Placement Tests

If you are a new student at Northern Virginia Community College, you will be asked to complete one or more placement tests. The results of these proficiency tests will help you and NOVA determine the courses you will take. They are not criteria for admission. If you are seeking college credit for previous work or knowledge, you can contact any of the campus Student Services Centers.

View proficiency and advanced standing test information below. Have a question; need to schedule a test or want to see testing center hours, sample tests and other resources? Contact your local campus testing center.

Proficiency Tests

• Basic Skills Assessment
  The Basic Skills Assessment is designed to determine if students are prepared to perform college level work.
  Who: Students who:
  • Transfer to NOVA with a GPA of less than 2.0
  • Have a GPA of less than 2.0 after completing their first 9 credits at NOVA
  • Wish to be officially program placed prior to completing 9 credits with a GPA of at least 2.0
• COMPASS English Native Speaker
  COMPASS is the primary tool for placement testing for ENG 111 (College Composition) and for basic skills assessment in reading and writing.
  Who: All students
• COMPASS Math
  The COMPASS computerized math test is the standard placement test for all math classes.
  Who: All students
  • Students wishing to enroll in MTH 1 and MTH 2 are not required to take the math placement tests
• ACCUPLACER - English as a Second Language
  ACCUPLACER is used to place students into the various levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
  Who: Students whose native language is not English
• Automotive Differential Aptitude Test
  DAT is used to gauge a student's awareness in the areas of mechanical reasoning, abstract reasoning and space relations.
  Who: Students applying to the co-op partnership program for Automotive Technology

Advanced Standing Tests

• Advanced Placement
  Students receiving scores of 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam of the College Entrance Examination Board will be granted college credit.
• Assessment by Local Examination
  ABLE examinations may be constructed by NOVA where tests are not available from outside sources such as the College Level Examination Program.
• College-Level Examination Program
  CLEP exams allow students to earn credit or advance standing by demonstrating college-level proficiency in a particular subject.
• United States Armed Forces Institute Tests
  NOVA will award specific course credit for acceptable scores on the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) tests.