Placement Testing Exemptions
MVCC utilizes a multiple measure approach to placement testing exemptions. There are a variety of ways that students may obtain a placement testing exemption:
Exemptions for MA 108/110/115/and 171 Only:
| Exemption Measure | Time Valid |
| Cumulative HS GPA of 83% or higher* | If within the last 10 years |
| SAT Math Score of 530 or higher* | If within 3 years of enrollment |
| ACT Math Score of 19 or higher* | If within 3 years of enrollment |
| College Level Math Course 100-level or higher | Does not expire |
*Advanced level math courses will require an appropriate math placement test score or previous college coursework.
Exemptions for EN101:
| Exemption Measure | Time Valid |
| Cumulative HS GPA of 83% or higher* | If within the last 10 years |
| SAT Math Score of 530 or higher* | If within 3 years of enrollment |
| ACT Math Score of 19 or higher* | If within 3 years of enrollment |
| College Level English Course 100-level or higher | Does not expire |
If there is ESL/ENL/ELL coursework on the high school transcript, the student will need to take the English Placement Test.
English Proficiency Exams:
International Students or non-native English speakers may be exempt from the Reading/Writing portion (only) of the placement test if they meet or exceed the standardized English Proficiency scores below:
Exam Name
| TOEFL PBT | 500 |
| TOEFL (computer based) | 173 |
| TOEFL iBT | 61 |
| IELTS | 5.5 |
| iTEP | 3.4 |
Please note: These scores are only valid within 2 years of enrollment.
Placement by High School GPAs below 83%
| High School GPA | Englis Courses Average | Course Placements |
| Cumulative Avg 77-82%* | 83% or higher | EN 101 MA 108/110/115 |
| Cumulative Avg 77-82%* | Below 83% | EN101 with ILS Ma 108/110 with ILS |
| Cumulative Avg 76 and below*+ | na | EN 002+CF+112, EN 090, and MA 089 |
Please note: GPA exemptions are used for those who have graduated high school within the last 10 years from the date of enrollment.
*Advanced level math courses will require an appropriate math placement test score or previous college coursework.
+ If there is ESL/ENL/ELL coursework on the high school transcript, the student will need to take the English placement test.
Who is Required to Take a Placement Test?
- Any individual who has graduated high school more than 10 years from the date of enrollment.
- Any individual with a high school equivalency, GED, or TASC.
- Any individual who has any English as a Second Language (ESL, ENL, ELL) coursework on their high school or college transcript.
- Students whose major requires advanced math courses (see below).
- International students who do not have an appropriate College Level math and English courses or an English proficiency exam score.
Full Placement Exam Required:
The following majors/programs require a full placement test regardless of exemption status:
- Airframe and Powerplant Technician Certificate
- Paramedic Pathways/Degree Program
- Mechanical Technology – Aircraft Maintenance
Advanced Math Test Required:
The following majors require a math placement test regardless of other possible exemptions
- Business Administration AS
- Civil Engineering Technology AAS
- Computer Science AS
- Computer Science: Cybersecurity AS
- Electrical Engineering Technology AAS
- Engineering Science AS
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Adolescence Education AS
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Mathematics and Science AS
- Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS
- Nutrition and Dietetics AS
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology AAS
Certificate Programs:
The following certificate programs require either an exemption or appropriate placement testing school for either math or English coursework:
| Certificate Program | Time Valid |
| Administrative Assistant | English only |
| Coaching | English only |
| Finance | Non-STEM Math only |
| School Facilities Management | English only |
Please note: If ESL/ENL/ELL is on high school transcripts, an English placement test is required.