California Chemistry Diagnostic
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for the test?
The Riverside City campus administers the test on a walk-in basis. Appointments are unnecessary. The Norco and Moreno Valley campuses offer both block testing by appointment and walk-in testing.
What do I need to bring with me to the test?
Photo identification. We cannot administer the test without your I.D. A driver's license, state identification, resident card, passport, Riverside Community College District student ID, or high school ID are all examples of acceptable picture ID's. You should also know your social security number and your Riverside Community College District student ID number. You can use either one on the test.
What should I NOT bring with me to the test?
Cell phones and pagers. If you bring a cell phone or pager, please turn it off or set it to silent mode. Also do not bring: radios or MP3 players (such as a Walkman, Ipod, etc.), calculators, dictionaries, food or drink.
How should I prepare for the test?
Make sure you are rested, feel healthy and are not hungry. The test is not timed, so work at your own pace and answer each question carefully.
Can I use a calculator or dictionary on the test?
No. No study/computation aids are permitted.
How long is the test?
The test is not timed, so you don't need to worry about running out of time. It generally takes from 1—2 hours to complete. However, you may take as long as necessary to complete your test.
When do I get my placements?
You get a printed copy of your placements immediately after completing the test.
What happens if I fail the test?
This test is for placement purposes. It is not a pass/fail test.
I'm taking the test and...
I'm running out of time! (because of an upcoming class, an appointment, etc.)
I'm feeling nervous, stressed, or otherwise unwell.
I just got paged and it's an emergency!
You may leave the test at any time, but make sure you check out with the test administrators. You may return the next day or any other day the Assessment Center is open for up to ten calendar days. When do, you'll be able to pick up right where you left off.
Make sure you come back before your expiration date. Before you leave the room the Assessment Center Staff will tell you when your expiration date is. If you do not return before your expiration date, it is likely you will be given a placement based on whatever test work you have completed.
If I don't like my placement on the Assessment Test, can I take it again?
In accordance with Matriculation regulations [Title V, Section 55521(a)(2)], the assessment test is only to be used for initial placement into courses. This means you can only take the test once. Any appeals must be made through the Matriculation office which is located on the Riverside Campus.
I just finished the Assessment Test. I have the placement print-out in my hand. Now what do I do?
The next step in the matriculation process is to make an Orientation/Group Counseling appointment. To schedule an appointment call.
Riverside (951) 222-8440
Moreno Valley (951) 571-6104
Norco (951) 372-7101
I don't want to take the test?
All Matriculated students need to take the test. If you strongly feel you don't have to take the test, talk to a counselor during walk-in counseling hours to see whether or not you qualify as a Matriculated student.
I was told my selection of major affects the math placement.
The major you choose on the test in no way affects your placement. The new computerized test adapts to your answers and you can receive a placement into any level of Math regardless of your initial test. However, your major does affect which Math classes you need to take in order to transfer and/or graduate. Discuss these matters with a counselor.
I started my test on the Riverside Campus. Is it possible to finish it at Norco or Moreno Valley
Yes. Once you start the Accuplacer Online Assessment Test, you can finish it at any RCC campus. Just make sure you return to finish your test within ten days.
I took the test at the Riverside Campus. Are my results good for Norco or Moreno Valley classes?
Yes. Any test taken on any Riverside Community College District campus is good for classes on any campus.
Is there testing at my high school?
We test 12th grade students at high schools in the six districts surrounding our three Riverside Community College District locations. Testing typically takes place from late January to mid-May.
Check below for dates and times testing will take place. High schools are also invited to review the schedule in order to request testing dates at their location.
Please note this schedule is not intended for use by prospective Concurrent Admissions students.
Riverside City Campus Area
Alvord High School
Arlington High School
Buena Vista High School
Jurupa Valley High School
La Sierra High School
Lincoln High School
Martin Luther King High School
Norte Vista High School
North High School
Notre Dame High School
Nueva Vista
Poly High School
Ramona High School
Rubidoux High School
Sherman High School
Woodcrest High School
Moreno Valley Campus Area
Canyon Springs High School
Moreno Valley High School
Perris High School
Rancho Verde High School
Valley View High School
Vista Del Lago High School
Norco Campus Area
Centennial High School
Corona High School
Norco High School
Santiago High School
Concurrent Admissions Students
Concurrent Admissions students (students attending college classes while still in high school) cannot take the Assessment Test until after your Riverside Community College District online application is processed. It generally takes 24 hours for this to take place.
Please be aware that the Concurrent Admissions requirements have changed. Make sure you consult the Concurrent Admissions section if you have not done so already.
What is Matriculation?
Matriculation is a process which brings the student and the college into an agreement for the purposes of realizing the student's educational goals. It is actually a partnership between Riverside Community College District and the student to ensure the student's educational success.
We adhere to the California Community College Chancellor's Office and State Senate Regulations for implementation of matriculation components. To view these documents in their entirety, select a link of interest:
Where can I use my test results?
You can use your test results to attend any Riverside Community College District campus.
Once I have completed the tests, how do I move through my Math and English requirements?
When you complete the test you receive a print-out showing your placements. These placements are your personal starting points in English, Math and Reading. How far you as an individual need to progress from these starting points depends on various factors, such as your educational major, whether you are graduating and transferring, transferring without graduating, graduating with a major or certificate, and where you want to transfer.
Because many factors affect your personal pathway here, it is imperative you seek a counselor's advice when interpreting your placements. However, below you will find two charts to give you a general idea of the progression of English, Math and Reading courses. These charts are also printed in the schedule of classes.
Chart for English/Reading - PDF
Chart for Math - PDF
What are the Assessment Center locations?
There is an Assessment Center on each campus.
The Moreno Valley Assessment Center is located upstairs in the Student Services Building, Room SSV 301. (Map - PDF)
The Norco Assessment Center is located upstairs in the Student Services Building, Room SSV 218. (Map) - PDF
The Riverside City Campus Assessment Center is in its own building between the Martin Luther King building and the Physical Sciences building. (Map - PDF)
How can I contact you?
Before calling or sending an e-mail, it's a good idea to see if your question is answered in the Frequently Asked Questions or on the Message Board.
The phone numbers for the Assessment centers are:
Riverside (951) 222-8451
Moreno Valley (951) 571-6492
Norco (951) 372-7156