Testing FAQs

General FAQs

What are the testing center rules?

Cellular telephones, watches with alarms, pagers, and other handheld computing devices are not permitted in the testing room. Non-programmable calculators, slide rules, and other such materials may only be allowed if permitted by the test provider.

What do I need to bring? 

While each test may be different, in general, you will need the following items:

• A Valid Photo ID
• Social Security Card (For Placement Tests)
• Voucher Number (Used for Remote Placement Tests)
• Receipt Number (Only for Tests that require a fee)

Please go to the types of test page to see if you need to bring any additional items.

What if I have a disability?  

If you wish to take any of our tests using an approved accommodation, please contact the Disabilities Resource Center. You may be approved to test under special conditions, e.g., extended testing time, use of a reader or transcriber, or use of large-print testing materials. Only students with documentation of a learning or physical disability are eligible for special arrangements

How do I pay for my test?  

If your test requires a fee payment, you must make your payment prior to your test with our cashier’s office in person or over the phone. Their locations and information can be found on the Midlands Tech website under “Tuition and Fees”

Placement Testing FAQs

Do I need to study or prepare for the placement test? 

No special preparation is necessary as the tests are designed to measure skills acquired through high school, work experience or previous college work. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the test by reviewing the sample questions at the CollegeBoard website. 

Additional review and practice test may be found at https://www.khanacademy.org/ 

No matter how you choose to prepare, keep in mind that the main purpose of the skills assessment portion of the MTC Placement Test is to help you identify your present strengths and needs. The results help you and your advisor determine where you need to begin studies in math, reading, and English. Sometimes this test will indicate that you might need to review basic skills in order to be successful in your educational goal.

What tests will I need to take? 

While some students will qualify to exempt the MTC placement test, some will not. And that’s OK – placement test results help you and your advisor determine which freshman entry-level courses you should start with to be successful in college.

The MTC Admissions Office will let you know if you need to take any placement tests.

What tests are available?

The main placement test used by MTC is called Next Gen. Accuplacer – it measures your abilities in reading and math. You can practice for the test by reviewing sample questions and practice tests through the free Study App for Android or iPhone at https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login.

Tests for Certain Majors – Depending on your major, you may also need to take the Foreign Language Placement Test or a Keyboarding Assessment. Health Science students may have additional testing requirements. See your academic program page for more information.

Visit Advanced Standing for more information about placing out of classes.

What if I fail the test? 

You can't fail the test, because it is not pass-fail. The test results are mostly used for course placement. Your scores will indicate where your strengths and weaknesses are in relation to college-level work for your chosen major. If you need assistance in meeting academic requirements, we offer classes in math, reading and English, as well as tutoring for those who qualify. Some MTC programs of study have a minimum reading score required on the MTC Placement Test. It is recommended that you discuss this with your advisor or with an admissions staff person. MTC policy allows for a limited retest on all or parts of the placement test as recommended by your advisor or the Admissions Office.

When will I receive test results?

Most of the scores will be available immediately following testing. These scores should be available through your MyMTC account. A completed admissions application is required before a MyMTC account can be set up.

How long is the test?  

Although the college's placement test is not timed, most students who take the entire test will need about three and a half hours to complete the test. 

Do I have to know how to use a computer?

The test is user-friendly and was designed for individuals with little or no computer experience. The test is self-directed. 

You will use a few keyboard “keys” such as the “TAB”, the “ARROW”, the “RETURN” and the “SPACEBAR” keys to select or highlight your responses as you move through the different tests. You will be given a practice test as well as mouse practice to help you become comfortable with the keys used during the test. The test will require that you confirm each answer before you submit it. Relax and do the best you can. The test is not timed. The Testing Center staff will help you get started.

Do I need to take these tests If I'm only a part-time student?

What do the scores mean? 

Although there is a cut-off score for enrolling in certain courses at MTC, the placement test is not a pass-fail test. It was developed to assist in college academic advising and course selection. Your scores will indicate where your academic strengths lie in relation to college-level work for your chosen major. Should you require assistance in meeting academic challenges, MTC offers special courses in math, reading, and English in our Developmental Studies Department, as well as tutoring for those who qualify.

How can I do my best?

• Relax! The tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Once your academic strengths and weaknesses have been identified, we will help you select the right courses and get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills.
• Arrive a few minutes early, so you can locate the Testing Center, visit the restroom, and “gather your thoughts” for testing.
• Ask questions if you do not understand the process for the test. Testing Center Staff are available to assist you!
• Remember that test questions may increase in difficulty.
• Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
• Respond to ALL the items presented to you, even if you are not certain of the answers. The test requires that you answer the question(s) you are on before you can go on to the next question.
• Try to do your very best on this test.

What do I do once I complete my test?  

Once you have submitted an application for admission to the college and completed placement testing, you're all set! We'll send you a letter notifying you of your admission status and your next steps. Check out Steps to Enrollment for more information.

Scheduling FAQs

Am I required to schedule an appointment for testing?  

Although testing is available on a walk-in basis, you are encouraged to make an appointment to take your test.  Having an appointment may help you avoid standing in a long line.  Testing is still available on a walk-in basis during the hours listed below

What if I make an appointment and cannot keep it? 

You may reschedule your appointment online at the original campus of your choice by returning to the link you used earlier.  There is no cost to reschedule most exams.  Keep in mind that if you miss an exam for a class you are taking, you should contact your instructor or check D2L to verify that your exam will still be open at the new time.

Why should I make an appointment? 

Having an appointment should allow you to be served faster and avoid long lines.

How far in advance do I need to schedule an appointment?

Appointments must be made at least 48 hours in advance or the system will not allow you to make the appointment.

Why is a date or time not available? 

A date and time will not be available if there are no more appointments for the exam you are trying to schedule or the test is not available in the testing center.  Refer to your D2L or instructor for clarification.

Can I go to a different campus than what I registered for?

You may test at a different campus than the campus you made the appointment for however there are a few things to keep in mind.   You may be considered as a walk-in at the new location instead of being tested by your appointment time.  Next, you should make sure your exam is available at the new location. Check D2L or with your instructor for specifics concerning your examination.

Can I reschedule for the same day? 

You are able to reschedule on the same day if you attempting to reschedule prior to the 48-hour window.  Otherwise, you may want to attempt to test as a walk-in test candidate if that is an option.

Can I register for a test in the test center, if I’m on campus?

If you are on campus you may find it to your advantage to test as a walk-in if your exam is available at the campus you are on.

Can I cancel my appointment?

Yes, you are able to cancel any future appointments by emailing testctr@midlandstech.edu with your name and email address that you used to schedule your exam.