Tests Offered

Reading Assessments

How is the ACCUPLACER ESL scored?

Why must I take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment?

The ALEKS Math Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement Assessment, your scores will be available to your academic advisor. Your advisor will review your scores and help make appropriate recommendations for course registration.

Who is required to take ALEKS?

1. Most students who have not already taken ALEKS and wish to enroll in a mathematics course at DMACC for the first time will be required to take the ALEKS mathematics placement assessment before registering in a math class.
2. Students who need ALEKS to meet program enrollment requirements.

Who is not required to take ALEKS?

1. Transfer students and current DMACC students, including Postsecondary Secondary Enrollment Open (PSEO) and Career Advantage students, who have earned a C- or higher in the prerequisite college math course within the previous 18 months will be exempt and do not need to take the ALEKS placement assessment.
2. Students who only need MAT772 for their program of study are exempt and do not need to take the ALEKS placement assessment.
3. Students who have met the requirement for a program or have completed the prerequisite course at another institution. Academic transcripts will be required to verify transfer credit/grade awarded.

I took ALEKS at another institution, can I use this score at DMACC?

Transfer and guest students who have taken ALEKS PPL at another institution such as the University of Iowa, Iowa State University or University of Northern Iowa within 18 months, may submit their ALEKS scores to the Registrar's Office at DMACC. Students will be placed into courses based on DMACC's Placement scores.

When do I take the ALEKS placement?

1. Admitted students to DMACC wishing to take a math class are required to take the ALEKS math placement assessment prior to registering for a math class. Taking the assessment early will allow you to complete the Prep and Learning modules and attempt the assessment again if you do not perform as well as desired.
2. The institution paid ALEKS account, including the Prep and Learning modules, is valid for 12 months once you complete your first assessment. Students are encouraged to utilize the Prep and Learning modules as much as possible. An additional 12-month access can be purchased for $15.00 once the account expires.
3. Research shows that students who take their required math classes beginning their first semester are far more likely to pass them and graduate. Therefore, we encourage all students to take the ALEKS Placement prior to their first semester and then enroll in their desired math class.

Is the ALEKS Placement proctored?

After November 1, 2024, students who are taking the ALEKS Placement for the first time must complete it in a proctored setting. Students are encouraged to take the ALEKS placement at a DMACC location, but an online proctoring option is available.

How long is the ALEKS Placement?

The assessment takes students, on average, 1 hour to complete but you will have 120 minutes. There will be a maximum of 30 questions. The exact number of questions will vary. The ALEKS Placement is not a multiple-choice assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with paper and pencil, then enter the answer into ALEKS. Do your best on topics that are familiar but note that you only enter a final answer. Points are not awarded for showing your work.

You may be asked questions on material you have not yet learned or do not remember. It is appropriate to answer, “I Don't Know" for these questions. ALEKS interprets this as you do not know how to solve the topic. Wrong answers are weighted more heavily against your score than selecting "I Don't Know" as your answer. Answering “I Don’t Know” will also help you with completing the exam in the allotted time rather than use a lot of time on one question.

Students with accommodations for extended time should visit or call the Disability Services Office at 515-964-6234 to make arrangements before taking the ALEKS Placement.

What topics are covered during the ALEKS Assessment?

ALEKS is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The number of questions in the Placement Assessment will vary but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at DMACC. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take the first placement assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement. To see a list of all possible topics covered, visit the ALEKS website.

Can I review a question after I've answered it?

Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.

May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?

ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator if you need one to solve a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

May I use any other resources during a placement?

You may only use a pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper course placement and ultimately course failure. It is also a violation of DMACC's Student Conduct Policy.

What is the difference between ACCUPLACER and ALEKS?

ACCUPLACER reading and writing may be part of the admission assessment for new full-time students. ALEKS math placement is designed to help determine which DMACC math course you are ready to begin.

Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the placement assessment?

ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren't sure how to input an answer or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer palette tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.

What if I am a person with a disability and need an accommodation for the ALEKS assessment?

Any person with a disability who would like to request an accommodation for the ALEKS Placement Assessment should visit the DMACC Disability Services website or call the Disability Services Office at 515-964-6234.

What is my Placement Result?

Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered.

Your ALEKS score indicates which course you are eligible to begin. If you have questions about which course is required for your program of study, consult with an Academic Advisor. See the Placement Score Table and check the math requirements for your program.

