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• About A&R
• How to Apply & Enroll
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• Online Orientation
• Placement Testing
• Request Information

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Placement Testing

What you need to know and do before you test:

1. Submit your Application for Admission (see page A 1 of any credit class schedule). Forms are also available in the Admissions and Records office.
2. Check the Matriculation/Testing Schedule in the credit class schedule (always at the back).
3. Allow time to practice math. Brush-up tests for all the math tests are online OR the same packets are available for purchase in the Book Store, if desired.

1. English and Math testing and Orientation may be taken in any order.  No reservations are required; space is available on a first come, first served basis.
2. You must bring a government issued ID or a MiraCosta College ID.
3. Check the Matriculation/Testing Schedule (see the current credit class schedule) and call the Testing Office to reserve an Advisement session (reservations are required only for Advisement).

The Tests

The Mathematics Competency Exam (MCE) is a computerized, timed 75-minute test. You may choose one of four multiple choice tests to demonstrate your skills in pre algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra or pre calculus. You may take just one test per session, but after you receive your test score which includes a diagnostic report, you may take another test on another day if you choose. Guidelines to help you decide which test to take are available in Testing Services in Student Services Building 3000, Room 3003 on the Oceanside Campus or at Tutoring Services, Building 100, Room 105 at the San Elijo Campus in Cardiff.

Adaptive / ESL testing for the Mathematics Competency Exam is available for students with a disability needing an accommodation. Students should obtain a referral from the Disabled Student Program and Services (760) 795 6658. Non-Native English speakers (ESL) should contact the Testing Office, (760) 795-6685 for a referral which allows extended time to complete the test.

The English Assessment (EA) is administered by computer in the Testing Computer Lab in Building 3000, Room 3003, on the Oceanside Campus and in the Tutoring Center, Building 100, Room 105, at the San Elijo campus.  The English Assessment measures reading comprehension and knowledge of correct sentence structure and should take about 60-90 minutes to complete.  If you are a non-native English speaker or have a disability needing an accommodation, please plan to test in the morning to maximize the time available to you.  A referral is not required as there is no time limit for the test.

Review before you test (optional).  There is no review for the English test; Math review packets are available for sale in the college bookstore. The Algebra Readiness, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and Pre-Calculus brush-up tests are also available on the Testing Department website.

Retesting. If you feel you didn't do your best on the exams due to illness, lack of sleep or a disturbance during the test, you may take the test a second time at no charge.  Continued retesting is not recommended and is not likely to change your score.

Release of scores. Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, test scores will be released to the examinee only. Approved photo identification will be required.