Saddleback College offers a range of different Assessment tests to provide students with accurate course placement in math, English and reading. Students that need to take one or more of the placement exams, must make an appointment either online (click the button to the left) or by calling the Matriculation Office. Review our different testing sessions below in order to select the correct test for your needs. All students must apply to the college and have their student ID number BEFORE they can take any of the assessment exams.
Please Note: If you have high school transcripts or have completed and passed an English and Math course from another college or University or have complete an AP English/Calculus exam with a 3 or higher you would not need to take the assessment exams. Please review the Current Assessment Process webpage.
Nights/Weekend and Walk-in Testing Information
Test Schedule
Test Requirements
- Photo I.D. is required for check-in and at all times you are on the Saddleback College campus.
(e.g. Driver’s License, High School ID card, Passport, etc.) - Current application is required for the current enrollment term.
- Cell phones must be off at all times in the Matriculation Office.
- Arrive on time! Late arrivals are not permitted to night and weekend tests.
Test Types
- Reading: CTEP Reading Comprehension (computer test)
- English: CTEP Sentence and Syntax Skills, CTEP Sentence Structure and Grammar (computer test)
- Math: MDTP test 1-4 (computer test)
Test Times
- 30 minutes for reading only
- 45-90 minutes for math only
- 1.5 hours for reading and English
- 2.5 - 3 hours for all the tests
Test Scoring
- Tests are usually scored with-in 24 hours unless the testing date falls on a night or weekend. The test proctor will let the students know when the results will be in MySite.
Test Sample Questions and Help
- Sample Math Questions
- Sample English Questions
- Sample ESL Questions
- MDTP Mathematical Analysis Readiness Online Sample Test
The Mathematical Analysis test should be taken prior to courses typically called trigonometry, precalculus, or math analysis. The test assumes two years of algebra and a year of geometry in preparation for a precalculus course and has significant geometry content - MDTP Calculus Readiness Online Sample Test
The Calculus Readiness test should be taken prior to a Calculus course. - Algebra-2-Go Pre - Beg. Algebra Notes, Worksheets, and Videos
- English Refresh Program
- Pearsons MyMathTest Practice Exams
Nights and Weekend Testing by Appointment Only
The Matriculation Office will provide assessment testing on specific nights, and weekends by appointment only. During a regular testing session, students may take the reading, English and math placement exams all in one sitting (2.5 hour session). Students may also take any one of the individual tests if they are re-testing or have been referred to take a specific test by their counselor.
Please check the schedule online here: Regular and Walkin Testing Schedule
Walk-In Testing
Walk-in testing is available most Mondays and Thursdays between the hours of 9:00am and 1:30pm. Student may arrive anytime between those hours to take the assessment exams. During a walk-in testing session, students may take the reading, English and math placement exams all in one sitting (2.5 hour session). Students may also take any one of the individual tests if they are re-testing or have been referred to take a specific test by their counselor.
Please check the schedule online here: Regular and Walkin Testing Schedule
ESL (English as a Second Language) Testing
The ESL test is designed to give ESL course placement to students that English is not their first language. Students that are looking to enroll in ESL courses must take this test before they register. Students taking this test will meet with a counselor and receive their test scores during the session.
- Test Appointments: (ESL) Testing Schedule
- Test Time: 3 hours total, 45 min. exam and 2 hours with a counselor
- Test Scoring: Tests results will be given out during the counseling/advisement session
- Test Samples: ESL Questions
- Test Types: Celsa tests 1 and 2 (scantron & pencil)
Re-Testing Policy
Students that wish to take one or more of the assessment exams again must follow the re-test policies set forth by the Math, Reading and English departments.
- Students may take the same Math level placement exam every 3 months. There is no waiting period to take a different level math exam.
- Students may take the Reading placement exam once every 3 months.
- Students may take the English placement exam once every 3 months.
- Students may take the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement exam once every 3 months.
Students that would like to try and place into a higher level course before the waiting periods have expired can take a look at the challenge and appeal options on the following webpage.
Challenge and Appeals