Placement Tests & Proctored Exams

 

Local ACT

The Local ACT is used only for admission to specific WCJC Allied Health Programs. Local ACT test scores cannot be used to satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements for college readiness. Local ACT scores will not be released to other institutions. You are strongly encouraged to check with the Allied Health Program staff before testing to ensure they are taking the correct test.
The Local ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. It takes about 3 hours. You may use a basic or scientific calculator for the math section only. No graphing calculators or those with QWERTY letter keys are permitted. Check with the Testing Center to see if your calculator is permitted.

• For tests taken prior to February 14, 2023 and no more than 5 years ago, a student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 AND a math and ELAR score of 19.
• For tests taken after February 15, 2023 and no more than 5 years ago, a student with a math of 22 and a combined English and Reading score of 40.

To test:

• You must complete an application for admission through Apply Texas before testing.
• You must have an appointment to test. The Local ACT is offered once a month at each of the three WCJC Testing Centers. You should refer to the testing schedule and call the Testing Center to schedule a test. There is a 60-day waiting period for retesting. 
• The test fee is $15.00. You must pay the fee at the Business Office and bring your receipt to the Testing Center on the day of testing. 

National ACT

If you're applying for the Dental Hygiene program, the preferred admission test for the program is the National ACT exam. National ACT exam results can be used to satisfy TSI requirements for college readiness. ACT scores can't be older than 5 years.

• For tests taken prior to February 14, 2023 and no more than 5 years ago, a student with an ACT composite score of at least 23 AND a math and ELAR score of 19.
• For tests taken after February 15, 2023 and no more than 5 years ago, a student with a math of 22 and a combined English and Reading score of 40.

Register and pay for the National ACT exam on the ACT site. 

 

Submitting ACT scores: WCJC requires official copies of scores. Personal copies do not fulfill this requirement. Submit your scores through ACT by going to their website. When WCJC receives your ACT scores, we'll add them to your student record. Note that ACT scores only fulfill the TSI requirement if they fully meet the requirements, specifically ACT composite score of 23 with at least 19 in math and at least 19 in English.

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You can earn credit in select WCJC courses through high scores on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam. Policies include:

• You can't earn credit by examination for a course if they've been enrolled for credit past the 12th day of class, nor can it be earned in an academic discipline where you've already earned credit in a more advanced course.
• Credit will only be awarded to students who have been fully admitted to WCJC.
• No more than 75% of a WCJC degree or certificate may be obtained through Prior Learning Assessment credit or other external credit.

Guidelines for Submission

For credit to be considered, you must submit the following:

• Petition for Credit Form: Drop off the completed, hand-signed form at one of the three WCJC Testing Centers. E-mailed forms or electronic signatures are not accepted
• Official score report from CollegeBoard: You can find instructions for ordering official score reports at the College Board website. 

Credit and Transfers

• WCJC will grant a grade of "P" (Passing) for AP Exams in which you have received a corresponding score of 5, 4, or 3.
• Credit received by examination may or may not transfer to a four-year university. Please check with your transfer institution prior to submitting a Petition for Credit.
• Credit awards for retired exams will be considered based on policies published in the WCJC Catalogs during the year the test was active.

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You don't need to be a current or prospective WCJC student to take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam at a WCJC Testing Center. CLEP scores obtained at a WCJC Testing Center are valid at other colleges and universities, based on each school's credit-granting policies. WCJC Testing Centers deliver all available CLEP exams, even though WCJC does not award course credit for all exams. Please check your school's policies regarding what CLEP exams are acceptable for course credit before you schedule an exam. (WCJC policies are below.)

CLEP: The Essential Details

• Length: Most CLEP exams are 90 minutes long and you'll see an unofficial score report after the test. The CLEP College Composition exam is 120 minutes long and those scores are available according to a CLEP schedule.
• Retakes: You may not repeat a CLEP exam of the same title within 90 days of your first test date.
• Cost: The total fee for the test is $110. The exam fee is $95.00 (as of July 1, 2024) payable to CLEP. You should go to My Account to register and pay for the CLEP exam. A $15 administration fee is paid at the WCJC Business Office on the test date.
• Available Tests: You can review available tests and CLEP testing rules and procedures on the CLEP website.
• Prepare for the Test: Get study guides and sample test questions.

Scheduling a CLEP exam

Once you've decided which exam(s) to take, you can schedule an appointment in two steps: 

1. Contact the WCJC Testing Center where you'd like to test to schedule a testing date and time. Appointments must fall within open center hours as posted on the center calendars.
   Wharton Campus: whartontesting@wcjc.edu, 979-532-6386
   Richmond Campus: richmondtesting@wcjc.edu, 281-239-1532
   Sugar Land Campus: Sugarlandtesting@wcjc.edu, 281-243-8434
2. Examinees must register for the exam through the My Account feature on the College Board website. Registration must be completed a minimum of 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. CLEP provides a registration ticket for the exam.  This registration ticket is good for six months so the examinee can register in advance of making the appointment.