Where can I see my score?

You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment. Your scores are automatically added into the DMACC student record system and are accessible by your advisor.

What if I do not place into the course I wanted?

Once you complete your first ALEKS Placement attempt, ALEKS creates a personalized online learning environment, ALEKS Prep and Learning module (PPL), that helps students review and improve their math skills. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush-up on lost knowledge. The Prep and Learning modules are available for 12 months from the date you completed your first assessment attempt.

Students can retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment up to four additional times to improve their score. The highest score will be used for math placement. Students are required to complete a specific amount of time on the Prep and Learning modules prior to each assessment to increase success.

Students should meet with their DMACC Academic Advisor to understand how course placement aligns with academic goals.

Can I retake my ALEKS PPL Assessment?

Yes, you may take up to four additional Placement Assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning module between Placement Assessments so you can improve your skills.

Students are also required to complete a specific amount of time on the Prep and Learning modules prior to each assessment to increase success.

• 2nd attempt—required to complete 3 hours of Prep and Learning modules before attempting assessment.
• 3rd attempt—required to complete 3 additional hours of Prep and Learning module before attempting assessment.
• 4th attempt—required to complete 5 additional hours of Prep and Learning module before attempting assessment.
• 5th attempt (final attempt permitted by DMACC)—required to complete 8 additional hours of Prep and Learning module before attempting assessment.

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL and what is the ALEKS code?

DMACC students will have 12 months of account access starting when they take the first Placement Assessment. This includes their Prep and Learning modules. If your account expires, you can re-subscribe for $15.

Course code to re-subscribe: FYREH-4PHDQ

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins to work on my PPL modules?

No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS Prep and Learning modules. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience any difficulties improving your abilities with the PPL. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on the ALEKS support site.

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks?

While working in a Prep and Learning modules, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in the Learning module. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.

Does progress in the ALEKS Prep and Learning modules count toward placement?

No. You must complete a new Placement Assessment to change your placement result.

Where can I get technical support for ALEKS?

• ALEKS Tech Support
• DMACC General/Tech Support

Where Do I Take the ALEKS Assessment?

Visit the DMACC Testing Center Locations web page and choose a DMACC location to take your ALEKS assessment. Carefully review the hours of operation and appointment requirements.

What testing aides are provided by the proctor?

You will get the use of a pencil and scratch paper. ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator if you need one to solve a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

How do I start the proctored assessment?

1. Log into myDMACC using your DMACC username and password.
2. Select ALEKS Math Assessment in the left menu under Shortcuts.
3. Scroll down and select Begin ALEKS Assessment.
4. You will complete a short survey and tutorial, after which you will be asked to launch the ALEKS Lockdown Browser.
5. When prompted for the exam password, the proctor will enter it. This action will disable the Respondus Monitor, meaning the webcam and microphone won’t record or monitor you during the exam.
   1. After the password is entered, only Respondus LockDown Browser will be active, ensuring that you cannot access external resources like other browsers, files, or programs.
6. After selecting Get Started, you’ll arrive at the Introduction page.

Do I need to take the ALEKS Placement remotely?

Students are encouraged to take their proctored assessment at a DMACC location. There is no fee and this will ensure that you have a seamless experience with no technical issues. Students who want to take the ALEKS Placement remotely must install the ALEKS LockDown Browser and ALEKS Respondus Monitor proctoring software--requirements below.

What is Online Proctoring?

Online proctoring is a method of proctoring that allows students to take your exam from the comfort of your home or location of choice. Students are remotely proctored using ALEKS Respondus Monitor, a completely automated remote proctoring vendor. There is no human proctor involved. ALEKS Respondus Monitor walks students through the check in procedures and monitors students throughout their assessment session through audio and video. Any suspicious behavior is flagged and reviewed by staff to determine if the attempted exam is valid. Any instances of academic dishonesty are addressed after completion. This may include invalidation of the placement assessment result.

What software do I need to take the ALEKS Placement online?

