Students and prospective students have access to a wide variety of tests and assessments.  They may take tests that assess their interests, values, abilities, personality traits, aptitudes, and achievements.  Many assessments and tests require the referral of a counselor/academic advisor and an interpretation of the results by a counselor/academic advisor afterwards.  The most commonly used tests are described below.

Most assessment & testing is done at the Testing Office on the 30th Avenue campus.   Limited testing services are also available at LCC at Cottage Grove and LCC at Florence

Placement Tests for College Students in Reading, Writing, and Math

The College Board Accuplacer™  software is used for the reading, writing and math placement tests.  A majority of new entering students are required to take this cluster of tests.  The results of the reading and writing tests determine the best starting place for students taking courses in the Language, Literature and Communication department, as well as in the Academic Learning Skills departments.  The math placement tests determine the best starting place for students in courses requiring mathematical knowledge.

General Educational Development Test (GED)

This test is designed for people who have not finished high school and who wish to receive the Certificate of General Educational Development.  It has four subtests:  Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.  The maximum time allowed is seven hours and 30 minutes.  Examinees must be 18 years old (unless the person has a high school release/referral) and must provide personal identification.  GED testing is scheduled according to demand and staff availability.  Advanced registration is required.  Cost:  $152.  For more information, see GED Testing Information.

Federal Aviation Administration Written Exams (FAA)

Candidates for various categories of aircraft maintenance and piloting take these exams.  Different exams require various kinds of authorization and identification.  FAA testing is offered by appointment only. Cost: $150 per test. For more information, see FAA Testing.

Strong Interest Inventory

This inventory provides people with information about how similar their interests are to those of satisfied adults working in various occupations.  Cost:  $12 per profile.  Note:  A counselor's referral is required.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

This personality assessment rates a person's preferences for ways of looking at things and deciding to do things.  It produces ratings on four dimensions derived from psychologist C. G. Jung's theory of personality.  Cost:  $12.  Note:  A counselor's referral is required.

Testing for International Students, Immigrants, and ESL Students

Immigrants,  ESL, and international students on F-1 visas take the ESL version of Accuplacer reading and writing; and regular Accuplacer math placement tests.

Screening Tests

Certain programs limit their enrollment to students who meet prerequisite skills.  The following limited enrollment programs require screening tests offered at the Testing Office:

• Dental Assisting
• Dental Hygiene
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Health Records Technology
• Medical Office Assistant
• Respiratory Care
• Advanced Technology