Placement Testing

If you are taking a placement test virtually (at home), we will be no longer using Examity as of September 15, 2024. We will be using ProctorU to proctor your assessments. You will need a desktop or laptop computer with a web camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet place to concentrate and take your assessment. It is important that no one else be in the room with you while taking the test virtually.

You are not allowed the use of any electronic devices during your assessment or the use of a calculator during your math assessment unless approved by Disability Resources and Services as an accommodation.

ProctorU

Accuplacer Placement tests taken virtually will use the Record+ service.

Record+—When using ProctorU for placement testing remotely, students are recorded without a live proctor. Students do not schedule Record+ exams in advanced. Students will use the voucher code sent to you to take your exams.

Before you begin the ProctorU preparation steps below, please note:

• ProctorU does not support devices such as phones and tablets
• All placement tests require a computer with a camera and microphone and the Guardian browser (details below)

Students Preparation Steps for ProctorU Setup:

1. Create a ProctorU Account:
   • Complete all required information on the account setup page before submitting your request
   • Remember your ProctorU username and password for possible future use
     To create your ProctorU Account, click this link—While creating your account select CCAC as your Institution's name from the dropdown menu
2. Download the Guardian Browser:
   • To use ProctorU you must download the Guardian Browser and use it to access each placement test
   • Click here to download the Guardian browser
     Note: Administrator Access for your computer is required to install the browser. Click here for the full list of requirements.
3. Test your equipment:
   • View the minimum requirements. All CCAC students will download and use the ProctorU
   • Guardian Browser (see Step 2 above)
   • Test your equipment before exam day in an environment that is identical to or close to the location where you are planning to take your exam
   • Click here to login to your ProctorU account and test your equipment

Exam Day: Prepare for the day of your placement test by also doing the following (see video links below)

• Test in a private, well-lit room with no one else present
• Close all programs on your computer except Guardian Browser and unplug any secondary monitors
• Have your government-issued photo ID ready
• Remove any non-religious head coverings, watches, earbuds, and headphones
• Clear your workspace of all materials except those allowed
• Ensure your computer passes the equipment test and the Guardian Secure Browser is installed

Video links:

Record+ Student Experience Video

Live+ (Guardian) Instructions for Test-takers

Online Exam Proctoring with ProctorU

For your convenience, this course will utilize the ProctorU platform to proctor your online exams.

What is ProctorU?

ProctorU is a platform that is partnered with your institution to help you take an exam online while ensuring academic integrity is upheld. Using this platform allows you the convenience of testing from home 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

How Do I Prepare for My ProctorU Exam?

Step 1:

Create a ProctorU account and download the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser.

Step 2:

Schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance.

• Login to your ProctorU account and click the "Schedule New Session" button.
• Confirm your institution, term, and exam name, then click "Search Sessions."
• Use the calendar and clock features on the left to select your desired testing date and time.

Note: If you choose to take your exam on-demand instead of scheduling in advance, you may incur premium fees and wait times.

Step 3:

Test your equipment

• Important Note: You will need administrative access of your computer. To view the other minimum requirements, view this article.
• Please test your equipment before exam day in an environment that is identical to or close to your actual testing location.

Step 4:

Prepare for exam day

This video will walk you through the exam day experience including any best practices. For additional information, read this article to ensure you are prepared for exam day.

 

Do you have any testing accommodations?

The ProctorU platform is fully ADA compliant. If you require special testing accommodations, I will need to let ProctorU know. Please work with me prior to your exam to make sure your accommodations are noted in their system.

Does it negatively interfere with my computer?

ProctorU does not permanently impact your computer in any way. You will be able to see everything your proctor is doing while you are connected. Once your exam is over and you have closed out of your chat session and video page with ProctorU, it completely removes the screen sharing client from your computer. You may also uninstall the Guardian Browser after each exam session if you choose to do so.

Does ProctorU breach my privacy rights?

Absolutely not! ProctorU takes your privacy very seriously. They stringently adhere to all Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. No student information can be shared without your direct approval. If you have any privacy concerns, you can visit ProctorU’s Privacy Policy page. For additional information, review ProctorU’s Student Bill of Rights.

Still have questions or concerns?

You can view ProctorU’s test-taker support FAQ page here.

ProctorU wants you to know that they are always available to help! You can always start a live chat by logging into your ProctorU account and clicking the chat icon in the lower right side of your screen, open a support ticket, or call 855.772.8678.

  

Contact CCAC's Office of Disability Resources and Services to see if you qualify.

Do I qualify for an accommodation?

You may not need to take all placement tests. CCAC offers a number of eligible exemptions.

Do I qualify for an exemption?

If you are a high school senior and are looking to take advantage of the reading/English exemption, you must send your high school transcript only after the first two grading periods or first semester of your senior year to get this exemption. Any transcripts sent without those grades and GPA will not be acceptable.
 

Dual Enrollment students who are juniors or seniors only need to take a placement test if the course they are taking has a math or English prerequisite or have not taken the SAT/ACT exams. All other Dual Enrollment students not yet juniors or seniors are required to take all three placement tests (reading, math, and English).

The math test consists of three parts (arithmetic, algebra, and advanced algebra). You will start with arithmetic, which has 20 multiple-choice questions. If you get a high enough score, the algebra section will launch with an additional 20 multiple-choice questions. If you get a high enough score on the algebra section, the advanced algebra section will launch with 20 more multiple-choice questions. If you do not score high enough on any one section, the test will submit and your score report will display the math course in which you are eligible to enroll.

The reading and math placement tests are not timed so you can take the time you need to complete it in one sitting. The BIO 110 Waiver is a timed test and you have 60 minutes to complete that test.

If taking the reading and math test together, you should estimate at least 1½ hour depending on your reading and math skills. Longer if you are able to advance to the algebra and advanced algebra sections of the math test.

Students take this test when English is not their first language. The ESL test has three parts: reading skills, listening skills, and writing skills. The reading and listening sections have 20 multiple-choice questions. The writing section presents you with a prompt and asks you to write an essay of approximately 300 to 600 words.

If you are required to complete the reading test, you will also need to complete the "English Questionnaire".

Placement assessments can be taken a second time with the approval of an advisor. A student may retest for a placement out of a course in which he/she was enrolled after a 4-year period. Once a student has retested after four years and scores into the same course(s) for which he/she was enrolled, there is no further alternative, regardless of the result. The BIO 110 Waiver can only be taken once a year.

Once you complete your placement assessments, Academic Advising can help you explore our programs and register for classes.

• Allegheny Campus in room S130 and is located in the Student Services Center at 839 Ridge Ave on the Northside of Pittsburgh.
• Boyce Campus Testing Center is in room S563 and is located at 595 Beatty Rd in Monroeville.
• North Campus Testing Center is in room 1002 and is located at 8701 Perry Highway in McCandless.
• South Campus Testing Center is in room B447 and is located at 1750 Clairton Road in West Mifflin.

View Locations