You will need to install the ALEKS Respondus LockDown Browser and ALEKS Respondus Monitor in order to take the placement exam remotely. Both software installations are required. ALEKS LockDown Browser is a custom browser that secures the testing environment by preventing access to other applications, copying, printing, or visiting other websites while taking the ALEKS Placement. ALEKS Respondus Monitor is an automated “remote proctoring” companion application for ALEKS LockDown Browser that uses webcam and video technology to record you during the online reassessment. Thus, you need to make sure you have a working microphone and webcam. The following are the system requirements for ALEKS Respondus LockDown and Monitor.

	Windows	Mac	iPad App
Operating System	10+	12 (Monterey)+	iOS 17+
Memory*	75 MB	120 MB	106 MB

*Requires permanent space on the hard drive

What browsers are compatible with the ALEKS Placement?

ALEKS Placement and the ALEKS Respondus LockDown Browser run on several browsers. Refer to the System Requirements for Windows, Macintosh and iPad devices for the list of supported browsers.

What should I expect if I take the ALEKS placement remotely?

When you take a remotely proctored assessment you agree to abide by the following rules to maintain the academic integrity of your assessment.

1. No outside assistance is permitted. Outside assistance includes getting help from others and from other materials. Other individuals are not to be in the room while you are taking the assessment.
2. The webcam lens must not be covered up or otherwise obscured. The webcam and lockdown browser are how students are proctored so it should show the student's face at all times.
3. No outside calculators are permitted. A calculator icon will appear on the screen when it is allowed to be used. Blank paper and a pencil are allowed for students to work out problems.
4. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices are permitted. Note, the use of headphones during testing are not allowed.

For information about student responsibilities and violations of academic integrity, please refer to ES4670 – Academic Misconduct.

Do I need a special testing area?

Please read and follow ALL steps to best prepare your testing area. Failure to follow all steps may register a suspicious behavior flag and lead to review of your recording for academic dishonesty.

• Avoid wearing sunglasses, baseball caps or hats that extend beyond the forehead. Hats and sunglasses make it difficult to confirm your identity.
• If using a notebook computer, place it on a firm surface like a desk or table, not on your lap.
• If the webcam is built into the screen, avoid making screen adjustments after the assessment starts. A common mistake is to push the screen back, resulting in only the top portion of the face being recorded.
• Don’t cover the webcam or move around outside the camera’s video frame during the assessment. Make sure you have blank paper and pencils or pens within arm’s reach.
• Don't lie down on a couch or bed while taking an assessment. There is a greater chance you'll move out of the video frame or change your relative position to the webcam.
• Don't take an exam in a dark room. If the details of your face don't show clearly during the webcam check, the automated video analysis is more likely to flag you as missing.
• Avoid backlighting situations, such as sitting with your back to a window. The general rule is to have light in front of your face, not behind your head.
• Select a distraction-free environment for the exam. Televisions and other people in the room can draw your attention away from the screen. Other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system.
• You will have 120 minutes to complete the assessment. You cannot save your place and come back to the assessment. You may take a short bathroom break if necessary, however the timer on your assessment will continue to run.

How do I start the online proctored assessment?

1. Log into myDMACC using your DMACC username and password.
2. Select ALEKS Math Assessment in the left menu under Shortcuts.
3. Scroll down and select Begin ALEKS Assessment.
4. You will be prompted to complete a short survey and tutorial.
5. When select Get Started. You’ll arrive at the Introduction page. If you haven’t already downloaded the ALEKS version of LockDown Browser, you can do so with the link on this page.
   1. Be sure your Internet connection is stable.
   2. After you install LockDown Browser, reboot your computer and log back in.
6. Once LockDown Browser is installed, select Launch LockDown Browser + Webcam to begin the Assessment.
   1. LockDown browser will open,
   2. Carefully read and follow the Startup Instruction Sequence.
7. It is important that you follow all remaining steps. Timing begins after the Startup Sequence is completed and you begin the assessment.
   1. In the Startup Sequence, you will read and agree to the Respondus Monitor Terms of Use.
   2. Complete a Webcam Check. You must have a Webcam and audio.
   3. Read and follow all Guidelines and Tips.
   4. Take your Student Photo.
   5. Show Identification – you are required to show either a DMACC or government-issued photo ID such as driver's license or passport. Do not take the assessment if you do not have the appropriate ID.
   6. Environment Check – you are required to show your desk and working space.
   7. +Click "Start Recording" and slowly tilt/pan your webcam so a brief video can be made of the work area around your desk and computer. (If the Webcam is built into the monitor, just do your best to show the surrounding area.)
   8. +Click "Stop Recording" when finished.
8. The Facial Detection Check is required. It keeps you from being flagged in the recordings.
9. Begin Exam - once the Startup Sequence is finished, you can begin. An indicator that your webcam is recording displays in the top-right corner.

