  7.  PreCalculus Level 4, ESL and ATB are paper/pencil tests given at specific times. Arrive 15-20 minutes early.

Level 4 Precalculus is a 60-minute, 40 question test. Please review the PreCalculus (Level 4) samples to be sure this test is right for you.

ESL (English-As-a-Second-Language) is a 45-minute test, but requires you to set aside 3 hours for both testing and advising. Arrive 20 minutes early so that check-in and paperwork required for the test may be completed prior to the beginning of the test. Please do not bring friends, relatives or children to this test.

ATB (Ability-to-Benefit) testing takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Arrive 20 minutes before the test so that check-in and paperwork required for the test may be completed prior to the beginning of the test.

  8.  Accuplacer Reading Assessment

The reading test is the Reading Comprehension component of the Accuplacer English/Reading assessment. This portion of the test is scheduled at separate times from the English/Reading test. It is untimed. Students in the Allied Health field, automotive, and other disciplines may be required to take this test. Candidates entering the Nursing field are required to reach a minimum score of 70. Students may only retest once after a minimum of 60 days has passed.

9.  You must look your scores up online.

It takes 3 business days (not counting weekends) to process scores. Students may check scores online by clicking on "PiratesNet" on the left side of this page and logging in. Once in, scroll down and open Current Students near the bottom of the page. Under Academic Profile, locate the Assessment Scores. You must know your MJC student ID number.  Your six digit birthdate is your default password. For problems with passwords, call the Help Desk at 209 575-7900.

10.  Retesting

After taking the first round of assessment tests, you will have one retest opportunity after 60 days has passed. You cannot test sooner than sixty days. Retesting for math may not require the 60 day waiting period if you choose to retest on a lower or higher level. Retesting in this case can take place anytime after you review your Math score. However, to retest on the same math level, you must wait at least sixty days. If the score on the retest is lower, you keep the higher score.