DISH

Section One: Coming to De Anza College

Placement Testing


Placement Testing

Placement testing, also called advisory assessment, helps students identify their skill levels in English, Math and Science. This information is a critical key to selecting the correct classes and for planning an educational program leading to a certificate, degree or to transfer to a university.


As advised by De Anza's DSS Counselors or LD Specialists, it is strongly recommended that students complete these tests prior to starting classes or as early as possible in their college career.


Before students can enroll in certain basic courses in:

  • Math,
  • English,
  • Reading, or
  • English as a Second Language (ESL),

they must take placement tests or provide proof of applicable skill levels (in most cases by documenting  the completion of prior college-level course work). 

Certain advanced Math or Science courses such as Chemistry 1A or Biology 6A also require clearance by testing or authorization from the Assessment Center.

For Students with Disabilities:

Accommodations for placement testing are evaluated and coordinated by the Disability Support Services (DSS) office. However, many students with disabilities will be able take the placement tests without special arrangements or accommodations since many tests:

  • Are not timed,
  • Are given on a computer, and
  • Can be taken on a drop-in basis.

For more disability specific information, go to: Placement Testing for Students with Disabilities 

If you are a Disability Support Services (DSS) student and think you may need an accommodation for placement testing, or to make accommodation arrangements, contact Disability Support Services.

Not registered as a DSS student? For information on how to apply for accommodations/services and to schedule an appointment with a DSS Counselor or LD Specialist, go to: http://deanza.edu/dsps/applynow.html

Return to DISH Table of Contents

DISH Table of Contents:

- (Quick Links)

Section One: Coming to De Anza College

Section Two: Using Disability Services and Accommodations

General / College-Wide Accommodations and Services

Instructional / Classroom Accommodations and Services:


Alternate Media Services:

Deaf or Hard of Hearing Services:


Legal Aspects


Concerns and Complaints

Section Three: Disability Support Programs & Services Instruction

Section Four: Success Strategies

Section Five: Campus and Community Life

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