We use students’ applications, high school transcripts and/or test score data to place students into math and English courses. As part of California’s new legislation (AB 705), this placement method offers students the opportunity to enroll directly into transfer-level English and math courses. If you should need additional help to succeed in your English and math courses, we offer academic help and counseling services.

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Placement Help Articles and Resources

• How we use your application, college transcripts and test scores for English and Math Placement
• How your recommended English Placement is determined
• How your recommended Math Placement is determined
• How to clear or waive a prerequisite/corequisite

Watch this video to learn more: Know Your Rights: The AB 705 Initiative and What it Means for Students

All students who want to take the Chemistry 1A course must meet all three prerequisites, one of which is the Chemistry Placement Examination. 

To prepare for the test, visit the  California Chemistry Diagnostic Test to review topics the exam will cover and sample questions.

For the test, you will need:

• A scientific calculator
• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or school ID with student ID number)
• To meet the Math and Chemistry prerequisite requirements (see Chemistry course descriptions in the Sierra College Catalog for more information)

Chemistry 1A Placement Exam Locations

• Rocklin Campus (LT 1): Chemistry 1A testing is offered Fridays at 9:00 AM. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to exam to check-in. No appointment is necessary.

• Nevada County Chemistry (N1 216): Chemistry 1A testing requires an appointment. Call (530) 274-5303 to schedule.

• Tahoe-Truckee Campus (N6 200): Chemistry 1A testing requires an appointment. Call (530) 550-2225 to schedule.

For the English as a Second Language (ESL) test, you will need a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or school ID with student ID number), and should expect to take about two hours to complete the test.

Want to know more about our ESL classes? Visit English as a Second Language.

Should you need to retake the ESL test, you will need to wait one year after taking your test. Be sure to see an academic counselor for exceptions. Extenuating circumstances or medical emergencies may allow you to retest sooner with counselor approval.

ESL Testing Locations

• Rocklin Campus (LT 1): ESL testing is offered Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.
  
  
• Nevada County Campus (N1 216): ESL testing is offered Monday through Thursday. No appointment is necessary.
  
  
• Tahoe-Truckee Campus (N6 200): ESL testing requires an appointment. Call (530) 550-2225 to schedule. 

How to Schedule a Make-Up Test

To schedule a make-up test, you must:

• Have your instructor make arrangements with the Testing Center and fill out the Rocklin Testing Center Proctor Form. Only your instructor can order a make-up test from the Testing Center. The Nevada County Campus (NCC) also requires the NCC LRC Testing Instructions Form.
• Bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or school ID with student ID number)

If you need accommodations, please bring your Accommodations Certification from Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) to the Testing Center. Accommodations include: extended time, student scribes, and assistive technology.

What to Expect at Your Make-Up Test

At the Testing Center, you will:

• Present a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or school ID with student ID number)
• Go to an assigned testing station or private room
• Turn off your electronic devices and store all backpacks, purses and cell phones inside of pull-string bags.
• Faculty and staff will observe the testing lab from surveillance cameras and the window viewing area.
• Do not cheat. We will report academic dishonesty to your instructor.

The Sierra College Placement and Testing Center will only proctor Sierra College exams. We do not proctor exams from other colleges, universities or institutions. Students must attend Sierra College to be eligible for our services.

Tests need to be provided to the Placement and Testing Center at least 1-2 days before the student takes the exam.

Make-Up Testing Locations

• Rocklin Campus (LT 1). Keep the following in mind for make-up exams:
  
  
  • All tests must include the Rocklin Testing Center Proctor Form.
  • Seating is limited. We will assist students on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • We will not administer tests for an entire class.
  • Return delivery options are: interoffice mail, instructor pick-up or students can hand-deliver the test back to the faculty member. 
    
    
• Nevada County Campus (N6 200): The NCC Testing Center must receive the teacher’s instructions to proctor an exam. Please use the NCC LRC Testing Instructions Form.
  
  
• Tahoe-Truckee Campus (204): Contact the Tahoe/Truckee Campus Testing and Proctoring office to make an appointment. Call (530) 550-2284 to schedule.