Assessment and Testing

Tests are part of any college experience and are needed for more than passing classes. Tests can also be used to:

• Meet state or program requirements.
• Determine placement in a program.
• Help you make academic and career decisions. 
• Earn technical or professional certifications and licenses.

What Services Does the Assessment and Testing Center Provide?

SCC's Assessment and Testing Center offers testing services to our students and community. We administer:

• State-Mandated Entry and Exit Exams: Florida law requires that you take specific tests before you can enter or exit a program, or earn a degree, certificate or license.
• Program-Specific Testing or Placement Requirements: In some programs, there are different levels from which you can start. You may be entering the program with no previous knowledge or skill and need to start at the beginner level, or you may have extensive experience that allows you to begin at an advanced level. These tests let SCC evaluate your skills, so you are placed in the program level that best meets your educational needs.
  
  Placement tests do not necessarily prevent you from entering a program. They help determine at what point in the program you should begin your studies. A student without basic knowledge and skills cannot succeed in an advanced-level course. By placing you in the appropriate level, SCC helps you successfully accomplish your goals.

• Specialty Exams to Earn College Credits: For some college classes, you can pass a test instead of taking the course and still earn college credit. This process is called credit-by-exam. These exams determine your competency in the course content. If you do not pass the test, you must take the class before earning college credit.
• Professional Certification and Licensing Tests: Both government and private organizations use certifications and licenses to determine the skills and knowledge of a job candidate. Teachers must pass a state exam before they are allowed to teach. Some professions require a license before you can practice your trade. Even industries can require a certification before you are eligible for a job. The Assessment and Testing Center offers many of these tests to help you meet your career objectives.
  
  To earn a certification or license, students must pass the exam. Taking the test does not guarantee that students will pass. SCC is not responsible if students do not pass the exam.

• Make-Up Exams: Sometimes circumstances force students to miss a scheduled test; however, arrangements can be made with instructors and the Assessment and Testing Center to take a missed exam. Make-up exams are taken at the SCC Make-up Testing Center.
  
  Note: Permission to take a missed exam is based on the circumstances and/or instructor permission. Speak with your instructor before scheduling a make-up test.

• Career and Personality Exams:  There are countless academic and professional choices available. Sometimes it's difficult to decide what to study or what career to pursue. SCC provides a variety of career and personality tests to help students make those difficult choices. SCC's experienced counselors review students' test results and help them plan their academic and/or professional paths.

How Do I Know What Tests I Need to Take?

The tests you need depend on the program you would like to pursue. The state requires different tests for different programs. Professional certifications and licenses require different tests. There are several ways to determine which test(s) you need:

• Use the Assessment and Testing Question Tree to determine what tests you may need to take.
• Review the state- and government-mandated testing home page to see what tests you are required to take.
• Speak with an admissions adviser or college counselor on SCC's programs and their requirements.
• If you're taking courses to prepare for a professional certification or license, speak with your instructor or the exam's controlling organization.
• Call the Assessment and Testing Center at 407.708.2020 for help.

Where is the SCC Assessment and Testing Department Located?

The SCC Assessment and Testing Center is located on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus in the Student Services Building (Building A, Room 107). You can call the Center at 407.708.2020.

Did you know?

SCC's Assessment and Testing Center administers a variety of tests, including state mandated entry and exit exams, specialty exams to earn college credits and professional certification and licensing tests.