Testing Services

Before you begin:

Please make sure you have applied to MCC before taking this assessment. You can apply here: Apply to MCC.

What is a Guided Self-Placement at MCC?

The goal of the Guided Self-Placement is to assess skills to ensure students are able to successfully engage with course content, and have the best chances at passing the course.

Many courses at MCC, specifically Math and English, have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and mathematics ability. The courses that students place into determine how they progress through their program of study and how long their degree will take. We have a variety of ways to assess students skills, one method doesn’t work for all!

Informed Math and English Guided Self-Placement

Find the Best Math and English Classes for You!

Math and English Guided Self- Placement will help to appropriately place you based on your skills, and guide you toward courses to reach your academic goals.

What to Expect

Informed Math and English Guided is a tool that will ask you questions about math and English.

You will be asked:

• Questions about yourself and your English and Math experience.
• How you feel about some English topics.
• Questions about previously taken standardized tests.
• About your future academic intentions at MCC and beyond.
• This is NOT a test. Rather, it is a survey to help us place you into a class where you can thrive and succeed.
• Results will only be considered if you have graduated high school within the past 2 years.
• Any ACT or SAT results must be no more than 3 years old.

After You Finish

• One to two business days after you finish, you’ll get an email with your math placement. Then, talk with an entry advisor about what to do next.
• If you’re unsure of what you want to major in, read about different Degree Pathways before you talk to an entry advisor.

Before You Start

• Find a quiet place with a good internet connection. It’s best to use Chrome or Firefox browsers.
• The survey will take about 10 - 20 minutes, depending on your responses. You can only take it once, so think carefully before you answer. Once you start, you must finish it. If you don’t finish, your results may not be accurate.
• Answer all questions honestly. If you’re not sure, just go with your first answer. This isn’t a test—being honest helps us place you in the right class.
• Remember, you MUST complete the survey in one sitting for an accurate placement result. If you leave the survey unfinished, it may impact your placement.

Math Results

Based from ACT, SAT & GED

1. If Math ACT score >= 23 or Math SAT Score of 541-560 – Student qualifies for MA 1260, 1300, 1305, 1312, 1410, 1425, 1430
2. If Math ACT score of 20-22, Math SAT Score of 520-540, or Math GED Score of 165-200 – Student qualifies for MA 1260, 1300, 1305, 1312, 1410
3. If Math ACT Score 18-19, Math SAT Score 500-519, or Math GED Score of 145-164 – MA 0960, 1300.

Based from GPA and Math Courses

1. If GPA >= 2.8 and Student Selects “High School Pre-Calculus / Trigonometry” OR Student Selects “College Algebra,” Student qualifies for MA 1260, 1300, 1305, 1312, 1410, 1425, 1430
2. If GPA >= 2.8 and Student Selects “High School Algebra II” or Student Selects “College Intermediate Algebra,” Student qualifies for MA 1300, 1305, 1312, 1410, 1425
3. If GPA >= 2.8 and Student Selects “High School Algebra I” or “High School Geometry” or “College Beginning Algebra” Student qualifies for MA 1300, 1305, 1312, 1410.
4. If GPA >= 2.8 and Student Selects “High School Pre-Algebra” or “College Pre-Algebra” Student qualifies for MA 0960, 1300.
5. If GPA < 2.8 Student is directed to speak with their Success Navigator or Testing Center.

Based on Guided Self Placement Scores

1. If student scores 16-25, student qualifies for MA 1425, 1430.
2. If student scores 11-15, student qualifies for MA 1312, 1315
3. If students scores 6-10, student qualifies for MA 1260, 1305, 1410
4. If student scores 1-5, student qualifies for MA 960
5. If student scores 0-4, student qualifies for MA 1300.

