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Do I Need to Take an Assessment?

DVC recommends that every student completes the placement process that may include math and English or ESL.  The chemistry assessment is optional. There are specific cases where you may be exempt, meaning, you will not be required to take the assessments. Review details below, or review our how to clear assessment chart. 

On this page: 

• I have already taken a college level math or English course
• I have completed an associate degree or higher
• I was placed into English 122 for reading or writing, not both
• I have taken the assessments at another California Community College 
• I have already taken English 116 or 118
• I took the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
• I took Advanced Placement (AP), SAT, or ACT exams in high school
• I passed Algebra II or higher in high school
• I am only taking a class for enjoyment
• I am a DSS student

I have already taken a college level math or English course

If you have completed a college level math or English course and received a “C” or higher, you can use that class to meet the assessment requirement. In order to qualify for this exemption you will need to submit the Assessment Clearance Form with your transcript (official or unofficial) to the Admissions and Records Office.

I have completed an associate degree or higher

If you have an associate degree or higher, you will need to submit the Assessment Clearance Form with your transcript (official or unofficial) to the Admissions and Records Office.

I was placed into English 122 for reading or writing, not both

Depending on your goals, you may want to take one or both assessments even if you have already completed a degree. 

If you have already taken the English assessment and were placed into English 122 for reading OR writing, you only have to retake the portion of the assessment that you did not place into English 122.

For example:

• If you placed into English 122 for writing, you only need to retake the reading portion.
• If you placed into English 122 for reading, you only need to retake the writing portion.

I have taken the assessments at another California Community College 

If you have taken the assessment at another California Community College between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2019, you can choose to use those placements for DVC classes.  We are unable to use online placements results from any other school (including Los Medanos College or Contra Costa College).

To qualify for this exemption you may:

• bring a copy of your official placement report (must include the date taken, school information, your name, and DVC student ID#) to the Assessment Center, 
• email your official placement report to assessmentcenter@dvc.edu,
• have the school fax your official placement report directly to the Assessment Center (fax number: 925-682-8179), or
• if you have taken an assessment test at Los Medanos College or Contra Costa College, your results will be in the computer system.  There is no need to forward the report to DVC Assessment Center.

Please note:  DVC does not accept scores from UCs, CSUs, private or out-of-state schools. You cannot take the assessment at DVC for use at another school. 

I have already taken English 116 or 118

If you have passed English 116 (reading) or 118 (writing) with a “C” or higher, you may only need to take part of the English assessment.

For example:

• If you’ve taken the equivalent of English 116, you may only need to take the writing portion of the English assessment.
• If you’ve taken the equivalent of English 118, you may only need to take the reading portion of the English assessment.

I took the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

English assessment exemption:

• If you took the CAASPP during your 11th grade, and received “Standard Exceeded”, you may be exempt.  Submit a copy of your test results to the Assessment Center for review.
• If you received a “Standard Met” and you have completed an Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC)  with a "C" for better during your senior year of high school, you may be exempt.  Submit your transcript (official or unofficial) along with your CAASPP scores to the Assessment Center.

Math assessment exemption:

• If you took the CAASPP during your 11th grade, and received “Standard Exceeded”, you may be exempt.  Submit a copy of your test results to the Assessment Center for review.
• “Standard Met” scores are not accepted for a math exemption.

In order to qualify for this exemption you must:

• find your CAASPP math or English results at California Department of Education,
• print a copy of your results,
• write your DVC student ID number at the top of the page,
• submit your results to the Assessment Center by one of the following:
  
  • in person,
  • fax - 925-682-8179, or
  • email to assessmentcenter@dvc.edu.

Still not sure if you meet "Standard Exceeded?" Review our CAASPP guide for more information. 

Please note: CAASPP scores taken during junior year are valid for two years after your graduation from high school.  

I took Advanced Placement (AP), SAT, or ACT exams in high school

English assessment exemption: 

If you took the English Literature or Language Advanced Placement (AP) exam and scored a "3" or higher, you may submit your scores and  a completed Prerequisite Form to the Admissions and Records Office.

Math assessment exemption:

If you took the Calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement (AP) exam and scored a "3" or higher, you may submit your scores and a completed Prerequisite Form to the Admissions and Records Office.

SAT and ACT exams are not used for placement at DVC.

I passed Algebra II or higher in high school

If you completed Algebra II or higher and received a grade of “C” or higher both semesters, you may submit your transcript (official or unofficial) and a completed Prerequisite Form to the Admissions and Records Office.

I am only taking a class for enjoyment

In order to qualify for priority registration you must either complete the online placement process or submit exemption paperwork if you have previously attended college or hold an AA degree or higher.  Priority registration also requires you to complete the orientation and educational planning.  Learn more about priority registration.

I am a DSS student

DSS student must take the assessment unless they meet a different reason listed above. 

If you require extra time or other accommodations for a disability, please register with DVC's Disability Support Services office before scheduling an assessment (Student Services Center, room 248, phone: 925-969-2185).

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Contact the Assessment Center

• Pleasant Hill
• San Ramon