Located in the Student Services area of the HUB, the Assessment Center assists students and the community in meeting their educational, employment, and personal goals through the use of a variety of assessment tools.
NEW ADMISSION POLICY - To support the open access mission at the College and to simplify the onboarding process, beginning May 31, 2016 students applying to CBC will no longer be charged a $50 admission/testing fee prior to enrollment. The cost will, however, be absorbed through an increase to the Comprehensive and Instructional Support Fees.
Candidates testing for other institutions or not joining the College will be required to pay a testing fee of $40.
PLACEMENT TESTS
Placement testing is required for full-time degree or certificate programs, or any English and math courses and are offered two to three times a week at various times. Students who have passed college-level English or math classes may submit an official transcript to Admissions for evaluation to waive the testing requirements. A CBC admissions application must be submitted prior to taking the placement test. Visit our testing calendar to view available dates and times. First time testers can schedule a placement test at columbiabasin.edu/gettingstarted. Students whose scores have expired or are eligible to retake can call the Assessment Center at 509-547-0511. Select option 2/Student Services then option 5/Assessment Center to schedule an appointment or visit us in Building H, Room H119.
WALK-IN THURSDAYS - No appointment necessary on Thursdays to test. Bring your valid picture id and SID #, (SSN# for Running Start). Placement sign in: 9:30am - 1pm. Retake sign in: 9:30am - 2pm
REMOTE TESTERS
Students who live more than 50 miles away from Columbia Basin College and would like to take their placement exam at a location near their home, are encouraged to contact the Assessment Center for further information.
RUNNING START
Candidates testing for the Running Start Program will schedule using their social security number and will not need to apply to the College prior to making an appointment. No charge required to test. If you have Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) scores, bring them to your appointment for processing. Smarter Balanced Assessment FAQ.
BEFORE YOU TEST
MATH - Prior to taking your math test complete the pre-assessment at EdReady to determine your existing math readiness. Beginning July 1, 2016, CBC will deliver ALEKS for math placement. Testers are encouraged to visit www.aleks.com for more information and to take a free trial exam. After taking your first proctored exam at CBC, access the powerful Prep and Learning Module tool customized to increase readiness before retesting. Additional Academic Resources.
WRITING & READING - act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/act-compass.html
RETAKE POLICY
Retesting is appropriate when there is reason to believe that a score obtained from a previous testing does not accurately reflect the examinee's true level of knowledge or skill. Typically, retesting is appropriate in two situations: (1) when factors other than the examinee's ability are believed to have influenced the previous testing and (2) when the scores obtained from earlier testing are no longer believed to reflect the student's ability. Retesting to improve course placement is seldom successful if a person has not studied or has not taken a class prior to retesting.
COMPASS
You may retest once in English or reading within an anniversary year. All math retakes, with the exception of Running Start candidates (through September 16, 2016), will test in ALEKS.
ALEKS
You may retest twice in ALEKS within an anniversary year with a mandatory “cool off” period of 48 hours between tests to support study. Prior to taking your 3rd exam, you will be required to spend a minimum of 5 hours in your Prep & Learning Module. Once a year has passed, students may schedule an appointment to start testing again.
TEST DAY REMINDERS
• Bring your current photo identification and arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time for check-in. No testing without proper identification.
• Running Start candidates will be tested using your social security number.
• Visitors, parents, spouses, friends, and/or children are not allowed to wait in the testing center.
• Cell phones, electronic devices, and personal belongings will be collected. Food and drinks are not permitted in the testing room.
• Take your time during the assessment and do your best! Placement tests are not timed, however, this exam will be used to determine math and English course readiness.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Access My Placement Scores. View or print scores 24/7.
Placement Interpretation Guide
Placement Reciprocity Request Form. If you took a placement test for another Washington state community or technical college, non-expired scores can be used for placement at CBC. Placement recommendation must have been made within the last 12 months. Review the information on the Placement Reciprocity Form and follow the instructions to submit your request.
Placement Score Release Form
Testing Calendar
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS
GED – Nationally recognized program for a high school equivalency. Request GED Records
HESI A2 Admission Assessment - Dental Hygiene Program.
ATI TEAS Assessment - Nursing/Radiation Technology programs. 2016-17 Testing Schedule
Microsoft Office Certification
Proctored Exams
Columbia Basin College testing rooms and computer screens are monitored by cameras.
The Assessment Center discourages you from bringing valuables such as jewelry, phones, watches, money, and credit cards with you to the test center. If you do bring them, you will be required to store them in a locker and you may claim them when you are finished testing. CBC cannot assume responsibility for the loss or damage of any personal belongings brought into the testing center. We strongly recommend you secure your valuables and bring only those items necessary during your appointment.
Assessment Center Hours of Operation
Monday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday - Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm