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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

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.

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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 the Assessment Clearance Form with your transcript (official or unofficial) to the Admissions and Records Office.

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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 may result in transfer-level placement.

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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: NO other college's multiple measures or guided self-placement are accepted.

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I have already taken English 116 or 118

We recommend that you complete the Online Placement process as this may 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:

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 to the Admissions and Records Office.

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 to the Admissions and Records Office.

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 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.

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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. Please select the "Additional Options" tab and answer simple questions regarding your academic background. 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

Telephone: 925-969-2132

Email: assessmentcenter@dvc.edu

Fax: 925-682-8179

Office location: SSC building, room 140 (first floor)
Pleasant Hill campus map 

Telephone: 925-551-6215

Email: auawithya@dvc.edu

Fax: 925-242-0856

Office location: West Building 109
San Ramon campus map