Do you need to take the Placement Test? | Thomas Nelson Community College
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Do you need to take the Placement Test?

Students may be waived from the placement test for a variety reasons including:

  • An earned associate’s degree or higher
  • A grade of “C” or better in college-level math and/or English courses at a regionally accredited institution
  • Students who have successfully completed developmental math and/or English (within 5 years) courses at a VCCS institution may be exempt from placement testing
  • Students who have successfully completed developmental math and/or English (within 5 years) at a non-VCCS institution can be evaluated for placement
  • Satisfactory Standardized Test Scores
    • Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Advancement Placement (CLEP), Cambridge International Exams, and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DSST/DANTES) as determined by the College’s Advanced Standing Guide
    • High School GPA (with appropriate courses) and SAT, ACT, or GED Scores (Valid for 5 years after the date of high school graduation or the date of the test):

      Math Placement

      Math Placement Measures High School GPA or Score Range Placement
      High School GPA and Algebra II and One Algebra Intensive Course 3.0 or higher MTE 1-9 Satisfied
      2.7-2.9 MTE 1-9 Co-Requisite Eligible
      High School GPA and Algebra II 3.0 or higher MTE 1-5 Satisfied
      2.7-2.9 MTE 1-5 Co-Requisite Eligible
      High School GPA and Algebra I 3.0 or higher MTE 1-3 Satisfied
      2.7-2.9 MTE 1-3 Co-Requisite Eligible
      SAT – Math 530 or above MTE 1-9 Satisfied
      510-520 range MTE 1-5 Satisfied
      ACT – Subject Area Test Math 22 or above MTE 1-9 Satisfied
      19-21 range MTE 1-5 Satisfied
      GED - Math 165 or above MTE 1-5 Satisfied
      155-164 range MTE 1-3 Satisfied

      English Placement

      English Placement Measures High School GPA or Score Range Placement
      High School GPA 3.0 or higher ENG 111
      2.7-2.9 ENF 3/ENG 111
      SAT – ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) 480 or above ENG 111
      460-470 range ENF 3/ENG 111
      ACT – Subject Area Tests English and Reading 18 or above ENG 111
      15-17 range ENF 3/ENG 111
      GED - English 165 or above ENG 111

What to bring?

  • High School or GED Transcripts
    • You may bring unofficial or official transcripts for waiver purposes. Official transcripts are required, if you intend to pursue the Nursing or Dental Hygiene programs.
  • College Transcripts
    • You may bring unofficial or official transcripts for waiver purposes. Official transcripts are required, if you intend to pursue the Nursing or Dental Hygiene programs.
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT, AP, CLEP, IB, DSST/DANTES, Cambridge)

More details:

  • Virginia Placement Test scores are valid for 5 years after the date of the test.
  • Previously completed developmental courses are valid for 5 years after the term completed.
  • Students who take the Virginia Placement Test and do not enroll in developmental math and/or English courses are allowed one retest within 12 months.
  • Students must meet the prerequisites for the respective courses in their chosen program of study.
  • Students seeking to place into higher level math courses may complete the Virginia Placement Test for placement into those courses.