CONFIRMATION TESTING

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CONFIRMATION TESTING

Students often complain that they are in developmental studies "by mistake." They believe that they already have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in college level courses. Now we have a way to confirm placement in remedial/developmental courses or to correct it if the placement is wrong.

All new degree-seeking students with ACT subject scores below 19 (or equivalent) must take Confirmation Placement Tests in reading, writing, and/or mathematics. Students with college level transfer credit in English and math will not need to test.

These confirmation tests insure that each student is placed into the reading, writing, and math courses that

Provide the best opportunity for student success
Prevent students from taking unnecessary courses
Help each student achieve his/her college goals as quickly as possible

Testing appointments are made by calling the College at 694-6400. Students must complete their Confirmation Tests before they meet with an advisor and register.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a confirmation test?
Students placed in developmental courses based on their ACT or ASSET scores will take confirmation tests to ensure proper placement in developmental coursework. Students take the tests prior to seeing an advisor for registration.

Who takes the Confirmation Tests?
New students with ACT subject scores below 19 must take the test.

Students with college-level credit in English and math DO NOT test.

Why are the tests required?
These confirmation tests ensure that each student is placed into the reading, writing, and math courses that

Provide the best opportunity for student success
Prevent students from taking unnecessary courses
Help each student achieve his/her college goals as quickly as possible

The confirmation tests give a student who has not tested well on the ACT or ASSET an opportunity to demonstrate his/her skills before final course placement.

What are the ACT equivalent test scores?
All new degree-seeking students with ACT subject scores below 19 (or equivalent) must take Confirmation Tests in reading, writing, and/or mathematics.

		Equivalent Test Scores
	ACT	SAT	ASSET	COMPASS
Math	19	460	39 (Intermediate)	50 (Algebra)
Reading	19	900(Composite)	42	80
Writing	19	460	42	75

How can the student prepare?
The Adult Education Department at Pellissippi State offers free refresher courses in math, reading, and writing (Monday-Thursday: 865-539-7109). These refresher courses are optional.

Online review for Math Confirmation Test with videos here (best viewed with Internet Explorer).

What are the Confirmation Tests?
Reading: an online version of the Nelson Denny reading test. This timed test allows 15 minutes for vocabulary questions and 20 minutes for comprehension questions.

Writing: a 30 minute essay with a pre-selected writing prompt. Computers will be available for testing.

Math: a one hour, multiple-choice test that determines the students' ability to perform basic math, pre-algebra, and algebra skills. The student may use a calculator on the test but not a symbolic manipulator like the TI-89 or 92.

What should I bring to the test?

Photo ID
Pens/pencils
Calculator (not a symbolic manipulator: i.e. TI-89)

Is there a cost?

There is no cost for the Confirmation Test.

After a student takes a Confirmation Test, when are the results available?
Results will be available in the student's PSTCC account at http://www.pstcc.edu/mypellissippi.html within 3 days.

Click on Academics Tab
Click on Registration Link
Click on Student & Financial Aid Tab
Click on Registration Link
Click on Add or Drop Classes

More Questions?

Call (865) 694-6400

Transition Studies Department:
(Obtain general information about Transitions Studies program and Confirmation Tests)
Mary Monroe-Ellis, Dean, 865-694-6686
Michelle Miller, Secretary, 865-694-6596
Trish Roller, Writing, 865-539-7316
Pamela Smith, Reading, 865-694-6690
Amy Tankersley, Math, 865-539-7304
Carol Brenner, ESL, 865-971-5207

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