Placement Testing
All students who have not completed college level math and English courses must take reading, writing (sentence skills), and math placement tests* to provide information for appropriate course selection. Non-native English speakers pursuing a degree or certificate may benefit from taking the English as a Second Langauge - Academic (ESLA) placement tests.
Placement testing is available by appointment for new students and students needing to take more than one test. To schedule your testing appointment, contact the Entry & Advising Center at 360.383.3080 or the Testing Center at 360.383.3052. Prospective Running Start students should contact the Running Start Office at 360.383.3123 or rstart@whatcom.ctc.edu for a testing appointment. ESLA and Individual placement tests (e.g. Math only) are available on a limited drop-in basis in the Norma Stevens Testing Center.
Important Notes
- A one-time $20 placement testing fee must be paid prior to testing at the Cashier's window (Laidlaw Center, 1ST floor).
- Testing fee forms are available in the Entry & Advising Center (Laidlaw Center, Rm 116) and the Testing Center (Laidlaw Center, Rm 133).
- Photo ID is required for all testing. No exceptions.
- Calculators are not permitted for the Math placement test.
Study Guides
Visit the English Department's Composition webpage here for more information regarding the English Placement Test.
*WCC accepts official Asset, Compass, and Accuplacer scores from other colleges for English and reading only. Math assessments must be taken at WCC.