PVCC - Tutoring & Learning

Located in room M607 in the Main Building, the Testing Center provides students with placement tests, makeup tests and tests for PVCC online courses.

Testing does not have to be stressful. Be sure to read our test taking skills section and consider meeting with an Academic Coach if you need help with test anxiety. Students who have worked with us on test anxiety have seen tremendous improvement in their test scores.

Placement Tests
Most students who want to take a class at PVCC need to start with a placement test.

We use the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) for placement in English and math. Each test usually takes one to two hours.

Pointers to prevent you from placing below your true level:

Take practice tests. Go to VPT Directions for math and English.
Take math and English placement tests on different days to minimize test fatigue.
Give yourself the time you need. The test is not timed! If you are about to start the test and will be crunched for time (personal deadline, center closing, etc) you can stop at any point and return to the test later, even on another day.
Take the placement test seriously. The test determines your starting level of both mathematics and English. Students who take the math or English placement test and do not enroll in developmental math or English are allowed to take one retest within twelve months. Students who enroll in developmental math or English will be ineligible for a retest. Math and English placement results are valid for two years from the date taken.

Tips for the Math Placement Test

Brush up on your mathematics before the test.
Find sample questions for the VPT in mathematics in the Testing Center and on the Internet. For supplemental math practice, try the VPT Mathematics Practice Questions and Answers.
The library has math texts on reserve for your review.
The First Quadrant has computer-based instructional software and an online instructional service that you can use to brush up on your skills before you take your placement test.

Tips for the English Placement Test

The first part of the test requires you to write an essay. Once you choose between the two given topics, take some time to plan your essay. Scratch paper is available for brainstorming, freewriting, or outlining.
Think in terms of a traditional five paragraph essay, with an introduction stating the main idea, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion restating the main idea.
It is very important for you to take time to carefully proofread your essay as it is 60% of your overall score.
The second part of the test is 40 multiple choice questions about passages that you will read. Please take your time!
For additional online resources to review for the VPT English, go to: Online Resources for the VPT English Placement Test

Makeup Tests
Your instructors will tell you if they allow makeup tests. You can only take a makeup test in the Testing Center by special arrangement with your instructor.

You need to know the name of your instructor or professor. This is how the tests are filed.
You need to know your class title, name and number. Some instructors teach more than one class, so there is generally more than one test in their folder.
Come as early as possible. While we will hand out tests up until a few minutes before we close, our staff is not permitted to keep the center open after hours. If you are not able to complete your test, you will have to speak to your instructor or professor about the possibility of finishing it some other time. We can allow students to come back and finish a test only when the instructor specifically instructs us to do so.
Be prepared. Make sure that if your instructor allows books and/or notes, you have them with you.
Have a photo ID ready. Many instructors require us to check IDs. Make sure you have your driver's license or other photo ID with you.

Tests for PVCC Online Courses
When you take an online course, you will be required to take some of your tests in a proctored or supervised setting. For PVCC online courses, your proctored test will be taken at the Testing Center unless you make special arrangements. See PVCC Tests Taken at Other Testing Sites

You need to know the name of your instructor or professor. This is how the tests are filed.
You need to know your class title, name and number. Some instructors teach more than one class, so there is generally more than one test in their folder.
Come as early as possible. While we will hand out tests up until a few minutes before we close, our staff is not permitted to keep the center open after hours. If you are not able to complete your test, you will have to speak to your instructor or professor about the possibility of finishing it some other time. We can allow students to come back and finish a test only when the instructor specifically instructs us to do so.
Be prepared. Make sure that if your instructor allows books and/or notes, you have them with you.
Have a photo ID ready. Many instructors require us to check IDs. Make sure you have your driver's license or other photo ID with you.

PVCC Tests Taken at Other Testing Sites
If you are enrolled in a course through PVCC and want to take your tests at another testing site, read the instructions and fill out the forms here.

Take Other Schools' Tests at the PVCC Testing Center
If you are enrolled in a distance learning class through another College or university and you would like to take your tests at the PVCC Testing Center, you will need to make arrangements with your school and with us. You can come into the Testing Center to make arrangements or read the instructions and fill out the form here. There is a $25.00 proctoring fee for each test for schools outside of the VCCS system. Some schools pay this fee and others require the student to do so. You may wish to check your school's policy before paying the fees to PVCC.

English Placement Test Scores
Mathematics Placement Test Scores
Transfer Credit for AP Scores