Basic Skills Assessment is designed to determine if students are prepared to perform college level work. Information on basic skill levels provides students, counselors and faculty a basis to select courses in which the student has a reasonable probability of success. If deficiencies are noted, students are directed into appropriate developmental work. Basic Skills Assessment is not testing for admission to the College.

In response to a mandate from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), NVCC adopted a policy requiring that all students who began in Fall 1993 and after complete basic skills assessment testing in writing, reading and math if

• they wish to be officially program placed prior to completing 9 credits with a GPA of at least 2.0; or

• their GPA is less than 2.0 after completing their first 9 credits at NVCC (reading and writing tests required, math test to be determined by counselor); or

• they transfer to NVCC with a GPA of less than 2.0

Effective fall 2002, all students must take the writing and reading placement tests before enrolling in their 16th credit hour of coursework.