The Assessment Center at Bellingham Technical College provides testing and proctoring for the college placement test (ACCUPLACER Next-Generation), GED examinations and other programs, and industrial and career related testing. BTC’s Assessment Center is a member of the National College Testing Association and follows its professional testing standards. BTC is committed to ensuring equal access for participation in any college program, activity or event.

Please be aware that we monitor the testing center via recorded video cameras. Cheating and misconduct are not tolerated in the Assessment Center. Testing candidates are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, integrity at all times, during all phases of the testing process and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of testing set forth by the Assessment Center.

ACCUPLACER

What is the ACCUPLACER Placement Assessment?

The College Board develops the ACCUPLACER Placement Assessment to measure your reading, writing, and math skills. The assessment is used for placement into academic courses required for certificates and degrees.   

What does the ACCUPLACER measure? 

The  ACCUPLACER is not a pass/fail test  – it simply measures your current skill level.   It’s a computer-based assessment that uses a multiple-choice format. It uses computer-adaptive technology, so your response to each question drives the next question's difficulty level.    

There are five sections: Reading, Writing, Math ( Arithmetic, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics, and Advanced Algebra and Functions ).  

• The Reading test assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes, and complexities.  

• The Writing test evaluates your ability to revise and edit multi-paragraph text.   

• The Arithmetic test focuses on computation, the order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. This test assesses the following knowledge and skills categories: Whole Number Operations,  Fraction Operations,  Decimal Operations,  Percent,  Number Comparisons, and Equivalent.

• The Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) test assesses the following knowledge and skills: Rational numbers,  Ratio, and Proportional Relationships,  Exponents,  Algebraic Expressions,  Linear Equations,  Linear Applications and Graphs,  Probability Sets,  Descriptive Statistics,  Geometry Concepts.  

• The Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) test assesses the following knowledge and skills:   Linear Equations,  Linear Applications, and Graphs,  Factoring,  Quadratics,  Functions,  Radical and Rational Equations,  Polynomial Equations,  Exponential and Logarithmic Equations,  Trigonometry.  

How are ACCUPLACER scores used? 

Your scores will help you and your advisor choose the right classes,  create an academic plan, and obtain any needed support services. Starting off with the  ACCUPLACER  means a more successful college experience! You will receive your scores immediately after taking them, and your scores are valid for three (3)  years at BTC.  

While the ACCUPLACER is not a pass/fail test,  some certificates and degrees require a minimum entry requirement to be eligible to register for core program classes. View your program’s entry requirements for your chosen Degrees & Certificates. If you do not meet your program’s entry requirements, there is a Math and Reading/Writing classes sequence to prepare and transition you into the required level. No matter where you place, there will be classes for you to take, but some programs may only start once a year, so it can be helpful to plan ahead!    

Once you complete the ACCUPLACER, you will move on to admissions step three: a GET Started appointment with Admissions & Advising staff. They will discuss with you your ACCUPLACER scores and setting up an academic plan.  

Reading & Writing ACCUPLACER Course Placement Worksheet  

Math ACCUPLACER Course Placement Worksheet  

Note:  The ACCUPLACER placement assessment transitioned versions from the ACCUPLACER Classic to ACCUPLACER Next-Generation. Previous ACCUPLACER Classic scores will still be honored within 5 years of testing.  

How do I take the ACCUPLACER? 

SID: You will need your ctcLink ID number. You can receive your ctcLink ID number by completing step one in the admissions steps, applying to BTC. You will receive your ctcLink ID number in your email within 5 business days of submitting the application. Please check your junk-mail; depending on your email security, it may end up there. 

Pay the Fee:  The ACCUPLACER placement assessment has a $25 fee. You can pay the fee online at the Campus Store. You will need to pay the fee before taking the ACCUPLACER. ACCUPLACER placement assessment test's can also be purchased at the Cashiers window, with ctcLink ID number only.

Note: Running Start student's fees are waived; please notify the Assessment Center you are a Running Start student when you schedule your appointment.  

Schedule an Appointment:  Currently, the ACCUPLACER is offered by appointment only. To make an appointment, email the Assessment Center at  Assessment@btc.edu or call 360.752.8335. You can schedule your appointment  to be offered remotely or in-person:  

• Schedule your appointment to be offered remotely and take it from the comfort of your own home through Zoom. You will need a computer or laptop with reliable internet access, a webcam, and a speaker/microphone, and photo identification ( e.g., Washington State  Driver's  License).  
• Schedule your appointment to take it on BTC’s campus in  H Building, Room H-4. You can park in the visitor parking lot outside of the  College Services building.  

Photo Identification:   During your appointment, you will need to show your photo identification such as a driver's license, Tribal ID, TWIC card, or passport.   

