About Placement Tests
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Placement Testing
Q. What do I need to do before I take a test?
- Students need to turn in an Ohlone College application before taking the test.
- It is not necessary to sign up for testing. All tests are given on a first come, first serve basis.
Q. What do I need to bring the day of test?
These two items are required!
- All students need to bring a picture ID such as a school ID, driver's license, or passport.
- All students must also have an Ohlone student ID number. You will receive your ID number by email after you submit your application. If you have not received your ID number, email the Admissions Office at admissions@ohlone.edu. You will not be allowed to take the test without an Ohlone ID Number.
Q. Where are tests given?
Tests on the Fremont campus are given in Building 1, Fourth Floor, Room 1405A, unless indicated otherwise.
Q. Are calculators, dictionaries, word translators, and other kinds of study aids allowed on the tests?
No. Students will be provided scratch paper to work out problems or take notes. Scratch paper will be collected at the end of the test.
Q. For example, the Placement Center hours is open from 9 to 10 am. Does that mean students have to start and finish between 9 and 10 am? What if the student comes at 9:30 am?
Students may come to the Placement Center between 9 and 10 am to start the test. No new students will be admitted after 10 am. Students already in the Center are allowed to stay and finish their tests.
Please note that the Center is limited to 30 seats and is done on a first come, first served basis. For example, students may arrive at 9:30 am, but may not test should the Center be full. The students are welcome to wait to see if a seat opens up before the Center has to close.
Q. How long will the test(s) take?
The tests are not timed. How much time it will take depends on the student’s experience and skill. The average time is under 2 hours for both English and Math Placement Tests.
If the student does not finish by the time staff needs to leave, the student can return on another day the Center is open to finish the test. The system will retain the student’s progress and resume from where s/he left the test.
The chemistry placement test is 45 minutes long. Students must finish the test in one sitting.
Q. I’m a Pre-RN, PTA, or RT applicant. Which test(s) do I take?
Applicants to the Registered Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Respiratory Therapist programs must take the Reading Comprehension test. Applicants who come during the regular testing schedule for Fall, Spring, or Summer Semesters will take all of the English test. The English test includes the Reading Comprehension test.
Designated testing dates for Pre-RN, PTA, or RT applicants will offer the Reading Comprehension section from the English test.. The Math test may or may not be required, depending on the applicant’s previous college course work.
Q. I am an independent or long distance college student. Does Ohlone's Testing Center offer proctoring services?
The Testing Center does not offer proctoring services.
Q: When will I get my results?
For the English, math and ESL tests, students will receive their results the same day. For the Chemistry test, results are available the following day online in the student’s Web Advisor account, under Test Summary.
Q: I’ve misplaced my test results and I need another copy. How do I get one?
Students can access their results online via their Web Advisor accounts, under Test Summary. For those requiring a copy for another school, please see Placement Test Results.
Q: I can’t make it to the scheduled test times. Can I make an individual appointment? Does the Testing Center have more hours open?
Due to limited staffing, the current testing schedule represents what is available. No individual appointments are scheduled.
Q: How many times can I retake the test?
Please refer to the Retest Policy.
Q: When is the ATB (Abilities to Benefit) test offered?
The ATB test is available during the English and math testing schedule. Please inform the staff that the ATB test is needed upon arrival.