Where can I get technical support for remote issues?

When taking the ALEKS assessment remotely, technical support is very limited as each personal machine is unique. If you encounter technical issues, we encourage you to come and complete your assessment at one of our DMACC locations, if possible. You may also try the following support options.

• ALEKS Tech Support
• DMACC General/Tech Support

Choosing success in college starts with taking writing courses that fit your current writing skills. Most colleges and universities in the United States have a first-year writing course required for a degree. At DMACC, that class is Composition I (ENG 105). However, not everyone is ready to take ENG 105, so the first step is to see into which class you place.

Part-time and full-time students who need to take a composition class need to submit ACT, COMPASS Reading and Writing Skills, ACCUPLACER Classic Reading and Sentence, or ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing scores to the Admissions Office as part of the admissions requirements. If you have taken these exams, bring the results to your advisor to help determine your writing placement. If you have not taken any of these tests, then you should schedule ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing exams with the Testing Center and talk about the results with an advisor to find the best writing path for you. Guest students and current DMACC students, including Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and Career Advantage students, who have already passed a prerequisite writing course prior to enrolling in Fall 2018 will be exempt. Academic transcripts will be required to verify transfer credit/grade awarded.

• See the full set of test and scores

Examples

• A student who has an ACT composite score of 20 places into ENG 105.
• Another student who does not have ACT scores but took COMPASS a couple of years ago and scored a 45 on the Writing test places in ENG 061.
• A student who did not bring scores but takes ACCUPLACER Classic and scores a 68 in Sentence Skills is placed in ENG 061.
• A student with an ACCUPLACER Reading score in the 239-248 range but a 249 or higher Writing score should still consider taking ENG 145 and ENG 105. Reading skills are part of the ALP class.

Writing Course Options

Look at the ACT range of 16-18. What do you see? You see that students who score in the middle through upper ranges of the ACT or who score in certain ranges on the Reading and Writing placement exams for COMPASS, ACCUPLACER Classic and ACCUPLACER have different options.

Because reading and writing skills are so important to composition, we look at both scores to qualify students for an option of courses. Students who score 16-18 on the ACT, have a COMPASS Reading score range of 48-80 and Writing score of 54-69, or an ACCUPLACER Classic Reading score of 59-72 and Sentence score of 74-81 have two course options: 1) take ENG 061 then ENG 105 the next semester, or 2) partner ENG 145 with ENG 105.

What is the Difference Between the Paths?

College Preparatory Writing II (ENG 061) is a tried-and-true developmental class at DMACC, helping students meet their writing goals for more than a decade. Students receive individualized attention while practicing specific reading and writing skills in the classroom. Students who earn a passing grade can move on to ENG 105. Pass and success rates for this course are higher than the national average across DMACC’s campuses.

Strategies for Composition (ENG 145) is taken with Composition I (ENG 105) and is a two credit, corequisite/accelerated learning program (ALP) model course. If your placement scores fall within the appropriate ranges, you may advance to ENG 105, but you must also enroll in ENG 145. The ENG 145 class meets immediately after ENG 105 and includes some of the same students you encounter in ENG 105. It is designed to provide a smaller class size (limited to 10-12 students) with individualized support and practice with assignments that reinforce the writing concepts addressed in ENG 105. By taking ENG 145 with ENG 105, you can move forward with writing coursework and gain two general elective credits. If you qualify for this option, you must complete both ENG 145 and ENG 105 successfully with a passing grade to continue to the next writing class, Composition II (ENG 106).

What Path Should You Take?

Deciding which path to take depends a lot on if you have the credits, desire, and money needed to take two writing classes at the same time, which is the 145/105 option, or whether you want to focus on one class at a time, which is the ENG 061 option. If you choose the 145/105 option and do not pass, then you can retake both classes or take 061 alone, waiting to take ENG 105 after you pass 061.

What Should You Do Next?