Time: This is not a timed test; we suggest students plan to spend approximately two and a half (2.5) hours taking the assessment.

Retest Policy:   Purchasing your ACCUPLACER  assessment allows you to take each of the five placement subject area tests twice within 12 months of purchase. You can retake all sections, or you can select specific sections you would like to retake.  

Accommodations:  We recommend taking the ACCUPLACER without accommodations for your first attempt. If you would like to receive accommodations, please connect with our Accessibility Resources department.

ACCUPLACER Study Guides

We recommend you refresh and review your skills before you take the assessment, but it’s not required. Printable Sample Questions :

• Reading  

• Writing  

• Arithmetic  

• Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, & Statistics  (QAS)  

• Advanced Algebra & Functions  (AAF)  

Online Study Resources  

• EdReady  can help you prepare for the ACCUPLACER Assessment, GED Exam, or your next math class. It shows what you need to study for the goals you choose and gives you a customized plan to gain mastery. The EdReady Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, & Statistics Goal Key is btc_AP2  , and Advanced Algebra & Functions Goal Key is   btc_AP3.
  Note: Use Firefox when creating your account.  

• Khan Academy  produces micro-lectures in the form of YouTube videos. In addition to micro-lectures, the organization's website features practice exercises and tools for educators. All resources are available for free on their website.

• Testing & Education Reference Center (TERC)  Provides free access to basic skills materials for  Math and  Reading, as well as pre and practice exams for the  GED, NCLEX-PN, NCLEX-RN, TEAS, ACT, PRE-ENGINEERING, and many others. This is a database offered through the BTC Library.

Transfer Scores

If you would like to take the ACCUPLACER at BTC and have your scores transferred to another college, please inform your Proctor at the time of testing.  There are two ways you can transfer your  scores;  choose how you would like to transfer your scores:   

1. You may print your ACCUPLACER score report by logging in to your ACCUPLACER account using the email address that you registered during your testing session at  ACCUPLACER Student Portal. 

   Instructions

   • Go to the ACCUPLACER student portal.

   You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, student ID, and where you took the test. If you don’t remember your student ID, contact the school where you took the test.

   • Submit your information and click “Send Reports.”

   We’ll send a link to view and print your test results to the email address you provided when you took your ACCUPLACER test.

   • Check your email.

   If you don’t see an email with your ACCUPLACER score report, make sure you’re checking the same email address you gave when you took the test. If you still can’t find your score report, contact the school where you took the test.

2. You will need to provide the contact information (institution name, address, fax, and phone number) for the institution you would like your scores sent to, as well as a completed Official Test Score Transcript Request (PDF)

CASAS Exam

Any student taking a course in our Transitional Studies building or participating in an IBEST program will need to take the CASAS exam for the purpose of tracking student progress. If you are a student this will benefit, the exam is given through the Assessment Center at no cost to the students.  

The CASAS exam consists of Reading, Listening, and Math and is not a pass or fail the exam; and it is simply a measurement tool. Students that show a need for an extended time will receive a letter to share with their instructors to help with extended time facilitation. For questions and additional information, please contact the Transitional Studies department at 360.752.8341.  

Students required to take CASAS exams:  

• Accuplacer score below a certain range  
• ELA students  
• IBEST program students  
• High school 21 students
  

Extended time on exams may be granted to students. Students inquiring about extended testing time will be asked to take the CASAS exam. Once the CASAS is taken, students will meet with a Navigator to have extended time approved. If you have questions about extended testing times, please contact the Admissions &  Advising Office at  Admissions@btc.edu.

Bellingham Technical College is proud to be a Pearson VUE Select Testing Center. Being a Pearson VUE Testing Center allows BTC's Assessment Center to have an even greater potential to help our students, staff, and our community by providing them with access to certifications and qualifications that develop their skills and knowledge. We are able to provide professional and IT exams, such as those for CompTIA, Cisco, Oracle, HP, VMware and may other leading global programs.

How to Schedule an Exam

All Pearson VUE tests can be scheduled through the Pearson VUE website.

Available Exams

Though we are able to offer many more exams here are some of those we can proctor:

• ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Advanced Deploy vSphere 6.5 Exam 2018
• American Society for Nondestructive Testing: IRRSP Radioactive Materials (RAM)
• Cisco Systems
• CompTIA
• GED (for more information please see the GED Tab)
• GIAC
• Microsoft: Azure Administrator Certification Transition
• Microsoft: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases
• Microsoft: Identity with Windows Server
• Microsoft: Installing and Configuring Windows 10
• Microsoft: Networking with Windows Server
• NACE
• NES: Early Childhood Education
• NES: Elementary Education I & 2
• NES: Special Education
• Oracle Database SQL
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCE)
• WEST-B
• Zend Certified Engineer

Contact the staff in our Assessment Center with any questions you have at Assessment@btc.edu or call 360.752.8335.

