assessment

Frequently asked Questions

Can I look at practice assessment questions?

When can I take the (assessment) placement test again?

How long is the (assessment) placement test?

Can I use a calculator during the (assessment) placement test?

What is the ATB test?

How can I make an appointment for an assessment test?

Is there a fee for assessment testing?

When can I take the ATB test again?

How long is the ATB/ATB-ESL test?

When do I get my (assessment) placement results?

What do I need to bring with me the day of the assessment test?

Where is the Assessment Center?

Can I use a calculator during the ATB test?

I lost my placement results, how do I get another copy?

What is orientation?

What is the Assessment Center's telephone number?

When do I get my ATB results?

Where can I get an assessment calendar?

What are the Assessment Center's office hours?

Can I look at practice assessment questions?

The following website is designed to view sample questions: http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

To view ENL (English Native Language) sample questions click on “Writing Skills” and “Reading”.
To view ESL (English Second Language) or ATB-ESL sample questions click on “Listening”, “Reading” and “Grammar/Usage”.
To view Math sample questions click on “Mathematics”.

To view ATB (Ability to Benefit) sample questions click on “Writing Skills”, “Reading”, and “Mathematics” (Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra).

When can I take the (assessment) placement test again?

If eligible, students may test once per cycle. The cycles run from February to September each year. Their assessment results will be valid for two years from the assessment date. Once a student enrolls in English and/or Math class and receives a letter grade (or CR/NCR), the student is no longer eligible to re-test in that subject and must then follow the English/Math sequence (see pages 138 & 152 in the 2010-2012 LA Harbor College Catalog).

How long is the (assessment) placement test?

The English/ESL and Math tests are computerized and are not timed. The average time per section is 32 minutes. Before the tests the student fills out demographics questions regarding personal information such as name, address, major, etc. This is the only time students have to type any information as the actual test is all multiple choice. The ESL test is composed of three sections, Listening, Reading and Grammar/Usage; the average time for the assessment is 2 hours. The English (ENL) test is composed of two sections Writing and Reading; the average time for the assessment is 1.5 hours. The Math test takes an average time of half an hour. After taking a test students will go through an orientation which is followed by a quiz, which will take approximately half an hour. So if a student is planning to take both ENL/ESL and math test it would take about 3 hours. Students should never rush through these tests and should give themselves enough time in their schedules to complete them.

Can I use a calculator during the (assessment) placement test?

No calculator may be used during the placement test. You will receive scratch paper and pencil to work out math problems.

What is the ATB test?

One of the criteria used to establish student eligibility in order to receive [Financial Aid] Title IV program assistance is that a student must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. Students who are not high school graduates (or who have not earned a General Education Development [GED] Certificate*) can demonstrate that they have the "ability to benefit" from the education or training being offered by passing an approved ability-to-benefit (ATB) test.---excerpt from "Funding Education Beyond High School The guide to Federal Student Aid. 2008-2009. U.S Department of Education Federal Student Aid.

How can I make an appointment for an assessment test?

Assessment appointments are made online at http://www.lahc.edu/sars/assessment/eSARS.asp , by calling (310) 233-4072 or at the Assessment Center Office SSA Room 118. Please check our testing calendar online for testing dates for each month http://www.lahc.edu/studentservices/matriculation/assessment.html

Appointments for the ATB test cannot be scheduled online.

Appointments for the Math Competency tests require a referral from the Math Department.

Is there a fee for assessment testing?

There is no fee for testing.

When can I take the ATB test again?

Students must wait at least 30 days and participate in at least 20 hours of tutoring through the Learning Assistance Center (LAC) before being allowed to retest. A referral from the LAC verifying at least 20 hours of tutoring has to be submitted to the Assessment Center before any retesting appointments can be made.

How long is the ATB/ATB-ESL test?

The ATB/ATB-ESL tests are computerized and are not timed. The average time per section is 32 minutes. Before the tests the student fills out demographics questions regarding personal information such as name, address, major, etc. This is the only time students have to type any information as the actual test is all multiple-choice.

The ATB test is composed of three sections, Writing and Reading and pre-algebra. The average time for the assessment is 2 hours. Students must pass all three sections in one sitting to pass the test.

The ATB-ESL test is composed of three sections, Listening, Reading and Grammar/Usage; the average time for the assessment is 2 hours. Students must pass all three sections in one sitting to pass the test.

When do I get my (assessment) placement results?

If everything is working correctly you will get your placement results at the end of your testing session after you finish your orientation.

What do I need to bring with me the day of the assessment test?

Students must show a valid picture identification card and know their student identification number (88- _ _ _- _ _ _ _), in order to take any test and to receive testing results. The valid picture identification documents that may be used to show at the time of testing or to receive placement results are State Identification or License, School Identification, Passport, or Government issued identification cards. For Ability To Benefit Tests only government issued picture ID documents will be accepted for entry to the test.

Where is the Assessment Center?

The Assessment Center Office is located in Room 118 and the Assessment Center Lab in Room 120 of the Student Services and Administration Building.

Can I use a Calculator during the ATB test?

You will receive calculator scratch paper and pencil to work out math problems.

I lost my placement results, how do I get another copy?

You can come in to the office to request a copy of your placement results; you will need your student identification number and valid picture identification. You can pick up your placement results after 24 business hours. You may also go online to view or print your placement results by logging in to the Student Information System: https://eweb2.laccd.edu/WebStudent/signon.asp

What is the Orientation?

The Orientation is a PowerPoint presentation that informs students about services offered by the school as well as rules and policies.

What is the Assessment Center's telephone number?

The office telephone number is (310) 233-4072.

When do I get my ATB test results?

If everything is working correctly you receive your ATB test results at the end of your testing session. The original ATB certification goes directly to the Financial Aid Office on the next business day.

Where can I get an assessment calendar?

You may pick up an assessment calendar in person at the Assessment Center Office SSA Room 118 or online at http://www.lahc.edu/studentservices/matriculation/assessment.html

What are the Assessment Center's office hours?

Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Friday: 8:30 a.m. - Noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please note the office is closed during tests.

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