Contact the Assessment Office at (408) 741-2035 or the Counseling office at (408) 741-2009 if you need additional information.

Student academic success is important to everyone at West Valley College. West Valley College (WVC) uses tests and other measures to assess basic skills levels so that students can better match their needs and abilities with course requirements, select appropriate courses, and improve their chances for success. English, English as a Second Language ESL Reading, and Mathematics assessments are described in "Types of Assessment" below. Assessment tests give one measure of a students current ability to do college level work. Other factors such as work and life experience, motivation, and academic history can also affect the likelihood of success in particular courses. Because assessments are advisory recommendations, students should meet with an Academic Counselor, usually at an Orientation, to discuss the recommendations and other factors and to make final decisions about their course selections.

Assessments in English, English as a Second Language (ESL), and Reading are administered in group testing sessions.
Testing Schedules »

English: Students complete both Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills tests. Each test consists of 35 questions related to the interpretation of reading passages and to sentence relationships. Students are alloted 45 minutes for the Reading Comprehension test, and 35 minutes for the Sentence Skills test. Scores from these two tests are combined with multiple measures to provide placement recommendation into English courses.

Reading: Students receive placement recommendations into Reading courses by taking the Reading Comprehension test that is described above. The test is also used to determine if a student has met the Reading Proficiency requirement for an AA degree.

ESL: students have 45 minutes to complete 75 sentences by choosing the correct missing word for each one; students also have 45 minutes to write an essay on a topic provided at the test session. Provides placement recommendation for ESL courses.

Mathematics: Students receive placement recommendations into math courses by taking the Math Assessment test. A student's successful performance in previous mathematic classes adds another skills measure that is also taken into consideration.

Alternative format assessments are provided for students with physical or learning disabilities. Students must first contact the Disability and Educational Support Program DESP at (408) 741-2010 to document the type of accommodation needed, and then contact the Assessment Office at (408) 741-2035 to request accommodations.

Ability To Benefit assessment is only for students who do not have a high school diploma or GED and are applying for Financial Aid. It includes the following:

• For students who are native English speakers, verbal skills and quantitative skills are measured by the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. Timed testing is 20 minutes for each of the two components. Sample questions are available from the Counseling Services counter, Assessment Office and Financial Aid Office.
• For students who are not native English speakers and are enrolled in an ESL program, verbal skills are measured by the CELSA. Timed testing is 45 minutes. NO sample questions are available.

Who Should Take Assessment Tests

All new and returning students who meet any of the following need to take assessments:

• Intend to take an English, ESL, or Reading course or a course that has a recommended or prerequisite course in English, ESL, or Reading.
• Intend to earn a WVC degree or certificate.
• Intend to transfer to a four-year college or university.

NOTE: Anyone who believes that assessment testing is not appropriate for him or her should see a counselor.

Who is Exempt from Taking Assessment Tests

• Anyone who has an AA or higher degree.
• Anyone who presents a transcript to the Assessment Office indicating successful completion (C or better) of an equivalent course(s) at another accredited college or university; ESL courses are accepted only from Mission College.
• Anyone who has assessment scores or placements from another accredited college or university which the Assessment Office can determine are equivalent to those of WVC; ESL placements are accepted only from Mission College.
• Anyone who is enrolling in 6 or fewer units and is not intending to take English, Reading or ESL course.
• Anyone with a 3, 4, or 5 score on AP Language and Composition does not need assessment in English; anyone with a 3, 4,or 5 on AP Math Calc or Statistics does not need mathematics assessment. Official scores need to be filed with Admissions and Records

Steps in Assessment Testing

• Apply to West Valley College and obtain WV College ID number.
• Attend a scheduled Testing Session or call (408) 741-2009 to schedule a day and time if you are unable to attend during the scheduled times.
• Obtain test results (placement recommendations).
• Meet with academic counselor to finalize course selection.