Go to GED Registration and Appointments to register and make your test appointments. Each of the four tests costs $30, payable online with a debit/credit card. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required at time of testing. GED tests are generally available weekday mornings and afternoons; the actual schedule is available through GED Registration and Appointments once registration has been completed.

Test Scoring:

The GED test will have a passing score of 150 on each test part. Therefore, you will need to reach a score of at least 150 on each part and a total score of 600 across the four-part battery in order to receive your GED test credential. The retest fee is $30 and must be paid before each retest.

GED Transcripts:

All GED transcripts must be requested through www.ged.com. Bellingham Technical College does not keep GED records.

For Accommodations:

Go to GED Accommodations if you feel you have an accommodation that may require:

• Extended time
• Private room
• Calculator
• Frequent Breaks
• etc.

Documentation Guidelines for Candidates for GED Accommodations.

Accommodations Supporting Documentation

Important Information

As of January 2, 2014, a new version of the GED is in place and offered exclusively on the computer. Pre-2014 test scores will not carry over to the new version, so students that did not successfully complete all five exams with a 450 average or higher by December 13, 2013, will need to re-test all sections.

Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3)

Fee: $35 per test (3 tests in battery); $10 for practice test (recommended in advance).

BTC offers the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) test as a challenge test to the Introduction to Computers (CAP 101) course required for some programs. To successfully challenge the CAP 101 course, you must pass all three sections of the IC3 Windows 2007/Office 2010 Exams: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online. Find more information about the IC3 and test preparation on BTC's IC3 Brochure as well as at www.certiport.com.

ATI TEAS

ATI TEAS, the Test of Essential Academic Skills is required for BTC’s Nursing and Dental Hygiene programs. Bring your receipt and photo ID to testing in the Assessment Center. 

During peak times scheduling ATI TEAS testing in our Assessment Center will be limited. Students can take the ATI TEAS test remotely through the ATI website.

Nursing and Dental Hygiene students are required to take this test as part of the application process. Pay $90 at the BTC Cashier (with ctcLink ID number), BTC Campus Store, or Campus Store Online.

Non-BTC students are welcome to take the ATI TEAS test and have their scores transferred to another college. ATI will charge an additional fee to have scores transferred.

For more information regarding ATI TEAS, visit www.atitesting.com

ASE - National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

Candidates will select and pay for their exam at www.ase.com Once they have confirmation # they will call the BTC Assessment Center at 360.752.8335 or email Assessment@btc.edu to schedule their appointment.

ASE Testing is available Monday - Thursday during regular operating hours.

Certiport Exams

We can proctor the following exams. Please visit www.certiport.com to pay for your exam and add it to your account:

• Adobe Certified Associate
• Adobe Certified Expert
• Outmodes Certified Professional
• Outmodes Certified User
• IC3
• Intuit QuickBooks
• Microsoft Certified Educator
• Microsoft Office Specialist
• Microsoft Technology Associate

NATE (North American Technician Excellence, Inc.)

We can proctor the following exams. Please visit www.natex.org for exam details. Please pay for your exam at the Cashiers window in the College Services Building, you will need to have a prefilled NATE Testing Form with you. Bring your receipt and photo ID to testing in the Assessment Center. Once you have paid for your exam call the BTC Assessment Center at 360.752.8335 or email Assessment@btc.edu to schedule an appointment.

NATE Testing is available Monday - Friday during regular operating hours.

• Ready to Work $100 (2nd attempt $70)
• HVAC Support Exam $125
• NATE Core Exam $155
• Senior Level Technical $200
• NATE Specialty Exam $155
  • ACSV - Air Conditioning Service
  • ACIN - Air Conditioning Installation
  • HPSV - Heat Pump Service
  • HPIN - Heat Pump Installation
  • ADSV - Air Distribution Service
  • ADIN - Air Distribution Installation
  • GSSV - Gas Heating Service
  • GSIN - Gas Heating Installation
  • OLSV - Oil Heating Service
  • OLIN - Oil Heating Installation
  • HGSV - Hydronics Gas Service
  • HGIN - Hydronics Gas Installation
  • HOSV - Hydronics Oil Service
  • HOIN - Hydronics Oil Installation
  • RCSV - Commercial Refrigeration Service
  • RCIN - Commercial Refrigeration Install
  • LCSV - Light Commercial Refrigeration Service
  • LCIN - Light Commercial Refrigeration Install

Proctored Exams

The Assessment Center offers proctored exams for BTC students taking online classes as well as for the general community. There is a $30 community proctored exam fee for non-BTC students, payable at the BTC Cashier, BTC Campus Store, or Campus Store Online. Students must contact Assessment@btc.edu or call 360.752.8335 to arrange test material delivery prior to testing.