Course Placement Assessments
Paradise Valley Community College uses multiple measures for placement into English, reading and math courses. These measures include:
| Measure | Criteria | Measurement |
| High School GPA | Student completed at least two years of high school coursework within the last 10 years from a U.S. institution. * | Verified unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher based on a 4.0 scale |
| GED Scores | Exam taken within last five years | Placement based on individual subject-area. Score of 165 or higher |
| ACT Scores | Exam taken within last five years | Placement based on individual subject-area. Score of 18 or higher |
| SAT Scores | Exam taken within last five years | See Course Placement Chart |
*High school transcripts more than 10 years old may not be used for placement into math courses. There is no time limit for the use of HS GPA for placement int English and reading courses.
Visit the MCCCD website for Additional Placement Information.
Placement with a Placement Test
You will need to take a placement test if:
- You are currently a high school freshman or sophomore
- You wish to place in a higher level of English, reading or math
- Your cumulative GPA is below a 2.6 AND you do not have an eligible ACT, SAT or GED score
- Your high school transcripts are older than 10 years
- Your high school transcripts are from outside the United States
EdReady is a free tool that assesses your English, reading and math knowledge, then creates a personalized study plan so you can master the concepts required for course placement.
No appointment or in-person testing needed. EdReady is a non-proctored, online test you can access anytime at maricopa.edready.org. You will need your MEID and password to sign in.
To get started, review the student instructions and video prior to starting the EdReady assessments.
The assessments are untimed. New to college students seeking a degree will need to take at least one assessment in all three subject areas: English, reading and math. There are two separate assessments under the reading and math subject areas. Choose the assessment that best fits your goals.
- ENGLISH
- EdReady English – students should take this assessment for placement into ALT100 and ENG101
- READING
- College Reading – for placement into ALT100 and RDG100
- Critical Reading and Critical Thinking – for placement into CRE101 or to test “Exempt from CRE 101”
- MATH
- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics – for placement into MAT120/121/122 or MAT140/141/142 or MAT155/156
- College Algebra – for placement into MAT140/141/142 or MAT150/151/152 or MAT182 (if concurrently enrolled in MAT150/151/152)
- For placement into MAT172, MAT187/188, MAT206, MAT212/213, MAT220/221, these courses have enrollment requirements in addition to the EdReady College Algebra score. Speak with your advisor for more details.
ACCUPLACER: Advanced Algebra and Functions is a comprehensive, computerized, adaptive test designed to place students into the appropriate higher-level math course. This placement option is available for students who do not have the combination of the EdReady College Algebra score and a second multiple measure required for enrollment.
The ACCUPLACER AAF test is administered in-person at the Testing Center and is untimed. Though the test is not timed, most students complete the assessment within 90 minutes. We encourage students to arrive at the center at least 90 minutes before the test center closes to ensure they have enough time to complete the assessment. If you feel that you need more time, please arrive earlier. All exams must be submitted 15 minutes before the testing center closes.
Personal calculators are not permitted on ACCUPLACER. Students are only allowed to use the calculator built into the program. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided. A valid, physical photo ID is required on the day of testing.
- Advanced Algebra and Functions – for placement into MAT172, MAT187/188, MAT206, MAT212/213 or MAT220/221
Accommodations
Please refer to EdReady's Accessibility Information page for information about screen readers, keyboard navigation, and screen contrast. If you have a testing accommodation request not covered by this information, please contact Disability Resources and Services (602-787-7171) so that they can review your accommodation request with you.