Placement Testing Services
Students who will be full-time, who will be pursuing a degree or certificate program or receiving financial aid must complete placement tests prior to registration. The placement test determines your entry levels for reading, writing and math. If you have prior college work or have taken a placement test at another college or have recent ACT or SAT scores, check with Educational Support Programs. The placement test is given in Stensland Hall between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on a walk-in basis and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. At the end of your testing session, you will receive a copy of your test results. Your advisor or a counselor will discuss the results and assist you to select classes based on your placement. Note: High scores may allow you to 'test out' of some course work.
Placement tests are scheduled by appointment through the local offices for the Curry campuses in Brookings, Gold Beach and Port Orford.
COMPASS is a comprehensive computerized adaptive testing from ACT, that helps place students into appropriate courses such as reading, writing, and math.
COMPASS testing is offered on a walk-in basis. Photo ID is required. Please call the ESPS Office for testing fee schedule. For COMPASS practice site, please go to www.act.org/compass/ or stop by the ESPS office for a study guide.
National Test, Freshman entrance requirement.
Go to www.act.org to register online.
National Test, Freshman entrance requirement.
Go to www.collegeboard.com to register online.
By appointment: Offering credit by exam; general and subject ESPS; $20.00 proctoring fee payable to Southwestern at time of testing. $77.00 test fee payable to CLEP the day of the exam. Retest after six months. Certain exams accepted at SOCC.
Assist students in choosing a major/career.
SII test are by appointment and approval of a career counselor only. Tests are administered at the ESPS office in Stensland Hall.
Assist students in determining their personality type(s).
MBTI test are by appointment and approval of career counselor only. Tests are administered at the ESPS office and takes about 35 minutes to complete.
Tests are administered at the ESPS office.
SWOCC offers paper/pencil version or computer version.
To schedule an appointment for computer testing please go to oregon.metrosignup.com.
Please call 541-888-7371 for more information.
What is the GED Test?
GED stands for General Educational Development and is the equivalent of a high school diploma. Southwestern Oregon Community College is a certified GED ® testing center.
What forms of the GED Test are available?
The GED Test is available in English, Spanish, French, and Large Print formats. Arrangements for foreign language and large print formats must be made in advance. Contact the ESPS Office at 541.888.7405 for more information.
Are testing accommodations available?
Testers who need accommodations for a physical or learning disability may request them using the appropriate forms. The process takes time, so contact the ESPS Office in Stensland Hall well in advance.
What can I use the GED For?
When you fill out applications for jobs or educational programs, you can list your GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. In fact, most employers and colleges, including Southwestern, accept GED certificates. Some colleges will require higher scores than the minimum passing scores. The ESPS Office has more information.
What is on the GED Test?
The GED is comprised of five subtests. The following table provides details for each subtest.
| Area of Study | Number of items | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | 50 items plus essay | 2 hours |
| Mathematics* | 50 items | 1 hour, 30 minutes. (2 parts) |
| Social Studies | 50 items | 1 hour, 10 minutes |
| Reading | 40 items | 1 hour, 5 minutes |
| Science | 50 items | 1 hour, 20 minutes |
*The Math subtest is made up of two parts. On Part I you may use a calculator and on Part II you must solve problems with only a pencil and scratch paper. Calculators are provided by the testing center. You may not use your own calculator.
Who can take the GED Test?
You may take the GED if you are 18 years of age or olde and have not graduated from high school. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need to get an Exemption from Compulsory Attendance or be in an approved GED Option program at your high school or ESD. Those under 16 years of age are not eligible to take the GED in Oregon.
What do I need to bring in order to test?
- your government-issued photoID (see below for acceptable forms of ID)
- a receipt for the $75 testing fee from the Student First Stop Center.
- If you are 16 or 17 years old, you are required to bring your Exemption from Compulsory Attendance or GED Option form at the time of registration. You will not be given an appointment for testing until these forms are received.
- Do not bring such personal possessions as purses, backpacks, phones, etc., because you cannot take them to your seat while you test.
*Both the ID and payment receipt are required before you can schedule your GED test. Bring ID to each test.
What is acceptable identification?
- The GED Testing Service requires that you verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID Examples are a driver's license, State identification card, or passport.
- All ID must contain the following 5 elements: your name, photo, date of birth, current address and signature.
What Does It Cost?
As of July 1, 2003 the GED testing fee at Southwestern is $75 and covers all 5 subtests. Subtests may be retaken if needed up to two times per calendar year. Retesting costs $10 per subtest.
Where do I pay the fee?
Student First Stop Center in the lobby of Dellwood Hall.
When and where can I take the GED Test?
Tuesdays:
- 8:45 a.m. Reading
- 10:30 a.m. Science
- 1:00 p.m. Social Studies
Thursdays:
- 8:45 a.m. Writing
- 11:30 p.m. Math
GED testing is available ONLY by appointment. Testing times are subject to change. See our calendar for up-to-date information at http://www.socc.edu/esps/pgs/ged-testing-calendar/
Important:
All testers with appointments should arrive at the Newmark Center, Room 206, 15 minutes prior the start of testing. Testers who show up after ID check-in will NOT be allowed to test and will need to reschedule testing for a later date. The testing center reserves the right to charge a $25 No Show Fee.
How Do I Make an Appointment?
Call ESPS for more information at 541.888.7405/541.888.7371
Can I Test Without An Appointment?
No, the Testing staff will need time to set up your testing materials prior to testing.
What if I have filled out the forms at a GED Prep class?
If you attended a GED Prep class, you may bring your materials to the ESPS office. The Testing staff will check your ID, check the accuracy of you forms, and, if necessary, check your Exemption from Compulsory Attendance or GED Option form. You will then be able to make an appointment for testing.
Testing Sessions: What Happens?
At each testing session the Examiner will hand out test materials, read instructions, and begin the test. During the test you may not take any breaks. You may leave early if you finish before the time limit is up.
How Do You Get Score Results?
After your last test of the day, testing staff members will scan answer sheets and scores will be available the next business day. Every effort will be made to do this promptly, however, there may be circumstances that slow us down, and we appreciate your understanding. You will also receive a personal ID code that you can use to retrieve your scores on the scoring website, www.ged123.org.
What Are Passing Scores?
The GED subtests use a Standard Score that ranges from 200 to 800. The passing score for each subtest is 410. In order to pass the GED and receive a certificate, your overall average for the 5 subtests must be at least 450.
What If I Fail One of the Tests?
If you fail a test, you may retake it using a different form. There are 3 forms of each subtest available each year. Retesting fees are $10 per subtest. Southwestern's Transitional Education program offers classes for those who need further instruction in a subject area prior to retesting. Contact them at 541.888.7116 for more information.
GED Computer Base Testing (CBT)
GED testers have until November 21, 2013 to complete the GED test battery with Southwestern Oregon Community College. If they do not complete testing by this date, all previous scores become invalid and testers must begin again from scratch. No refunds of testing fees if not completed by that date.
Computer based GED testing begins January 1, 2014. Pricing of testing fees will be available at that time.
How Can I Prepare for the GED Tests?
GED preparation classes are available through Southwestern's Transitional Education program at the Newmark Center. You may reach Transitional Ed at 541.888.7116. It is recommended that testers take the GED Practice Test prior to taking the GED. This helps you to find out quickly which subjects you are ready for and which you need to prepare for. Pretesting is not available at the ESPS Office.
If you need more information, Call: 541.888.7405
For GED Transcripts, please download the GED Transcript Request Order Form and fax to ((541) 888-1513.
