Placement Tests

If you are a new student at Northern Virginia Community College, you will be asked to complete one or more placement tests. The results of these tests will help you and NOVA determine the courses you will take. They are not criteria for admission.

Reviewing for Placement Tests Saves Time
College requirements are demanding. Reviewing for the test will give you the best opportunity to reach your highest competency level and course placement. Failure to review may result in course placement below your skill level. Your placement may require that you take one or more developmental, non-credit courses before being eligible to take college-level courses.

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English Placement Tests

• COMPASS is the primary tool for placement testing for ENG 111 (College Composition) and for basic skills assessment in reading and writing.
• This test called COMPASS is a computer test.
• The COMPASS English placement test has two untimed parts: Reading and Writing.
• A minimum score is required to be placed into ENG 1 and ENG 4.
• The English placement tests can be retaken after 6 months.
• The scores are good for three years.

English Placement Tests Reading Sample Questions Writing Sample Questions Additional Help Learning Support - English

English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test

• ACCUPLACER is the primary tool for placement testing for ESL.
• This test (called ACCUPLACER^TM LOEP {Levels of English Proficiency} test) is a computer test. It is divided into three sections: Reading Skills, Sentence Meaning and Language Usage.
• Test: Part 1: Multiple-choice test (60 questions) untimed.
• Test: Part 2: If your computer test score is 300+, you will also write a one-page essay. Time limit: 1 hour. You will have a choice of two essay topics. Faculty will evaluate your essay within two-five working days.
• You may take the Math Placement Test if you score into Level 3 or higher.
• Test scores are good for one year.
• Due to privacy laws, no test results are given by telephone. 
• You must answer each question before you can go on to the next one. Once you have moved on to the next question, you cannot go back and change your answers. However, the computer will ask you to verify each answer before moving on to the next question.
• Retests are not allowed except according to college policy as follows:
  1. You may retest in six months if you do not score into level 2 or higher. During this time it is recommended that you take an intensive English course through our Continuing Education Office or through adult education in your area.
  2. If you score into level 2 or higher, but choose not to enroll in the recommended classes, you may retest in one year.
  3. Once you enroll in ESL classes, you cannot retest unless it has been one year from the last day of the class.

English as a Second Language Placement Test ESL Sample Questions Additional Help Learning Express Library Grammar Tutorials

Math Placement Test

• COMPASS is the primary tool for placement testing for Math.
• Review for the Math Placement Test.   
• Math Placement Test is an adaptive, computerized, untimed test.
• Personal calculators cannot be used. The Windows standard/scientific calculators will be available to you while testing. To practice using the calculators at home, go to START MENU/Programs/Accessories. 
• Five Test Levels: Prealgebra, Algebra, College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
• When you answer test questions correctly, they will continue to get more difficult as you move through the test levels. Incorrect answers will result in less difficult questions. When you can no longer consistently answer the questions correctly, the test will stop and your course placement determined.
• Math test scores are valid for one year.
• Retest is allowed once every three months, but not more than three times per year.

Math Placement Test Math Sample Questions Additional Help Math Placement Test Review Sheet Preparing for the Math Placement Test