1. Study for the placement exams, Reading and Writing exams. Study guides and practice tests are available. You can take a practice test at home and bring your responses to the Academic Achievement Center Reading Lab or Writing Lab to review with an instructor before taking the test.
   
   • ELL Practice Test
   • Reading Practice Test
   • Writing Practice Test
   • WritePlacer
2. Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, and take the exams.
3. Based on your exam results, talk with an advisor to see which class you qualify to take, and register for that class. If you are unhappy with the exam score, you can retake the test after waiting two weeks. In that time, study and seek assistance in the Academic Achievement Center.
4. When you begin classes, attend every class session to help you move forward with writing.

Choosing success means talking with advisors when registering for classes and your instructors when needing help. Using DMACC’s support services like Academic Achievement Centers and the Library Professionals will also help you succeed in college.

For questions regarding placement, contact an advisor.

• Ankeny 515-964-6200
• Boone 515-432-7209
• Carroll 712-792-1755
• Newton 641-791-3622
• Urban 515-244-4226
• West 515-633-2408

How do I schedule the ACCUPLACER test?

• Remote ACCUPLACER - Testing with DMACC proctor from home.
• ACCUPLACER Remote Voucher Request - DMACC students take ACCUPLACER at another community college.

Testing is available at multiple DMACC locations. If you require an accommodation for testing, call the Disabilities Services Coordinator at 515-964-6850.

• Ames Hunziker
  515-663-6700
  dlludwig@dmacc.edu
• Ankeny
  515-964-6595
  ankenytestingcenter@dmacc.edu
• Boone
  515-433-5096
  boonetestingcenter@dmacc.edu
• Carroll
  712-792-1755
  carrolltestingcenter@dmacc.edu
• Des Moines / Urban
  515-697-7807
  uctestingcenter@dmacc.edu
• Newton
  641-791-1731
  newtonlibrary@dmacc.edu
• Perry VanKirk
  515-428-8100
  perrycenter@dmacc.edu
• Southridge
  515-287-8720
  southridgetestingcenter@dmacc.edu
• West Des Moines
  515-633-2426
  westtestingcenter@dmacc.edu

What is ACCUPLACER?

ACCUPLACER is a computer-based test with a series of basic skill assessments in reading and writing. The test indicates areas where you might need strengthening and suggests courses that might be a starting point for your college career. Most questions require a multiple choice answer.

How much time will the test take?

Generally, it takes an hour to complete the ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing assessments and two hours to complete the ACCUPLACER Classic ELL assessments.

What subjects are tested?

There are two areas of focus for ACCUPLACER:

1. Reading: The reading assessment determine what skills students have to succeed in entry-level college courses.
2. Writing & Sentence Skills: The writing assessment requires students to find and correct errors in essays. This includes grammar, punctuation, sentence structure as well as strategy, organization assessment and style in effective writing.

Also available is ELL ACCUPLACER Classic. Written in standard English, ELL ACCUPLACER Classic will assess appropriate levels of ELL classes or regular course work.

I Have No Computer Experience. Can I still take the ACCUPLACER Test?

ACCUPLACER is user friendly and was designed for those with little or no computer experience. DMACC staff are on hand to walk you through the directions and assist you with getting started.

The amount of time you spend on each area is recorded, but there is no time limit, so you can relax and do your best!

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a rigorous College Board program that allows students of a wide range of ages to demonstrate their mastery of college-level material in introductory subjects and earn college credit. CLEP offers examinations that represent courses typical of the first two years of college study.

CLEP may be for you if…

• You have done college level work outside the college setting
• You want to save time and money
• You want to bypass introductory classes in a subject area you already know

How will CLEP credit be awarded for DMACC students?

• Students must be admitted or enrolled in a program of study at DMACC.
• Scores on the exam must equal or surpass the minimum required by DMACC.
• After a student has earned 12 semester hours of credit in residence, the credit earned by examination will recorded on the transcript.
• A maximum of 30 credits earned by examination may be used to meet degree requirements at DMACC.
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Will credit earned by CLEP while attending DMACC transfer to other institutions:
CLEP credit earned while attending DMACC usually transfers to other colleges or universities; however, you must meet the minimum score requirements of the school to which you are transferring. DMACC does not assume responsibility for the transferability of CLEP credits.

