Types of Tests
The State of Texas and Houston Community College require that all students must test to determine their readiness to enroll in college-level and or developmental-education courses prior to enrollment. This requirement is referred to as the HCC Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Plan. If a student has not previously taken an approved TSI test or any other required placement test and is not exempted or waived from testing requirements, then they must test prior to enrollment. Test results determine whether the student has met program requirements and course pre-requisites.
Students transferring from another institution(s) must provide official transcripts or other documentation indicating test scores and course work previously taken prior to enrollment. HCC staff will then evaluate the documents.
Official transcripts and documents should be sent to:
Office of Student Records
P.O. Box 667517
Houston, TX 77266-7517
Correspondence Testing
As a courtesy to our community, we proctor correspondence tests from other colleges and universities whenever possible:
- Cost is $25.00
- Test can be scheduled during testing hours. However, student must call and check the availability before making any arrangements.
- Student must get in contact with the college or university, currently attending, to have the test sent directly to the testing center.
- Student should check with your college regarding locations & hours.
Placement Tests Administered by HCC
| TEST |
DESCRIPTION |
COST |
| COMPASS (TSI Approved) |
The Computer Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System (COMPASS) test assesses skills in reading, writing and mathematics. A writing sample is also administered.
Sample test questions are located at: http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
COMPASS is administered at designated HCC testing locations.
COMPASS is a computer-administered test.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
Students musts submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
Students must meet with a counselor/advisor prior to testing for an Assessment Authorization form. |
$25 test fee (one-time
test fee) |
THEA
(TSI Approved) |
The Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA; formerly TASP) test assesses skills in reading, writing and mathematics. A writing sample is also administered.
The regularly scheduled THEA is a paper-pencil administered test. Refer to http://www.thea.nesinc.com/ for scheduled test dates, HCC locations, test fees and sample test questions.
Students taking the THEA should request that their test scores be sent to HCC.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
Students must submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
Students must meet with a counselor/advisor prior to testing for an Assessment Authorization form. |
$29 regular registration fee |
| ASSET (TSI Approved) |
The Assessment Skills for Successful Entry and Transfer (ASSET) is a paper-pencil administered test that assesses skills in reading, writing and mathematics. A writing sample is also administered.
Sample test questions are located at: www.act.org/asset/pdf/StudentGuide.pdf
The ASSET test is administered at designated HCC locations.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
Students must submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
Students must meet with a counselor/advisor prior to testing for an Assessment Authorization form. |
$25 test fee (one-time test fee) |
| CELSA |
Combined English Language Skills Assessment (CELSA) is a paper and pencil administered test and contains written passages from beginning, intermediate and advanced levels that are designed to measure understanding of meaning in a context, as well as grammatical ability.
Students enrolling in intensive English courses must also complete a departmental writing sample.
CELSA was developed for the purpose of placing adult students of English as a Second Language (ESL) into different language ability levels in ESL courses.
The CELSA test is administered at designated HCC locations.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
Students must submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
Satisfies institutional placement requirements for intensive English and academic ESL courses.
Students must meet with a counselor/advisor prior to testing for an Assessment Authorization form. |
$25 test fee (one-time test fee) |
| NET |
Nurse Entrance Test (NET) is a paper-pencil administered test that provides an objective measurement of critical reading abilities, basic mathematics, study skills and one's ability in developing and organizing ideas that are expressed in a written format.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
The NET test is administered at the HCC Central College.
Students must submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
Satisfies institutional placement requirements for the HCC Vocational Nursing Program.
Examinees should contact the Vocational Nursing Program at 713.718.7330 for times, test dates, registration information and an Assessment Authorization form. |
$20 test fee (per administration) |
| TABE |
Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)
The TABE is administered at designated HCC locations.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
Students must submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
Students must meet with a counselor/advisor prior to testing for an Assessment Authorization form. |
No Test Fee Required |
| CLEP |
The College-Level Examination Program® or CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses.
The CLEP test is administered at the HCC Central and Northeast Colleges.
Special accommodations are available for those who qualify.
Students must submit an application for admission to HCC prior to testing.
CLEP Exam Description: www.collegeboard.com
|
$77 test fee plus a $12 service fee. Total: $89 |
