The Testing Center administers all assessment tests. The Center is located in the Academic Advising Office & Testing Office, Building A, Room 138. If you have any questions call 281.756.3526.
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- 2 forms of identification (one must include a photo)
- Social Security number
- #2 pencils
- Black or blue pen
- 4-function calculators are allowed (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication)
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The placement test is a series of basic skills assessments completed via paper and pencil or on a computer. The tests are designed to measure current skills in reading, writing, and math. This assessment allows you and the ACC staff to work together to help you succeed in your courses. Test scores indicate areas where you may need help and which courses might be a starting point for your educational career. Contact the Testing Center in advance if you have any questions or need accommodations for the test.
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Any student completing an application for admission to Alvin Community College is required to participate in testing. Students enrolled in level one certification courses may be exempt.
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The approved TSI tests are THEA, THEA QuickTest (QT), ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, and ASSET. Alvin Community College offers three (3) of these tests, including THEA, THEA QuickTest (QT), and ACCUPLACER. The Testing Center will advise you on the best test for you.
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| THEA Test |
Registration Fee |
$29 |
| |
Late Registration |
$49 |
| |
Emergency Registration |
$69 |
| |
Computer-administered testing |
$85 |
| |
| THEA QuickTest (QT) |
Registration Fee |
$10 (to reserve seat) |
| |
Scoring Fee |
$29 (due on test date) |
| |
| ACCUPLACER Test |
Registration Fee |
$39 |
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THEA Test - Students have the option of paper and pencil test or computer-administered test. Results are available in 21 days. Students must register by mail. Registration bulletins are available in the Testing Center, Admissions & Advising Office, and the Pearland Campus Library.
THEA QuickTest (QT) - Test with paper and pencil. Results are available in 7 - 10 days. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the test in 30 days.
ACCUPLACER Test - Test is computer-administered and takes about 3 hours. Results are available immediately. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can retake the test in 30 days.
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To register for THEA QuickTest (QT) or ACCUPLACER Test, please follow these steps:
- Submit an Application for Admission to ACC.
- Meet with an advisor in the Admissions & Advising Office.
- Complete test registration form and bring to Business Office, Building A, Room A-109, to pay registration fee.
- Bring receipt to the Admissions & Advising Office to register for test.
All tests are given in the Testing Center. Call the Academic Advising Office at 281.756.3531 to review options and test dates.
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The tests focus on reading, writing, and math skills. Mathematics covers a variety of items from pre-algebra to geometry to advanced mathematics. You will be asked to select a correct answer from a list of choices. Reading allows the student to select the main idea of the passage and measures vocabulary and comprehension skills. Writing passage allows the student to edit text that has a variety of "problems." Writing skills include grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, as well as strategy, organization and style in effective writing. A writing sample test is also required.
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No special preparation is necessary, as the tests are designed to measure skills acquired through high school, work experience or previous college work. If some time has passed since your last math class and your scheduled math testing, you may wish to "brush up" your math skills.
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The tests were developed to assist in college academic advising and course selection. The results will help you choose courses and make appropriate career decisions. In other words, your scores will indicate where your academic strengths and needs lie in relation to college level work for your chosen major. Should you require assistance in meeting academic challenges, our campuses offer tutoring as well as courses in math, reading, study skills and English.
Test results are scored as follows:
TSI Complete - all sections passed
TSI Incomplete - developmental education required until developmental sequence is completed
TSI Waived - certificate plan on file, developmental education required as course pre-requisite only
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THEA Test - Results are mailed to student in 21 days.
THEA QuickTest (QT) - Results are mailed in 7 days
ACCUPLACER - Results are available in Testing Center immediately.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) does not permit giving scores over the telephone. However, students are welcome to come to the Testing Center to pick up a copy of their scores and course recommendations. This information is also available during the mandatory Academic Advising session.
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Once you have completed the required testing, you will meet with an academic advisor. Appointments are not required and students are seen on a first come, first served basis.
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- Relax! The tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses, you can select the right courses and get the help you need to improve any underdeveloped skills.
- Arrive a few minutes early so that you can locate the assessment
area, rest rooms and "gather your thoughts" before testing.
- Ask questions if you do not understand. Campus staff are available to assist you!
- Pace yourself.
- Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
- Try to respond to all the items presented to you, even if you are not certain of the answers.
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