When and where are examinations given?
Exams are given by appointment throughout the year at the Urban, Boone and Ankeny Campuses. Students must register with College Board and pay for an exam before contacting a DMACC campus to take a CLEP exam. The examinations take 90 minutes. Not all CLEP exams are available. Essay Sections not offered for CLEP exams.

How much does the CLEP exam cost?
College Board accesses an $95 exam fee, payable to CLEP when you create a login and register for an exam. A $33 proctor fee will be assessed at the DMACC testing locations in Ankeny, Urban Campus, or Boone Academic Achievement Center when you arrive to take your scheduled exam.

How can I make an appointment for the CLEP exam?
You may make an appointment for CLEP on the Boone Campus by calling 515-433-5095, Ankeny Campus by calling 515-964-6595, or Urban Campus by calling 515-697-7807​.

What can I do to study for these tests?
Books are available through local libraries and book-stores to help prepare for the CLEP examinations. These are comprehensive and contain sample test questions and other helpful information. Copies are available in the DMACC library. There is also material located at the CLEP website. 

When are you allowed to retest?
Students must wait 3 months before retesting.

For official CLEP transcripts contact College Board.

1. Review the list of approved Departmental Challenge Exams with the relevant Testing Center, Dean, Provost, or Associate Provost to determine if the course has an approved challenge exam and your eligibility.​
    
2. If eligible, complete a Departmental Challenge Exam Request Form​​, complete Part 2, and submit to the appropriate academic dean for approval.
    
3. The Academic Dean verifies is an appropriate Challenge Test​ available for you to complete the desired course. If so, and if you have not previously completed the Challenge Exam, the Dean may approve (Part 3).
    
4. If approved by the Dean, the Challenge Exam form goes through the Registration office (Part 4). You will be assessed the $50 non-refundable administration fee through Student Accounts at this time. (Part 5).
    
5. Once you pay the fee, the form is returned to the appropriate Academic Dean (Part 6) who will identify a faculty member who will arrange the exam and coordinate with you. (Should additional proctoring be necessary, you will be responsible for the cost).
    
6. The Faculty Examiner will complete Part 6 of the form and  deliver it along with a copy of the graded exam to the appropriate Academic Dean for signature. (Grading occurs within 10 days of test date).
    
7. Once graded, the Academic Dean will let you know of the outcome in writing.
    
8. The completed form is then forwarded to the Registrar's Office for processing.
    
9. You will be notified that the Form is complete and that you may use the credits as pre-requisites for appropriate higher-level coursework. Registration may override the prior course requirement until the earned credits have been transcribed.

Appeals Process

If you do not pass Departmental Challenge Exam, you will be notified in writing by the program chair within 10 days of the test date.

Once notified, you can appeal the decision to the Vice President, Academic Affairs. You must make the  appeal in writing and submit it within 10 business days of the denial.

What Is LASSI?

The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) is a survey that aids students, advisors, and instructors in understanding college-ready study habits, comprehension skills, and motivation characteristics. Weinstein, Palmer, and Acee pull those areas into the characteristics of “skill, will, and self-regulation” (2016, p. 6). Learning is more than academic—It involves your ability to persist, be confident in your knowledge, and manage your studies effectively.

What does this mean? LASSI is a survey that helps you understand more about what learning skills are areas of strength and what you could improve. If you work with an advisor, counselor, instructor, tutor, or peer mentor to improve your skills, you are likely to improve them.

Who Should Take LASSI?

If you need to take Composition I (ENG 105) for your degree program, you are strongly encouraged to take LASSI so that you and your advisor have a better picture of your learning needs and which college courses to recommend. 

If you don't remember your sign-in credentials, please contact Tech Support via form or call them at 515-965-7300.​

How Do I Request Testing A​ccommodations?

Any student with a documented disability who requires reasonable accommodation should contact the Disability Services Coordinator at 515-964-6850. For more information, visit the Disabilities Services site​.

Is LASSI Required for Admission or Placement?

No, taking LASSI is optional until we have finished piloting LASSI.  You will be asked whether you would like to take it, and you can refuse to take it. However, it is a pretty neat tool to use to gain insight about your study skills.

How Do I Get My Results? 

TEAS is used to determine placement for several Health and Public Services programs: Nursing, Surgical Tech, and Vet Tech. Click on the Testing Center links on the left to view in-person Testing Center hours and scheduling options for each campus and center.