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)

MCC Testing Center staff administer the various assessments for placement free of charge to new students planning to attend Metropolitan Community College. The placement assessments are listed below and are determined by the student's needs. If a student is not sure what placement assessment they may require they should call the Contact Center at 531-622-2400 and they will assist in determining which assessment is needed or scheduling an appointment with an Success Navigator or Academic Advisor if further assistance is required.

Prospective students that are currently enrolled in high school or home schooled will complete the Writing Sample Essay and Accuplacer Math assessment for course placement. The ALEKS math assessment may be appropriate if the student is a high schoool senior or needing a credit math course, speak to an Academic Advisor if you have questions.

• have ACT scores within the last 2 years
• have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 (B-) or higher
• have passed a college level English class with a “C” or higher within the last 2 years
• earned previous college level credits from other institutions

Additional MCC Math Assessment Information:

Student begin the math sequence based on a variety of placement measures. Recent high school graduates (within the last two years) with an overall GPA of 2.8 or better may place into college-level courses without taking a placement exam give the following criteria:

*No placement assessment or pre-requisite course is needed for Math 1220, 1240, or 1242 or FINA 1000.

* For Math 1300: High school completion of one year each Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, with C or better.

*For Math 1305, 1312, or 1410: High school completion of four years of math beginning with Algebra I, with C or better

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

Students who are more than two years out of high school or college may also qualify to place into a college-level course upon review of high-school and/or college transcripts by the Math Department.

Additional MCC English Assessment Information:

Students begin the English Sequence based on placement measures. The MCC English Writing Sample is the placement measure for students hoping to take ENGL classes at MCC. The Writing Sample provides the best pathway for placement in the most appropriate course. Contact Testing Center Staff to schedule an appointment to take the Writing Sample.

ACT scores and SAT scores may be used for placement within 3 years.
Next Generation Accuplacer and Companion scores may be used for placement within 2 years.

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

Students are allowed 2 hours to read a short article and write (type) their response to the question proposed in the Writing Sample Essay instructions. Their essay is then scored by English faculty within 3 business days. Students should take their time and read carefully. A retake is only allowed with authorization from the Dean of the English Department.

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.

ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a subject.

ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation, and Learning) accurately measures a student's math readiness and repairs learning loss via web-based and self-paced skill building. An ALEKS PPL account is valid for one year and provides students 5 assessments (initial and 4 retakes) in an effort to improve their placement score (if necessary). All five assessments must be completed within one year from the time the student registers for an ALEKS PPL account.

ALEKS PPL Math Assessment Parameters:

• Not timed - no time limit, average completion time 1 ½ - 2 hours.
• up to 30 questions.
• No personal calculators, tablets, or cell phones allowed.

• Prospective students that are currently enrolled in high school or home schooled will complete the Accuplacer English and Math assessments for course placement.
• Next Generation Accuplacer: A computerized assessment for placement test for both English and Math. The average time to complete this test is two hours or less; however, it is not timed. This assessment is offered at all campus/center locations.
• Companion: This assessment test is only for persons needing DSS accommodations and can be given by appointment only at all testing locations. This exam is a proportionally comparable written version of the computerized Accuplacer assessment. To be eligible, students must have a documented disability and see a MCC DSS adviser for recommendation. This test is offered in a paper and pencil version, a large-print version, a braille version and an audio CD version as well. Students may take the English and the Math sections together, separately, or not at all. Testing is done using a test booklet, answer sheet, scratch paper and a No. 2 pencil. Calculators are not authorized for use with the Companion Exam when completing Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra problems unless noted in DSS accommodations. Accuplacer Companion does not have a set time limit for test completion.

• 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.

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.

If English is a student's second language, the student must first meet with an MCC Academic Advisor or Counselor located in Student Services. This meeting is to decide which type of testing is required based on student's individual needs and requirements. There are two different assessments available for ESL students:

• Accuplacer ESL: This is a computerized ESL Language Use, and ESL Sentence Meaning placement assessment program administered for English only. MCC uses the ESL Listening, and ESL Reading Skills, and ESL Language Use for English Course Placement. ESL WritePlacer (an additional short writing sample) may also be required if there is a question as to an understanding of a required skill set. The average completion time to take this placement examination is approximately three hours. There is however no actual set time limit for taking this test. Sample tests can be found using the highlighted links for ESL Accuplacer and ESL WritePlacer.
• Companion ESL: The Companion ESL placement test is only for nonnative English speaking individuals who require the ESL Companion with DSS accommodations. This proficiency exam may be provided by appointment only at any testing location. The exam is a proportionally comparable written version of the computerized Accuplacer ESL assessment. To be eligible, students must have a documented disability and see a MCC DSS adviser for recommendation. This test is available in a paper and pencil version, a large-print paper and pencil version, a braille version and an audio CD version. Testing is accomplished by using a test booklet, an answer sheet, scratch paper and a No. 2 pencil. Companion ESL does not have a set time limit for test completion. Companion ESL uses the same practice tests that are used with the computerized Accuplacer ESL exam. Sample tests can be found using the highlighted links for ESL Accuplacer and ESL WritePlacer.