Placement Assessment
What is assessment?
Assessment is the placement of all new students into the correct levels of English and math. Hartnell uses an electronic placement assessment called Accuplacer. This electronic placement assessment uses the latest technology to help students place into the correct levels of English and math.
Who has to take the placement assessment?
All new and returning students are required to take the placement assessment EXCEPT:
I think I meet one of the exemptions from the placement assessment. What do I do?
See a Counselor and work with the Counselor to complete a Pre-Requisite Clearance form. When you meet with the Counselor, be sure to bring all relevant documentation with you.
Where and when can I take the placement assessment?
The placement assessment is given in the STAAR Assessment Center located inside the Financial Aid Office in Room CAB 167 A. The Assessment Center is open Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. The placement assessment may be taken on a walk-in basis – no appointment is necessary. A monthly calendar showing Assessment Center hours is posted on the door of the Assessment Center and is available in the Counseling Department Office. For additional information, call the Assessment Center at (831) 755-7754.
If you are driving from a distance, taking time off work, or obtaining child care to take the placement assessment, please call to make special arrangements. You can reach the Assessment Center at (831) 755-7754.
What do I need to bring with me when I take the placement assessment?
Be sure to bring a photo identification such as a driver’s license. You will not be tested unless you have photo identification.
What services are available for students with disabilities?
The placement assessment is not a timed assessment and is accessible to most students with disabilities. Additionally, students with disabilities may arrange for modified placement assessment by calling the Disabled Student Services Program (DSP&S) at (831) 755-6760.
I don’t have a high school diploma or GED and I wish to receive financial aid. Do I need to take the placement assessment?
Yes. All prospective Hartnell College students without a high school diploma or GED must demonstrate their Ability to Benefit from college course work by passing the approved tests before receiving federal financial assistance. Certain Accuplacer tests are approved for Ability to Benefit purposes.
How does Accuplacer help with my Financial Aid?
If you did not graduate with a high school diploma or earn a GED and you plan to apply for financial aid, and you are not currently attending high school, then Accuplacer assessment scores can be used to satisfy one of the requirements for financial aid because Accuplacer is an approved Ability to Benefit test (ATBT).
Can I take the placement assessment more than once?
Students may take the placement assessment a second time under the following conditions:
at least fourteen days have passed since the first test (to allow for extra preparation and study), and
the student has talked with the Assessment Center staff or a Counselor about how to better prepare for the placement assessment and has received sample questions and study materials.
What if I want to take the placement assessment a third time?
Keep in mind that Accuplacer has been validated through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, that it has proven to be over 90 percent accurate, and that has been in use throughout the nation for more than 15 years.
In order to take the placement assessment a third time, you must meet with the Director of Counseling and a Counselor. You can make an appointment with the Director by calling (831) 755-6731.
I’m a high school student. May I take the placement assessment at my high school?
The placement assessment is usually offered at local high schools as part of Hartnell’s Early Admit Program each spring. Check with your high school Counselor about the dates and availability. Also, see the Hartnell College web page for more information.
Do I need to bring my high school transcripts to my counseling appointment?
Yes! Transcripts are essential in education planning with your Counselor. However, high school classes cannot be used to meet prerequisites to college level classes.
Is there a fee to take the placement assessment?
There is no charge to take the placement assessment.
How long is my placement assessment valid?
Hartnell College recognizes your placement scores for a period of two years. Remember continued use of math and language skills may improve over time. If your scores are over two years old, you must take the test again.
How can I prepare for the placement assessment?
The Assessment Center staff has materials and sample questions to help you prepare. The materials and sample questions are available to you free of charge and can be picked up at the Assessment Center.
Be sure to come to Assessment Center well rested. Be sure to eat properly before taking the placement assessment.
No food or drink is allowed in the Assessment Center.
How long does it take for the placement assessment?
There is no time limit. Most placement assessments take approximately 2 hours.
What if I don’t know how to use a computer?
No computer skills are required and the Assessment Center staff is available to help you in using the computer mouse, if needed.
When do I receive the results of the placement assessment?
A printed copy of your scores is available immediately upon completion of the placement assessment. Counselors and the Assessment Center staff will also have access to your results.
When I complete the placement assessment what is the next step?
The next step is to enroll in and complete Counseling 21: Student Skills for Success: Orientation.
What is Counseling 21: Student Skills for Success: Orientation?
Orientation is a short course (available on-line or as an on-campus course) for all new students designed specifically to help students succeed in college. Orientation provides important information on Hartnell policies, procedures, academic requirements, educational costs, student support services, college success techniques and strategies, and other important topics. Upon the completion of Counseling 21, students will have knowledge of general education, college policies, university transfer requirements, and certificate and degree requirements.
Who should enroll in Counseling 21: Student Skills for Success: Orientation?
All new Hartnell College students should enroll and complete Orientation before or during their first semester
Who has to take Counseling 21: Student Skills for Success: Orientation?
All new students are required to take Counseling 21 EXCEPT:
Click here to take the exam.
I think I am exempt from having to take Counseling 21. What do I do?
See a Counselor and work with the Counselor to complete a Pre-Requisite Clearance form. When you meet with the Counselor, be sure to bring any relevant documentation with you.
Should I see a Counselor?
Yes! All students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a Counselor for educational planning; course selection; career development; major selection; individual counseling; personal development; connecting to other services; and referral programs on and off campus. To schedule an appointment with a Counselor, call (831) 755-6820.
