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Do I Need to Take an Assessment?

DVC recommends that every student completes the online 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 prerequisites or placement 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 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 graduated from a US high school within the last 10 years
• I graduated from a foreign school, graduated over 10 years, completed a GED or homeschool, Adult Education, earned a high school proficiency certificate, currently enrolled high school student or attended unaccredited high school
• Course Challenge
• 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 an Assessment Clearance Form.

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I have completed an associate degree or higher

If you have an associate degree or higher, you will need to submit an Assessment Clearance Form.

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

We recommend that you complete the Online Placement process as this will result in transfer-level placement.

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I have already taken English 116 or 118

We recommend that you complete the Online Placement process as this will result in transfer-level placement.

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

English placement:

• If you took the CAASPP during your Junior year of high school (11th grade), and received “Standard Exceeded”, you will place in ENGL-122. Submit a copy of your test results to the Assessment Center for review.

Math placement:

• If you took the CAASPP during your Junior year of high school (11th grade), and received “Standard Exceeded”, you will place in Math-181. Submit a copy of your test results to the Assessment Center for review.

To clear placement using the CAASPP scores:

• 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
  • 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 (11th grade) are valid for two years after your graduation from high school.

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

English placement:

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 Equivalency Form.

Math placement:

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 Equivalency Form.

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

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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 Equivalency Form.

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.

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I graduated from a US high school in the past 10 years

The online placement process will provide placement in transfer-level English and math classes. Please select the corresponding tab that applies to your high school status and follow the prompts. You will need to submit copy of your high school transcript by email to DVCMMAP@dvc.edu after completing this process, and you will be able to register in the recommended classes after six hours or on your registration date and time.

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I graduated from a foreign school, graduated over 10 years, completed a GED or

homeschool, Adult Education, earned a high school proficiency certificate or attended unaccredited high school. The online placement process will provide placement in transfer-level English and math classes.  No other action is needed. You will be able to register in the recommended classes after six hours or on your registration date and time.

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Course Challenge

If you are unable to use a transcript to clear a prerequisite or co-requisite, you have the right to challenge it if you have met the requirement through a non-traditional way (through work or life experience).   Please visit the Admissions and Records Office for instructions for the specific course. You will request and submit the Prerequisite Challenge Form from the Admissions and Records Office.

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I am a DSS student

Any student with a documented disability who would like accommodations made for testing should contact the Disability Support Services (DSS) office located in Student Services Center, Room 248 or call 925-969-2185 prior to assessment.

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Contact the Assessment Center

• Pleasant Hill
• San Ramon