Placement testing evaluates the student’s English language proficiency, math skills, goals, career aspirations, academic history, needs for special services, and prerequisite requirements.   

Who Must Participate in Placement Testing?  

A. Students with one or more of the following educational goals:

• Associate of Arts (AA) degree or higher Certificate of Achievement (vocational) Improvement in basic skills (for example, English, reading, or math)
• Completion of credits for a high school diploma  

B. Students who are undecided about their educational goals

How do I make an appointment for Placement Testing?  

The Assessment Center administers the English, ESL and math assessments on a year round basis. Testing sessions fill quickly, so make your appointment as soon as possible to avoid registration delays. Appointments can be scheduled in person at the Assessment Center in the Special Services building, or by calling (714) 432-5789.  You can view the testing dates before you call by visiting the Assessment Center home page. 

If you have a severe physical, communication, or visual limitation that may require special testing accommodations, call the Disabled Students Center at (714) 432-5807.

If you have extreme difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, math or understanding/remembering information, call the Learning Center at (714) 432-5535.

What are OCC's prerequisite requirements?

All students must meet OCC course prerequisites by taking the assessment tests (placement) and/or successfully completing the equivalent course (present an unofficial transcript to the Matriculation Office to show proof).  This must be done PRIOR TO REGISTRATION since the computer automatically blocks enrollment in all of the following courses:

Business 139 Chemistry 180, Biology 181, English N098, 099, 100, 101, & 102 All English as a Second Language (ESL) courses All mathematics classes Philosophy 150 Psychology 160

What if I completed coursework at another college or university?  

If you have a college degree, you are exempt from placement testing.  However, if you plan to take one of the courses listed above, you must present an official or unofficial transcript showing that you have met the prerequisite or take the assessment tests to place into the course.

Exemptions

You may be exempted from assessment testing if you are eligible for one of the following:

• Students who have tested at a California Community College (including OCC) within the last two years and submit test scores to the Matriculation Office for placement in math and/or English (excludes ESL).
• Students who have successfully completed the prerequisite at another college and submit official or unofficial transcripts to the Matriculation Office to prove successful completion (grade of C or better) of the prerequisite course(s).