Placement Tests
The Virginia Placement Test
Starting with Spring 2012 enrollment, the Virginia Community College System will be using the new
Virginia Placement Test (VPT) to place students into math classes. The VPT is an untimed, multiple
choice test. Students cannot skip a question or go back to previous questions to change the answer.
The VPT is not a pass/fail test but will determine the math class in which students can begin.
Those taking the test should allow one hour to an hour and 30 minutes to take the test. Depending
on how well the student performs on the test, there could be multiple test sections.
To prepare for the VPT, there is a practice test available that students can take to get used to the
test set-up and types of questions on the test. To take the practice test, go to
https://college.measuredsuccess.com. Under the
log-in screen is a link that says Student Registration. Click that link and it will take you to the
Student Registration page where the student will need to select “VCCS Practice Test Institution” in
the drop down box beside Institution and “VCCS Practice Test” in the drop down box beside Site. The
password for the practice test is Virginiapt. Students must fill in all fields that have a red
asterisk beside it. In the Student ID field, current CVCC students should enter CVCC before their
student number (ex. CVCC1234567). If the student does not have a Student ID number, they should
enter CVCC followed by any five digit number (ex. CVCC12345). If a message is received to verify
that the Student ID was correctly entered, use a different five digit combination after CVCC.
Students need to make sure they put their personal (not college) e-mail address on the registration
screen because that is where their practice test results will be sent. Practice Test 1 covers the
content of Units 1 – 5; Practice Test 2 covers the content of Units 6 – 9 (for a description of the
units, see back page).
To take the VPT, a student must have applied to CVCC and have a student ID number (also known as an
Empl ID or Customer ID number) and bring a valid photo ID when they come to test. Pencil and paper
are provided for students to use on the test as well as an on-screen calculator (with some questions
on the test, the on-screen calculator is not displayed). Outside calculators or cell phones are not
allowed during the test and will cause a student to be dismissed from the test. Once a student has
taken the test, they will need to see a Counselor to go over their scores and enroll in classes.
Placement test scores are valid for a two year period and students can take the test twice in those
two years. However, if a student starts taking developmental classes before retaking the test, they
are not allowed to take the test again to try to get into a higher class level. The student will
have to then follow their developmental class pathway. Students must wait one day before retaking
the test.
Testing at the CVCC Lynchburg campus is Monday through Thursday from 8am – 5pm and Friday from 8am –
3pm. Call the Counseling Department at (434) 832-7800 for more information about the test or
testing at the Lynchburg campus. To test at an off-site center, call them in advance to check on
testing times. The phone numbers for the off-site centers are; Altavista – (434) 309-1225, Amherst
– (434) 832-7898, Appomattox – (434) 832-7200 and Bedford – (540) 586-7901.
When the placement test is completed, the placement results may list the units that the student has
completed and any units that a student will have to take before they can take college-level classes.
Students must see a Counselor to enroll in a MTT class. MTT classes will be available at the CVCC
Lynchburg campus and the off-site centers.
The units are:
Unit 0 – Operations with Whole Numbers
Unit 1 – Operations with Positive Fractions
Unit 2 – Operations with Positive Decimals and Percents
Unit 3 – Algebra Basics
Unit 4 – First Degree Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
Unit 5 – Linear Equations, Inequalities and Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Unit 6 – Exponents, Factoring and Polynomial Equations
Unit 7 – Rational Exponents and Equations
Unit 8 – Rational Exponents and Radicals
Unit 9 – Functions, Quadratic Equations and Parabolas
When meeting with the student, the Counselor will help the student determine the math that they will
need for their program of study. If the student needs to take any of these units before taking their
college-level math class, the student will complete these units under the new subject heading
Developmental Mathematics (MTT).
MTT is a technology based class where students will use their MyMathLabs Plus account to do exercises,
quizzes, tests and complete their units. Each class will have an instructor and an instructional
assistant (on the Lynchburg campus) to help the student with their work and to answer questions.
Students must complete all of their units in their MTT class to receive a passing “S” grade. If the
student only completes three or fewer units, they get credit for the units they have passed but will
have to retake any failed units in the next semester.
CVCC complies with the requirements of the American Disabilities Act.
CVCC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.
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