CLEP Exam Day

On exam day, please bring the following three items to the Testing Center:

• CLEP Registration ticket from My Account registration portal
• WCJC receipt for $15 administration fee: Pay this fee in the WCJC Business Office. The Business Office will give you a receipt, which you'll bring to the Testing Center.
• A current government photo ID that includes your photo and signature. The last name on your ID must match the name on your registration ticket. Examples include (but are not limited to) your driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. You will be asked to show this identification to be admitted to the testing area. Home-schoolers, if you don't have the required ID, please complete a Student ID Form. The form must be accompanied by a recognizable photo, with a school or notary seal overlapping the photo. The form must be signed in front of a school official or notary.

WCJC Credit by CLEP Examination

Policies to earn credit for selected WCJC courses include:

• You can't earn credit by examination for a course if you've been enrolled for credit past the 12th day of class, nor can it be earned in an academic discipline where you've already earned credit in a more advanced course.
• Credit will only be awarded to students who have been fully admitted to WCJC.
• No more than 75% of a WCJC degree or certificate may be obtained through Prior Learning Assessment credit or other external credit.
• A grade of "P" Passing will be granted with credit in the course(s).
  

If you wish to petition for credit at WCJC must complete a Petition for Credit Form and deliver or mail it to a WCJC Testing Center and provide an official CLEP score report for that course (which can be done when you complete the exam).
If you take the CLEP exam at a testing center that's not at WCJC and wish to petition for credit at WCJC, you must request that an official copy of the CLEP score report be sent to WCJC through the College Board website. Student copies of score reports are not acceptable.
These are the CLEP exams that WCJC will accept for the petition for credit:

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The Accuplacer Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AALF) Exam is for students who excel mathematically but don't have the prerequisites for entry into Pre-Calculus (MATH 2412) or Calculus I (MATH 2413). Guidelines for AALF are:

• The AALF test must be administered at a WCJC Testing Center.
• A maximum of two AALF Calculus Placement Tests can be taken in 365 days.
• No credit is given for any course; only permission to take Pre-Calculus or Calculus I is granted.
• Students who score from 250 to 275, inclusive, may register for MATH 2412.  Students who score from 276 to 300, inclusive, may register for MATH 2412 or MATH 2413.  If you have difficulty registering for a qualifying course, please visit the Admissions Office for assistance.
• Calculators are not allowed for the exam. An on-screen calculator is embedded into the test.
• A fee of $20, payable to the WCJC Business Office, is required for each AALF test.
• Appointments are required. Contact your local WCJC Testing Center to make an appointment. Your WCJC ID number, a receipt for payment, and a valid photo ID are required at the time of the appointment. 

Study Material and Information

• Test concepts: linear equations, linear applications and graphs, factoring, quadratics, functions, radical and rational equations, polynomial equations, exponential and logarithmic equations, geometry concepts for algebra I and II, trigonometry.
• Practice exams are available. 

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The GED® test measures what graduating high school seniors know and what colleges and employers will expect of you. The computerized test is available in English and Spanish, and it includes four parts:

• Science (95 minutes; no breaks)
• Social Studies (75 minutes; no breaks)
• Reasoning Through Language Arts (155 minutes including a 10-minute break)
• Mathematical Reasoning (120 minutes)

On the day of the test, arrive at least 15 minutes early, have the appropriate documentation (including proof of Texas residency if needed), and limit your personal belongings to the bare minimum. 

Where can I study?
WCJC Adult Education and Literacy offers GED instruction within a supportive classroom setting. The teaching staff prepares you to pass your GED test and provides encouragement and support if you wish to continue your education. Career and financial counseling services are available during class time.
Sign up for classes with WCJC's AEL program, or sign up for MyGED™, and click on "Study" to find tools, free practice test questions, and "GED Ready™: The Official Practice Test."

How do I register?
Register online. Sign up for MyGED™ at www.GED.com and you will get information about policies, how to request modified testing conditions (accommodations) and you'll be able to schedule your test. Registration instructions are available on the GED Testing website..

When can I schedule?
Scheduling is available at www.GED.com. Log in and click "Schedule Test." You can choose your language, subject. location, and the day and time that works best for you to test. You can schedule the exams individually (selecting one at a time) or "bundle" tests together by choosing more than one test to schedule.  Please note that when you select more than one exam, the selected exams are "bundled" together into one time block.  These exams cannot be separated after they are scheduled and if there is not enough time to deliver the whole time block of exams, none of the exams can be taken.
At a WCJC Testing Center, candidates can schedule a maximum of two GED subject area tests in the morning (between 8:30am and 1:15pm), and a maximum of one GED subject test after lunch (2:15-5:00pm). On occasion, our Sugar Land Center does provide full day testing (8:30am - 5:00pm) which allows all four exams to be taken in one day.  Available dates and times will be listed when scheduling on www.GED.com or viewed on the WCJC Testing Center schedules. View the Testing Centers' schedules. 