English Results

Based on ACT and SAT Scores

1. If English ACT Score is 18-36 or English SAT Score is 416-800, Student qualifies for Composition 1 (ENG 1010)
2. If English ACT Score is 17, Student qualifies for Composition 1 with Studio (ENG 1011)
3. If English ACT Score is 16-15, Student qualifies for Fundamentals of College Writing (ENG 0960)

Results based from English Weighted Questions

1. Score Range of 86-105 Student qualifies for Composition I (ENGL 1010)
2. Score Range of 68-85 Student qualifies for Composition I with Studio (ENGL 1011)
3. Score Range of 49-67 Student qualifies for Fundamentals of College Writing (ENGL 0960)
4. Score Range of 0-48 Student qualifies for Reading and Responding (ENGL 0950)

Elkhorn Valley Campus Testing Center: 531-MCC-1278
Open Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Friday
Closed Weekends
829 North 204th St., Room 158
Elkhorn, NE 68022
Email: testingcenterevc@mccneb.edu

Fort Omaha Campus Testing Center: 531-MCC-2204
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - Noon
Closed Weekends
5300 North 30th St., Building #23, Room 311
Omaha, NE 68111
Email: testingcenterfoc@mccneb.edu

South Omaha Campus Testing Center: 531-MCC-4613
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - Noon
Closed Weekends
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave., Connector Building, Room 102
Omaha, NE 68107
Email: testingcentersoc@mccneb.edu

Fremont Area Testing Center: 531-MCC-3000
Hours vary, call for details
Closed Weekends
825 North Broad St.
Fremont, NE 68025
Email: testingcenterfrc@mccneb.edu

Testing Rules and Procedures

Metropolitan Community College Testing Services is committed to maintaining a secure, professional, and equitable testing environment for all students and test candidates. The following rules and procedures apply to all individuals utilizing MCC Testing Center services.

Appointment Scheduling

• Students are strongly encouraged to schedule testing appointments at least 24 hours in advance.
• Testing capacity is limited. Scheduling an appointment in advance helps ensure seat availability and testing priority.
• Students are responsible for scheduling their own testing appointments. Faculty members are not authorized to schedule appointments on behalf of students.

Identification Requirements

• A valid, government-issued photo identification is required prior to the administration of any assessment or exam.
• Identification presented must be current and may not be expired, altered, photocopied, digitally displayed, or reproduced in any form.
• Acceptable forms of identification include:
  • State-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards
  • State-issued temporary driver’s licenses or identification cards
  • Government-issued passports
• A current student may use their MCC Student Identification Card for faculty exam proctoring and placement assessments.

Testing Environment and Security

• Children are not permitted inside the Testing Center and may not remain unattended on college premises while a student is testing.
• Students may not leave the testing room without prior authorization from Testing Center staff. Failure to notify staff before leaving the testing area may result in the invalidation of the examination.
• Food and beverages are prohibited inside the Testing Center.
• Mobile phones and similar communication devices must be turned off or silenced and secured prior to entering the testing room.
• Unauthorized electronic devices are strictly prohibited within the testing environment, including but not limited to:
  • Smart watches
  • Bluetooth-enabled devices
  • Earbuds or headphones
  • Fitness tracking devices
  • Smart glasses or USB-enabled eyewear
  • Cameras
  • Flash drives
  • Unauthorized calculators
• Personal belongings not required for testing, including backpacks, purses, bags, and briefcases, are not permitted at testing stations.
• The Testing Center is not responsible for lost, stolen, or unattended personal items.
• Noise levels within the testing environment must be kept to a minimum at all times to preserve a distraction-free setting for all examinees.

Academic Integrity

• Any suspected act of academic dishonesty, cheating, or misconduct will be documented and addressed in accordance with Metropolitan Community College Student Conduct and Discipline Procedures.

Testing Procedures

• Testing Center staff are not responsible for returning assignments, coursework, or examinations to instructors.
• Students will be informed of applicable testing time limits prior to beginning their examination.
• Students are responsible for monitoring and adhering to those time limits.
• All testing session start and end times are documented by Testing Center staff.

MCC Placement Assessment Information

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Testing Center staff administer placement assessments free of charge to new and prospective students planning to attend MCC. Placement assessments help determine the appropriate starting course based on a student's educational background, previous coursework, test scores, and academic goals. The assessment needed will vary depending on the student.

If you are unsure whether you need a placement assessment or which assessment you should complete, contact the MCC Contact Center at 531-622-2400. Staff can help determine your next step or assist you with scheduling an appointment with a Success Navigator or Academic Advisor if additional guidance is needed.

Do I Need Placement Testing?

You may not need to complete a placement assessment if you:

• Have qualifying GED, ACT, or SAT scores.
• Graduated from high school recently with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 (B-) or higher.
• Completed a college-level English course with a grade of C or higher.
• Earned previous college-level credits from another institution.
• Have other qualifying placement scores or academic records that can be used to determine course placement.

