Student Testing

Students are encouraged to take the ACCUPLACER Assessment for Reading and Writing even if it is not a requirement on their DMACC Admissions Checklist.

ACCUPLACER scores help colleges assess student readiness and make reliable placement decisions.

• ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG) is offered at all testing centers. Visit our test center locations webpage to make an appointment.
• Remote ACCUPLACER assessments are available on a limited basis every 2 weeks for students who are unable to test at a test center.
  • Go to our Test Center Locations page and scroll to Ankeny. Select Schedule an Appointment at Ankeny - Select Student Exams - ACCUPLACER - Remote Testing
  • Students are required to have a computer with a webcam, a microphone, a strong network connection, and Zoom® software installed.
  • Remote testing cannot be completed using a smartphone or tablet.
• DMACC students who want to take ACCUPLACER at another accredited ACCUPLACER testing center and have their scores sent to DMACC must submit an ACCUPLACER Remote Voucher Request.
• Programs that currently require ACCUPLACER include Biotechnology, CNC Operator/Programmer, Dental Assistant/Hygienist, Die Making, Machinist Technology, Medical Assistant/Medical Laboratory Tech, Paramedic Specialist, Phlebotomy, Surgical Technology, Tool & Diemaking, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technology, and Visual Communications.
  • Students who do not meet the minimum required scores for a specific program must wait two weeks before retaking the assessment.
  • A waiver to the remediation period can be requested if it is close to the program admission deadline. Contact your testing center by email/phone.
• English Language Learners who have not had instruction in English for six years or more, or who do not speak, read, and write daily in English, should take ACCUPLACER ELL so they are placed into the correct courses to be successful.
• ACCUPLACER is not a timed test, but students should allow a minimum of one hour for ACCUPLACER Next Gen and two hours for ACCUPLACER ELL.

Related links:

• ACCUPLACER Test Taking Tips
• ACCUPLACER FAQs

For questions interpreting an individual score report or prep courses, please contact an Advisor.

Students who have not already taken ALEKS and wish to enroll in a mathematics course at DMACC for the first time or who need to meet program requirements will be required to take the ALEKS mathematics placement assessment before registering in a math class.

Please see the ALEKS Student Handout for testing information.

Troubleshooting

For technical issues within the testing platform, please contact ALEKS® Support.
For issues signing into your student account contact DMACC Tech Support.

Related links:

• ALEKS® Math Placement/FAQs/Score Interpretation

• Students must pass the ATI® TEAS as an entry requirement for DMACC’s Nursing ADN / LPN, Surgical Technology, and Veterinary Technology programs.
• The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) assessment has four sections. Each section is timed independently.

*There are 20 pretest questions that are not scored.

• Free study materials can be found at DMACC libraries, DMACC Academic Achievement Centers, and through Brainfuse.
• Students may purchase study materials on the ATI® website.
• ATI® TEAS is offered at most DMACC testing centers. Please check these web pages for scheduling requirements and hours/location information: Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Southridge, Urban and West.
  • Consult an advisor with any other questions regarding the ATI® TEAS exam

Related links

• Nursing
• Surgical Technology
• Veterinary Technology

A DMACC departmental Challenge exam is an approved exam developed by college faculty offering another pathway to earn credits that will apply toward a degree, diploma, or certificate from DMACC.

Challenge Exam Process

1. Review the current list of active and approved DMACC Challenge Tests.
2. Go to the Tests Offered webpage and click the blue rectangle “Departmental Challenge Tests”.
3. Read through the instructions and start the approval process by clicking on the link “Departmental Challenge Test Request Form”.
4. If you are not approved, you will be notified by email.
5. If you are approved, Student Accounts will reach out to you to collect a $50 non-refundable administration fee. You will then be contacted to choose a Testing Location.

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) is a rigorous College Board program that allows students of a wide range of ages to demonstrate their mastery of college-level material in introductory subjects and earn college credit. CLEP offers examinations that represent courses typical of the first two years of college study. Through CELP examinations students can accumulate credits toward a degree.

• Visit DMACC’s CLEP Testing webpages to view DMACC approved exam titles.
• Purchase a voucher/ticket from the College Board here.
• Designate a DMACC Testing Center site.