How much does it cost?
The cost is $145 for the entire battery of four tests OR you can take each test individually for $36.25.

What do I bring with me on my test day?
Bring a current government (national or foreign) issued photo ID, such as:

• State driver's license
• Department of Public Safety identification card
• Military ID
• Passport
• U.S. passport card
• Matrícula consular

The Texas Education Agency doesn't allow non-Texas residents to take the GED test at Texas Testing Centers. You must provide proof of residency in Texas, which could be a Texas driver's license, utility bill showing your name and a Texas address, or bank statement showing your name and a Texas address.
Personal items cannot be taken into the testing room. Please leave personal items at home or locked in your vehicle. Prohibited items include (but are not limited to): jewelry, watches, wallets, keys, cell phones, food, drinks, gum, tobacco products, hats, outdoor/heavy coats, purses, bags, etc. If these items are brought to the Testing Center, they will be placed in locked storage and will be inaccessible during your test.  The Testing Center is not responsible for lost or damaged items. 
There is a calculator built into the test for your use during the Mathematics portion; testers may also choose to bring a TI-30xs multiview scientific calculator for use on the Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social Studies tests. The Testing Center will not supply this calculator for you.
Testers can wear prescription or reading glasses during testing, but they will be asked to remove their glasses for the required pre-test photo.
Please be aware that, in accordance with Testing Center policy, proctors will digitally capture your signature and photo before your test. You will also be asked to roll up long sleeves and turn out your pockets before your test.  During your test session, you will be monitored through surveillance cameras.  
There will be no late entry to your test. Please arrive 15 minutes early to your testing location.

What is the passing score?
You need to earn at least 145 points on each subject to pass, with a total score of 580. To find out if you're likely to pass, take GED Ready™: The Official Practice Test. Sign into MyGED™.

How do I get my scores?
Within a few hours after testing, you can log back into your account at http://www.ged.com to retrieve your scores. It usually takes 2-3 days after passing the last test for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to receive your results and issue a certificate via email. If you have completed and passed the GED® and need an official transcript, you may go to the TEA website and purchase an official GED® transcript for $5; verification of a certificate can also be obtained from the official website free of charge.

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Testers may contact the Testing staff member at the campus at which they'd like to test to arrange proctoring services. Because proctored exams often include an exchange of information with another institution and/or specific software or browser requirements, the test date should be arranged at least two business days in advance; a week or more notice is preferred.

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There is a $30 fee for proctored exams. This fee can be paid at the campus Business Office during normal business hours, and the receipt must be presented to Testing staff on the test date. A valid photo ID is required for testing. Testers are responsible for bringing all other required materials for your test (calculators, notes, books, return mail envelope, etc.).

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Late testers may not be allowed to test. Also, receipts for proctored exams cannot be reprinted if the tester misplaces the receipt before the test day.  The payment for these exams is non-refundable.

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• A valid photo ID is required for all testing. You must be prepared to present this ID each time you test. Some tests may have additional ID requirements.
• Payment is required prior to testing. Payment receipts are non-transferrable and cannot be reprinted.
• Make a testing appointment, preferably at least two business days before your test time, to ensure availability of space and staff.
• Food, drink and tobacco products are not allowed in the testing room.
• Be prepared to store personal items such as cell phones, backpacks, watches, books, laptops, purses, etc., upon request. Cell phones must be powered off when stored. Storage space is limited, so leave as many personal items as possible at home or locked in a vehicle. The WCJC Testing Centers are not responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.
• Children are not allowed in the testing room. Do not leave children unsupervised anywhere on campus during a testing appointment. Testing Center personnel are unable to watch children.
• You must be at least 13 years old to test at a WCJC Testing Center and must be prepared to present photo identification and identification that confirms your date-of-birth.
• Activities within the WCJC Testing Centers are camera monitored. Any activity defined as misconduct in the WCJC Student Handbook will not be tolerated and may result in exam invalidation. 
• Testers must schedule exams during times that do not conflict with lunch and closing times of the Testing Center. Students are not allowed to leave the testing room once they have started a proctored exam unless specifically allowed in the test instructions.
• While taking computer tests, you are prohibited from using the computer for any other activity. Accessing the internet, computer programs, or computer accessories during a test will be grounds for test invalidation.
• Testing personnel have the right to turn away examinees that are or would create a distracting environment for other examinees.
• Examinees must follow all Testing Center Guidelines.

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