Because placement requirements vary by subject and individual circumstances, students who are unsure should speak with a Success Navigator or Academic Advisor.

High School and Home-Schooled Students

Prospective students who are currently enrolled in high school or are home-schooled generally complete the:

• MCC Writing Sample Essay for English placement.
• The ALEKS Math Assessment is appropriate for high school students, particularly high school seniors or students who need placement into a credit-level mathematics course.

Students who are unsure which math assessment is appropriate should speak with a Success Navigator or Academic Advisor before testing.

English Placement Information

The MCC Writing Sample Essay is used to identify the highest-level English course a student may place into within MCC's English course sequence.

Students are allowed two hours to complete the Writing Sample Essay. During the assessment, students will:

• Read a short article.
• Review a question related to the article.
• Type an essay responding to the question and following the Writing Sample Essay instructions.

Students are encouraged to take their time, read the article and instructions carefully, and provide a thoughtful and complete response.

After the Writing Sample Essay is completed, the essay is reviewed and scored by MCC English faculty within three business days.

Retaking the Writing Sample Essay

Students are not automatically eligible to retake the Writing Sample Essay. A retake is allowed only with authorization from the Dean of the English Department.

Other English Placement Measures

The following scores may also be considered for English placement:

• GED, ACT, or SAT scores within three years.
• Next Generation Accuplacer or Companion scores within two years.
• Qualifying previous college-level English coursework.

Students who are unsure whether previous scores or coursework meet MCC placement requirements should speak with a Success Navigator or Academic Advisor before scheduling an assessment.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement

If English is a student's second language, the student must first meet with an MCC Success Navigator or Academic Advisor or Counselor in Student Services.

This meeting is used to determine which type of placement testing is appropriate based on the student's individual needs and requirements. Students should not schedule an ESL placement assessment until they have met with an Academic Advisor or Counselor and have been directed to the appropriate assessment.

Accuplacer ESL is a computer-based placement assessment designed to evaluate English-language skills.

MCC uses the following Accuplacer ESL assessments for English course placement:

• ESL Listening
• ESL Write Placer
• ESL Reading

Accuplacer ESL Testing Information

• The assessment is untimed; there is no set time limit.
• The average completion time is approximately three hours.
• Students should take their time and carefully read or listen to all assessment directions and questions.

Accuplacer ESL Preparation Resources

Students may review sample questions before testing:

• ESL Accuplacer Sample Questions
• ESL WritePlacer Sample Essays

Students who are uncertain whether Accuplacer ESL is the appropriate assessment should first speak with an MCC Success Navigator or Academic Advisor or Counselor.

Math Placement Information

Students begin the MCC mathematics sequence using a variety of placement measures, including high school coursework and GPA, previous college coursework, and qualifying assessment scores.

Recent high school graduates may qualify for placement into college-level mathematics without completing a placement assessment when appropriate academic criteria are met.

ALEKS PPL Math Assessment

ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is a web-based, adaptive assessment and learning system designed to determine what a student knows and does not yet know in mathematics.

ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation, and Learning) measures a student's math readiness and provides web-based, self-paced learning resources to help strengthen skills and improve placement when needed.

An ALEKS PPL account is valid for one year and provides students with up to five assessments:

• One initial assessment.
• Up to four retakes, if necessary.

All five assessments must be completed within one year from the date the student registers for an ALEKS PPL account.

ALEKS PPL Math Assessment Parameters

• Untimed — there is no time limit.
• Average completion time is approximately 1½ to 2 hours.
• Includes up to 25 questions.
• Personal calculators are not permitted.
• Tablets and cell phones are not permitted.

Because ALEKS is adaptive, the questions presented will change based on the student's responses and demonstrated math knowledge.

Courses That Do Not Require a Placement Assessment or Prerequisite

No placement assessment or prerequisite course is required for:

• MATH 1220 – Business Mathematics
• MATH 1240 – Technical Mathematics
• MATH 1242 – Applied Math for the Hospitality Industry
• FINA 1000 – Financial Literacy

MATH 1300 – Introduction to Mathematical and Computational Thinking

Students may qualify based on successful high school completion of:

• One year of Algebra I
• One year of Algebra II
• One year of Geometry

Students must have earned a grade of C or better in each course.

MATH 1305 – Quantitative Literacy, MATH 1312 – Intermediate Algebra, or MATH 1410 - Statistics

Students may qualify based on successful completion of four years of high school mathematics beginning with Algebra I, with grades of C or better.

