Placement Tests
The Virginia Placement Test
The Virginia Community College System is using the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) to
place students into English and Math classes. There are two sections of the VPT,
English and Math. The VPT for English is an untimed test that begins with an essay
and then has a 40 multiple choice questions. The VPT for Math is untimed and all
multiple choice. Depending on how well the student performs on the Math test, there
could be multiple test sections. Students cannot skip a question or go back to
previous questions to change the answer. The VPT is not a pass/fail test but will
determine the English or Math classes in which students can begin. Those taking
the test should allow one hour to an hour and 30 minutes to take each portion of
the test.
To prepare for the VPT, there is a practice test available that students can take to
get used to the test set-up and types of questions on the test. To take the
practice test, go to https://college.measuredsuccess.com.
Under the log-in screen is a link that says Student Registration. Click that link
and it will take you to the Student Registration page where the student will need to
select “VCCS Practice Test Institution” in the drop down box beside Institution and
“VCCS Practice Test” in the drop down box beside Site. The password for the
practice test is Virginiapt. If the student does not have a Student ID number, any
five digit number is acceptable. Students need to make sure they put their correct
e-mail address on the registration screen because that is where their practice test
results will be sent. For the English test, there is a practice section for the
multiple choice portion of the test. For the Math test, Practice Test 1 covers the
content of Units 1 – 5; Practice Test 2 covers the content of Units 6 – 9.
The units are:
Unit 0 - Operations with Whole Numbers
Unit 1 - Operations with Positive Fractions
Unit 2 - Operations with Positive Decimals and Percents
Unit 3 - Algebra Basics
Unit 4 - First Degree Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
Unit 5 - Linear Equations, Inequalities and Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Unit 6 - Exponents, Factoring and Polynomial Equations
Unit 7 - Rational Exponents and Equations
Unit 8 - Rational Exponents and Radicals
Unit 9 - Functions, Quadratic Equations and Parabolas
To take the VPT, a student must have applied to CVCC and have a student ID number
(also known as an Empl ID or Customer ID number) and bring a valid photo ID when
they come to test. Pencil and paper are provided for students to use on the test
as well as an on-screen calculator (with some questions on the test, the on-screen
calculator is not displayed). Outside calculators or cell phones are not allowed
during the test and will cause a student to be dismissed from the test. Once a
student has taken the test, they will need to see a Counselor to go over their
scores and enroll in classes.
Placement test scores are valid for a two year period and students can take the
test twice in a twelve month period. However, if a student starts taking
developmental classes before retaking the test, they are not allowed to take the
test again to try to get into a higher class level. The student will have to then
follow their developmental class pathway. Students must wait one day before
retaking the test.
Testing at the CVCC Lynchburg campus is Monday through Thursday from 8am – 5pm and
Friday from 8am – 3pm. Call the Counseling Department at (434) 832-7800 for more
information about the test or testing at the Lynchburg campus. To test at an
off-site center, call them in advance to check on testing times. The phone numbers
for the off-site centers are; Altavista – (434) 832-7280, Amherst – (434) 832-7898,
Appomattox – (434) 832-7200 and Bedford – (434) 832-7284.
When the placement test is completed, students must see a Counselor to review their
results. If the student placed into developmental classes, they must see a
Counselor to enroll in those classes.
CVCC complies with the requirements of the American Disabilities Act.
CVCC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.
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