Assessment Center: Guidelines
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General Guidelines

Testing Rooms are monitored by cameras and other computer screen monitoring software.
  • A picture ID will be required
  • Children are not allowed in the testing room, and they cannot be left unattended in the Assessment Center area.
  • Food and drink are not allowed in the testing room.
  • Cell phones and Electronic devices must be turn off and locked in Testing Center lockers before entering the Center.
  • Lockers are located in the hall. All personal materials must be placed there before you can test.
  • Once you enter the testing rooms, you cannot leave and return.
  • No placement test or THEA alternative will be given without a signed Referral Form.
Instructional Test Guidelines

Testing Rooms are monitored by cameras and other computer screen monitoring software. Once you have started a test, you will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the test room, except in the case of an extreme emergency. If this does happen, your test will be taken and marked to indicate that you left the room. It will not be returned to you. Your instructor will be notified.

If it is determined that you have used unauthorized materials at your desk or that you are looking at a test other than your own, your test will be taken from you. Your academic records will be immediately blocked, and your instructor and other appropriate personnel will be notified.

TSI Guidelines

In September 2003, a new set of requirements for enrollment into public colleges in Texas became law. The program, called Texas Success Initiative, TSI, replaced all THEA requirements. It is important that you understand what these changes mean to you, both for your potential course requirements and your testing mandates. A brief description of the testing changes is presented below.

Nearly all students are required to take exams before they are allowed to enroll in college courses. The DCCCD, and therefore El Centro, has selected the Accuplacer as the primary assessment for enrollment. All the DCCCD colleges use the same exams, standards, and requirements for enrollment and placement. All colleges also allow one attempt and one retest on the Accuplacer each semester. To take the retest, you must provide the Director of Counseling a valid reason for retesting; not doing as well as you wanted does not necessarily meet the mandates for retesting. A special referral form is available to request retesting. You must wait at least 48 hours after your original test before you can retest; however, you must retest within 14 days after your initial exam.

Practice Tests

The following Assessment Practice Tests are provided to assist you in your preparation for the actual tests:

THEA Guidelines

The TASP Exam has been revised by its publishers and is now called THEA. At the present time, El Centro does not administer the THEA. Some of the other DCCCD campuses have chosen to continue administering the THEA and the Quick THEA. There is a cost of $29 for each of these exams.

For more information, visit the THEA website or contact THEA at 512.927.5397.

Special Needs Guidelines

The Assessment Center operates in compliance with the American Disabilities Act.

All Testing for Special Needs students will be done only after they have gone through the Special Needs Office.

TSome students requiring Special Needs Examination to meet TSI Requirements will be administered the Asset Exam instead of the Accuplacer.

  • This is a paper and pencil exam.
  • A referral from the Disabilities Services Office is required.
  • This exam must be mailed off to the publisher to be scored.
  • Plan at least two weeks for the return of your scores.
  • There is no charge for this examination.