Other Math Placement Measures

GED, ACT, and SAT scores may be used for math placement within three years.

Students who have been out of high school or college for more than two years may also qualify for placement into a college-level mathematics course after review of their high school and/or college transcripts by the MCC Math Department.

Students with questions about math placement should consult a Success Navigator or Academic Advisor.

Need Help Determining Your Next Step?

If you are unsure whether you need placement testing, which assessment you should take, or whether previous coursework or test scores can be used for placement, contact the:

MCC Contact Center
531-622-2400

The Contact Center can assist you or help connect you with a Success Navigator, Academic Advisor, or Counselor for additional placement guidance.

Arranging for a Proctored Exam with an MCC Testing Center

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) provides proctoring services for non-MCC students who require a secure and monitored location to complete an exam for an outside institution. MCC reserves the right to schedule exams based on seating availability and the Testing Center’s ability to meet the requesting institution’s requirements.

If an exam contains complex instructions or special testing procedures, instructors should consult with a Testing Center staff member prior to the testing date to ensure all instructions are properly documented and understood. Testing Center staff are not responsible for correcting, duplicating, or interpreting exam materials. Only the materials and instructions documented on the MCC Instructor Transmittal Form for External Proctoring will be permitted during testing.

Students will be informed of all exam time limits, and official start and stop times will be documented. While Testing Center staff monitor testing conditions, students remain responsible for managing their allotted testing time.

Proctoring Fee

A $30 proctoring fee is required for each exam and must be paid prior to testing. Payment may be made through:

Student Services Cashier On-Campus at the Fort Omaha, South Omaha, and Elkhorn Valley Campuses.
(cash, credit card, or check accepted)
or
Student Financial Services by calling 531-622-2405
(credit card payments only)

Students must provide proof of payment, including a receipt number, before testing can begin.

Fee Exception

The $30 proctoring fee is waived for students testing on behalf of a Nebraska educational institution.

Examples include:

• Nebraska high schools
• Nebraska community colleges
• University of Nebraska Omaha
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Creighton University
• Bellevue University

Mailing and Return of Exam Materials

If paper copies of exams, testing materials, or testing results must be returned through the U.S. Postal Service, all postage, packaging, and handling costs must be prepaid and provided by either the outside institution or the student prior to the start of testing.

Disability Support Services (DSS) Accommodations

If Disability Support Services (DSS) accommodations are required, it is the responsibility of the student and/or the student’s home institution to notify the MCC Testing Center in advance of the scheduled exam date.

The student and/or home institution are also responsible for arranging any required accommodation support personnel, including:

• Readers
• Writers
• Transcribers
• Translators

All accommodation arrangements must be coordinated prior to the testing appointment.

Scheduling a Proctored Exam

Students should contact the MCC Testing Center at least one week prior to the desired exam date to schedule an appointment. Early scheduling is strongly encouraged, especially around holidays and peak testing periods, to ensure testing deadlines can be met.

Please note:

• Instructors may not schedule appointments on behalf of students.
• MCC observes major holidays and limited operating hours may affect scheduling availability.
• Instructor Transmittal Form Requirements

The student must provide the MCC Instructor Transmittal Form for External Proctoring to their instructor or institution representative for completion and submission to the appropriate MCC Testing Center.

The completed transmittal form must:

• Accompany every exam submission
• Be submitted directly by the instructor, faculty member, professor, or institutional representative
• Be received together with the exam materials
• Arrive at least 48 hours prior to the student’s appointment

Please note that MCC Testing Centers are unavailable Friday afternoons after 12:00 p.m. and on weekends.

Students are not permitted to submit completed transmittal forms themselves.

Required Identification:

All students must present a valid, original government-issued photo ID before testing.

Acceptable identification:

• Must be current and unexpired
• Must be an original physical document

The following are not accepted:

• Photographs of IDs
• Digital copies
• Photocopies

Students without proper identification will not be permitted to test.

For additional information or to schedule a proctored exam for an outside institution, please contact an MCC Testing Center.

• Unless noted otherwise, students will pay for proctored testing costs at a campus Student Services Cashiers window or by contacting the Student Accounts Office at 531-622-2405 during normal business hours.
• Testing Center Staff are not allowed to accept cash, charge cards, checks or money order payments for any type of testing.