Placement Testing
There are 3 ways to place into courses at PCC
We want you to be successful in your classes and that’s why placement is important. Placement aims to start you off at the right level of coursework for you.
Click on the selections below for the multiple ways to place into courses at PCC.
Most students can use #1 or #2. If you'd like individualized help from a Placement Coach or are in a special program requiring proctored tests please see #3.
English as a Second Language students should - Schedule ESL Accuplacer
Did you graduate high school or earn your GED in the last 5 years or have at least 6 semesters of grades? Then we can use a process called Multiple Measures to place you.
PLEASE NOTE: There are GPA minimums for placement and SAT/ACT scores can place you higher.
If your transcript indicates a "modified curriculum" please consider option 2, PimaEdReady, below.
View the Multiple Measures Placement Chart to see how you will place using Multiple Measures.
To get started, please submit your documents (unofficial) to the Registrar File Upload using the following process:
-
- Log into your MyPima account.
- Select Students tab, then Register and Pay.
- At the bottom of page, choose High School Transcripts or Standardized Tests.
- Select the file to upload from your computer.
- Click on Upload File.
- Press Submit.
You will receive an email to your Pima email when your documents have been recorded and placement has been determined.
If you cannot place using Multiple Measures above, or want to place higher than you did with Multiple Measures, take the placement with PimaEdReady from home and on your own time.
Reading and Writing Placement
GOAL KEYS and Directions: Please refer to our Reading and Writing Quick Start Guide for Students
Provides students with Official Placement for Reading up to REA112; and Writing up to WRT101
Mathematics Placement
GOAL KEYS and Directions: Please refer to our Mathematics Quick Start Guide for Students
There are two levels of math and two separate exams. You are only required to take one for placement.
How do I know which one to take? Answer the following questions:
- Have you taken Algebra 2 or higher in the last 3 years with a C or higher?
- Are you in a Science, Tech, Engineering, Math (STEM) or Business major?
NO (Either or Both Questions)
⇓
PimaEdReady INTERMEDIATE MATH
PimaEdReady Intermediate Math provides students Official Placement for Math up to MAT142 (see Quick Start Guide linked above)
YES (Both Questions)
⇓
PimaEdReady ADVANCED ALGEBRA
PimaEdReady Advanced Algebra provides students Official Placement for Math between MAT097-MAT188; (See Quick Start Guide linked above)
Option for Calculus 220 placement exam with high score of 85+ on Advanced Algebra (contact Testing Center)
To see how your score places you: Multiple Measures Placement Chart
Once you complete the diagnostic test in PimaEdReady, you will receive an email when your scores have been recorded and placement has been determined. You can check your placement in MyPima in 1-2 business days.
Do you have questions or want help with this process? Does your program require a proctored placement exam? We have in-person and virtual services to assist you.
IN-PERSON SERVICES:
- Schedule your in-person proctored exam here: Test Center Scheduling.
- Visit one of our campus Testing Centers for Express Walk-In Placement Coaching help; Test Center Hours
VIRTUAL SERVICES:
Complete the Placement Request Form to have a Placement Coach contact you via email in 1-2 business days for:- General assistance and individualized Placement Coaching
- Remote proctoring options (limited and by appointment)
Questions?
Contact a placement coach by emailing pcc-virtualtesting@pima.edu or calling 520.206.6648.
Should I take the tests?
You do not need to take any proctored placement tests if you:
- It can be placed using Multiple Measures or PimaEdReady non-proctored tests above.
- Have already earned a degree or certificate at a level above the Arizona General Education Certificate
- Can document reading, writing, or mathematics competency through previous assessments or college-level courses.
- Are enrolling only in non-credit, contract, or special interest courses.
- Are you enrolling in a certificate program that does not require placement tests?
Accommodations for Testing
If you require a testing accommodation for a disability and are eligible under ADA guidelines, first contact a program specialist at Access and Disability Resources.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Take the ESL Accuplacer or contact Adult Basic Education for College and Career if:
- English is not your first language.
- You are not fully bilingual with native-speaker competence in writing, reading, speaking and listening in English.
Schedule your ESL Accuplacer at a Campus Testing Center here: Schedule ESL Accuplacer
PCC Testing Centers
For Test Scheduling, Campus Testing Center Hours and Additional Testing Services please visit Testing Centers.
For other Academic Advising please visit Talk to An Advisor