Q: What types of tests do you administer?
A: The Testing Center administers the following exams: Next Generation ACCUPLACER®, HESI Nursing exams, Make-up tests, Spanish/German Placement tests, TABE Testing-Law Enforcement, CLEP tests, Microsoft MOS Exams, VUE Certification tests (Cisco, American College, GED®, plus many more), and proctored tests from other colleges and industries. Test Proctor fee’s may apply.
Q: Why do I need to take a placement exam to get admitted to SCC?
A: SCC uses placement exams such as the Next Generation ACCUPLACER®, ACT or SAT to determine a student’s present-day level of skill in reading, writing and mathematics and to place students into the appropriate classes. Every Program of Study at SCC requires a certain level of skill in these areas in order to graduate. SCC also will consider college transcripts in lieu of a placement exam, provided that the student has acceptable grades in college-level writing and math courses.
Q: How do I sign up for an exam?
A: Stop by or call to make an appointment. Please make sure to arrive at your scheduled time to take your exam. You must also bring a valid photo ID with your first and last name in order to be admitted into the Testing Center. You can contact the Testing Center on each campus by calling or stopping by. Beatrice, Kennedy Center, or call (402) 228-8242; Lincoln, Room B-10 or call (402) 437-2715; Milford, Assessment Office or call (402) 761-8202. Individuals can also utilize one of the 6 Learning Centers located in Falls City, Hebron, Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Wahoo, or York. Each campus may have limited services available.
Q: What is the Next Generation ACCUPLACER® exam?
A: The Next Generation ACCUPLACER® assessment is created by the same company that administers the SAT. It is a placement exam that measures a student’s current level of skill in math, reading and writing. The test is administered on a computer, and it is untimed. For first-time test-takers and current high school students, there is no fee; retests are $15. A calculator is provided for specific areas of the math portion. Typically, the exam takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
Q: For what do you use the results of the Next Generation ACCUPLACER® exam?
A: The Next Generation ACCUPLACER® assessment allows the College to determine course placement in math, reading and writing skills. Every student who applies for admission to SCC is required to submit some form of information that the College can use to determine course placement. In a number of scenarios, the Next Generation ACCUPLACER® is the most appropriate and most readily available placement tool. Test scores from the ACT/SAT are also accepted for placement purposes.
Q: Can I retake the Next Generation ACCUPLACER® assessment if I am not happy with my results?
A: Yes. However, there is a $15 fee to take the test again. This fee is waived if the student is still in high school or if an SCC instructor is requesting that a student retest. A student may also be asked to wait 30 days before retesting in order to allow time to study and improve their skill level. SCC will use your highest valid scores that you attain in order to determine your course placement.
Q: If I choose to retest, do I have to take the entire Next Generation ACCUPLACER® exam over again?
A: No. A student can decide which area(s) in which to retest based on required placement levels. They are not required to retake the entire Next Generation ACCUPLACER® exam unless they want to.
Q: Are there any study materials available for me to review before I take my Next Generation
ACCUPLACER®?
A: Students can visit https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/educator/next-generation to learn more about the test and view sample test questions. SCC also offers a Transitions Lab. This program helps students prepare for retest. You can contact them at scctransitions@southeast.edu.
Q: How long are my scores valid?
A: Your scores will be kept permanently. However, for admissions and course placement purposes, reading scores are only valid for five years. Math sores are valid for three years. The Next Generation ACCUPLACER® is intended to measure a student’s present-day skill level. Therefore, a student may be asked to retest if their scores are over the three- or five-year rule.
Q: Can I “test out” of any classes at SCC?
A: Yes. There are some courses that a student can receive credit for by successfully completing an exam for that subject. Students should contact the Testing Center directly to see which courses are available to be tested in and to discuss their options for earning credit this way. Most of these exams are offered through CollegeBoards CLEP® testing platform.