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Assessment/Placement Tests

All new and returning students are required to be assessed prior to registration to determine skill level in English, reading, and mathematics. Test results are valid for two years. The tests are used to determine appropriate English, reading, ESL and mathematics course placement.

Placement Test Options in the Assessment Center located in Building 1, Room 130

Computerized English and Math Placement Testing (Year-round Service)

  • Drop-in computerized testing in English/reading and mathematics on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointments are necessary, however please allow at least 1.5 hours for each test. Test results available immediately upon completion of the tests. Computerized ESL testing is currently not available.
  • Hours may change and are posted. Students may call (650) 574-6262 for a recording of hours of operation.
  • Computerized testing is available to continuing CSM students, new incoming students who have applied to CSM, and high school students participating in the Concurrent Enrollment Program.

Paper/Pencil English, English as a Second Language, and Math Placement Testing (Year-round Service)

  • Weekly scheduled small-group testing.
  • Seasonally scheduled large-group testing (during registration periods). Dates and times are available in the Schedule of Classes or online at the Assessment Center website.
  • By appointment Ability-To-Benefit testing for the Office of Financial Aid.

College of San Mateo Placement Tests

• MDTP (Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project) for mathematics course placement.

• CPTS (Companion to the Computerized Placement Tests) (The College Board).

• ESL Writing Test - for non-native speakers of English (ESL).

• SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency Test) - for reading and conversation speech course placement for  non-native speakers of English (ETS ­ Educational Testing Service).

Interpreting Placement Test Results

Placement tests are intended to measure skills which research have shown to be closely related to academic success. In combination with other measures, test results represent student strengths and capabilities as measured by these tests. While no placement test score by itself can exclude a student from enrolling in any particular course, these tests provide one of the most effective means for measuring a student's knowledge of English, reading, and mathematics. Students are advised to discuss their placement results with a counselor/advisor so that, in combination with other relevant information (e.g., previous academic record), they can assist them to develop an educational plan.

Refer to the course listing in the college catalog for titles, descriptions and prerequisites for the courses
in the following placement charts. Students are encouraged to consult with a counselor/advisor
regarding course selection and planning.

College of San Mateo Course Placement Guides 2006-2007 *

 Assessment Center is located in Building 1, Room 130 - For more information please go to collegeofsanmateo.edu/testing or the Online Orientation which includes some FAQ's.

* Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required to open, view and print this PDF (Portable Document Format) file.
To download a free version of this software go to www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html.