Testing Services

Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do I need to do before I test? back to top

You must complete and submit a Truckee Meadows Community College application for admission. You will then acquire a TMCC student ID number, which you will be required to have to take placement tests.

When and where can I take a test? back to top

All tests, unless otherwise specified, can be taken on the Dandini Campus, Red Mountain Building, V. James Eardley Student Services Center, room 121. The schedule is available. Please consult the list below to determine if an appointment is needed for a particular test.

Walk-insBy Appointment
Academic/Distance EducationCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
ACCUPLACER/Placement ExamCLEP
Proctored

What does a test cost? back to top

Consult the following list to determine the appropriate fees associated, if applicable, with a test:

TestCost
Academic/Distance EducationNo fees associated for TMCC students.
ACCUPLACER/Placement ExamNo fees are charged if you are taking the test for the first time. If you want to retake the test, the cost is $20.
Certified Nursing AssistantPlease contact the TMCC Health Science department
CLEPCLEP exam costs $65, and there is also a $12 site administration fee.

Where do I pay testing fees? back to top

All testing fees can be paid at the controller's office, Red Mountain Building, room 318. Bring your receipt to the testing center.

TestNote on Fees
CLEPYou will also need to have a credit card when you visit the testing center to pay online directly to the College Board before taking the CLEP exam.

What do I need to bring? back to top

Bring your current government or current TMCC issued photo ID. Please, also, consult the list below to determine if anything else is needed for a specific test:

TestSocial Security Required
All, but the Academic/Distance EducationRequire a social security number in order to test. If you do not have a TMCC student ID number, please visit the admissions and records office or Starting Point prior to testing and bring your student identification number when you test.

What about electronic equipment/calculators? back to top

Please do not bring any electronic equipment, such as cell phones, PDAs, notebooks, beepers or calculators with you to the testing center unless permitted by the instructor.

You can use scratch paper, if it is provided to you, but it will need to be turned in upon completion of the test.

When will I know the results? back to top

Results of computerized tests are available immediately.

Are re-tests permitted? back to top

Re-tests are permitted for the following:

TestRe-test Policy
ACCUPLACERRe-tests are permitted four weeks after your initial test; the cost is $20. If you are retaking the test, pay the required fees at the controller's office (RDMT 318) and present your receipt in RDMT 121.

Note: A maximum of two retakes will be allowed. The chair of the English or math department must authorize any additional re-takes.
CLEPRe-tests of CLEP Exam are permitted after six months from your initial test; the cost is $65. If you are retaking a CLEP Exam, please contact the College Board for details of for retaking the exam.

How can I study for an exam? back to top

Consult the following list to determine a method of studying for a specific exam:

TestRecommendation
ACCUPLACER/Placement ExamMyMathTest is a free diagnostic site for arithmetic and algebra, created to help you test your skills in pre-algebra and introductory algebra and learn your strengths and weaknesses. You can use MyMathTest to see how well you are prepared for college-level mathematics and college placement tests. On this Web site, you can take a test covering topics in basic mathematics and introductory algebra, and receive a study plan based on your test results. The study plan will tell you what topics you need to study in order to be more successful on the test. The site also contains suggestions for additional learning resources and materials.

Note: The site referenced above is NOT a TMCC product and is offered to you as an outside resource in preparation for testing. You may not use the results of MyMathTest to substitute for ACCUPLACER test results.
CLEPUse the free demonstration to practice taking a CLEP Exam on a computer. You'll learn the CLEP Computer-Based Testing software as well as the question types and their instructions. Get more information!
Certified Nursing AssistantEnroll and complete a Nevada State Board of Nursing approved program. Contact the TMCC Health Science department for complete details.
ProctoredContact your instructor or organization requesting you to test.

What about Academic Integrity on testing? back to top

All members of the Truckee Meadows Community College community are subject to the rules and disciplinary procedures as outlined in appendix L of the TMCC course catalog. For purposes of the testing center, the following behaviors are considered to be academically dishonest.

  • Copying from another person's work during an examination
  • Allowing someone to copy from your work during an examination
  • Using unauthorized materials during an examination
  • Taking an examination for another person or permitting another person to take an exam for you
  • Obtaining or providing to another person a test or answers to a test
  • Removing or attempting to remove a test, its answers or any portion thereof from the Testing Center

Consistent with the expectations of the rules and disciplinary procedures for members of the university community, individuals caught engaging in any of the above-described behavior will be referred to the associate dean of students and/or to their instructor for appropriate disciplinary action.

What about child care? back to top

Please make arrangements for child care prior to coming to the testing center; we do not have child care facilities.

Are special arrangements available for students with disabilities? back to top

Students who need accommodations must have ADA documentation and make prior arrangements with the Disability Resource Center.

Need additional information? back to top

Contact the testing services office. We're also on Live Support!