Frequently Asked Questions:

How will assessment help me?

Assessment will help determine your skill levels in English, Math, Chemistry or Biology. Placement information will assist you in selecting courses in which you are likely to succeed.  If you feel you have either a learning disability or physical disability which might adversely affect your test results, you should contact the Disability Support Services at 408.864.8753 before testing.

Who must be assessed?

Matriculation requires that all new students to college be assessed in English (or ESL) and Math. Students are exempt from placement testing and assessment if they have earned an Associate or Bachelor Degree (from US College or University) or have completed college course work in English and Math (college transcript proof required.)

All students must be assessed in basic skills if they plan to:

• Transfer;
• Earn a degree or certificate;
• Enroll in any English, ESL, or Math courses
• Or are undecided about their educational goals.

Can I use my transcript from another college instead of testing?

Students may submit transcripts from other US colleges for prerequisite clearance review for English, Math, or Chemistry.  English course work below college level cannot be used.  Course work must be passed with C grade or higher. To submit transcripts for review you download and fill out the Prerequisite Clearance Request form. Students who wish to clear prerequisites for Biology should check the Biology Dept website for information.

Can I use my placement test scores from another college?

College Board "ACCUPLACER" test scores for English and Math may be used.  You must have your other college provide proof of your scores to the Supervisor of Assessment at fletcherstephen@fhda.edu for placement review.  De Anza does not use test scores from other tests. 

Foothill students who have taken "ACCUPLACER" tests or the California Chemistry Diagnostic" test should contact De Anza Assessment Center prior to registration to check if their scores qualify for placement at De Anza..

Can I use my High School transcript to clear prerequisites instead of testing?  

High School English and Math courses do not clear prerequisites. Your high school academics may be used as part of a multiple measure assessment along with your placement testing, but High School courses alone do not clear prerequisites.

Can I use my College Board AP exams  to clear prerequisites instead of testing? 

College Board AP exams with qualifying scores for English, Chemistry and Calculus may be used to clear prerequisites. Download and fill out the Prerequisite Clearance Request form. 

Do I need an appointment to take a placement test?

Computerized tests for English, ESL, Math, and Biology 40A  are administered by appointment during busy testing weeks each quarter as posted.  Stand-by testing is available but seats may not be available. Chemistry 1A/Biology 6A. paper test is administered on posted dates and time only. Dates are posted throughout the year.

How can I review and prepare for placement testing?

YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO REVIEW YOUR SKILLS BEFORE TESTING.  IF YOU DO NOT PREPARE FOR TESTING, YOU ARE LIKELY TO SCORE 1 OR MORE LEVELS BELOW YOUR LAST COURSE.

Sample questions for each test are available.  You can access test information and practice questions by clicking on the options on left sidebar of this page.  There are also links to other sites for more review. Sample questions are meant to give you an idea of the type of questions you may see on your test and to give you an idea of how much review you may need.

Will I need to pay a fee for testing?

There are no fees for placement testing.  A De Anza Student ID number and a photo ID are required.

Which courses require assessment or proof of completed prerequisite courses?

All English and ESL courses; all Math courses above Math 210;  Biology 6A, 6B, 6C; Biology 40A, 40B, 40C, Biology 26 and Biology 45; Chemistry 1A; Speech 9, Philosophy 3, Psychology 15, and Sociology 15 need a qualifying test score and/or proof of completed prerequisite course work. You should refer to schedule of classes for information on other courses that require prerequisite clearances before enrollment. 

Students who completed prerequisite courses at Foothill or are currently enrolled in the prerequisite courses at Foothill, should contact De Anza Assessment office for clearance to enroll in De Anza courses.  They do not need to provide transcript proof.

How do I retrieve my test results and placements?

You can access placement results online at https://myportal.fhda.edu  using your De Anza 8-digit Student ID number and password. Once you logon click the "Student" tab.  Look at left sidebar under "Resources" and click "Placement Tests".  Results for ESL and English testing may take several weeks to be finalized. Results for Math, Chemistry and Biology take 2 to 3 working days. If you are unable to access results you should come to the Assessment Office (SCS 143) with photo identification for assistance. Results from placement tests taken prior to June 2010 are not posted in My Portal.  Students who took placement tests prior to June 2010 should contact Assessment Office to check results.

Can I appeal my placement?

Placement testing and other assessment measurements are used to determine your placement.  Various options are available if you feel your abilities have not been accurately assessed. Please see Assessment Center staff for multiple measure placement information and appeal options.

What are the re-test policies?

You are eligible for 1 re-test in English, Math, Chemistry and Biology after 6 months and in ESL after 1 year.  You are eligible for the 1 re-test only if you have not enrolled in the test subject courses and if you provide proof of review and preparation for the re-test. (ex. tutorial, skills course, self-study, course work from other colleges...)   You may not take placement testing to challenge enrolled, failed, or withdrawn courses.