CLEP Exams are offered at specific DMACC locations and an appointment is required. Please check these web pages for scheduling requirements and hours/location information: Ankeny, Boone, Southridge, Urban.

• A valid, government-issued photo ID is required.
• Bring a printed copy of the CLEP Ticket to the Testing Center.
• The exam time limit is 90 minutes, with a passing score of 50 or above.;
• Test irregularities will be reported to CLEP.
• The proctoring fee is $33 per exam.

Related links:

• Register for a CLEP Exam through College Board (CLEP website)
• Study Resources by Exam (CLEP website)
• Practice Questions and Examination Guides (CLEP website)

All DMACC Testing Centers proctor exams for students taking DMACC classes. Tests fall into three categories:

• Make-Up Testing for students who missed an exam.
• Proctored Testing requested by faculty for students with online DMACC classes.
• Accommodated Testing for students with approved accommodation(s) for:
  • Testing outside the classroom
  • Extended time
  • Private room*
  • Reader*
  • Scribe*

* A scheduled appointment is required for these accommodations.

Make note of the following:

• A photo ID is required for testing.
• Appointments are recommended at all testing centers. Look for the "Schedule an exam at a testing center" link in your Canvas course.
• The only test aids allowed are those indicated by the instructor on the Exam Proctor Form.
• DMACC login information is required to access Canvas exams.
• Students should work with their instructor to coordinate arrangements for out-of-class testing, for example, where and when they want to take their test; otherwise, their test may not be in the testing center when they arrive.
• Instructor exams may be available for walk-in service. Please check these web pages for scheduling requirements and hours/location information: Ankeny, Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Southridge, Urban, West.

DMACC offers testing for students taking classes at other colleges. Some schools require DMACC to sign a proctor agreement. Students are required to follow their institution's policies.

• Distance testing is a service provided for non-DMACC students who wish to have exams proctored at a DMACC testing center.
• Many colleges and universities require a proctor agreement; please send the form to the email box noted on the DMACC Testing Center webpage: Ankeny, Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Southridge, Urban, West.
• If a proctor agreement is not required, the course instructor may email the exam material and proctor instructions to the specific DMACC testing center: Ankeny, Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Southridge, Urban, West.
• The proctoring fee is $20.00 per exam.
• The proctor fee is waived for students taking credit courses at an Iowa Community College due to a reciprocity agreement.
  • The reciprocity agreement does not apply to pre-admission testing or non-credit exams.
  • The ACCUPLACER and ALEKS® assessments are not credit-related. Therefore, there will be a $20.00 proctor fee for these assessments.

Make note of the following:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for testing.
• A valid, government-issued ID is required for ACCUPLACER and ATI TEAS assessments.
• Test aids are allowed only as indicated by an instructor on the exam proctor request.
• Bring login information to all scheduled appointments.
• Contact the DMACC testing center where the test was sent to ensure the test is available.
• Appointments can be scheduled online.

DMACC offers Biology and Chemistry independent study courses which can fulfill the high school requirement if a student has not completed a year of biology and/or chemistry with a grade of C or higher.

The curriculum is similar to a typical high school course without a lab component. This would be an alternative to taking BIO156 (Human Biology) and CHM122 (Intro to General Chemistry) for college credit.

• Students interested in this pathway may enroll in Pre-Admissions Biology or Chemistry to fulfill the entry requirements for their program of study.
• Credits are not assigned to preadmission courses, and they do not count towards the GPA. Pre-admission tests can be started at any time during the year and do not have to coincide with the start of a semester.
• Once a student is enrolled, they are given four months to complete each part of the course (there are two parts to each course). Students purchase a book online and follow the syllabus at their own pace. Tests are required after each chapter.
• To take a chapter test, visit the Ankeny testing center and let the proctor know the subject (Biology or Chemistry Preadmission) and the chapter test you want to take.
  • See the Ankeny home page for hours/location information.
  • Contact Stacy Vaughn at slvaughn@dmacc.edu with questions.
• A minimum of 70% average must be maintained for successful completion. The course will not necessarily transfer to meet prerequisite requirements at other colleges.

Visit the DMACC Disability Services Webpage to learn about and apply for accommodations.

Review the test center location of your choice for scheduling information.

You should bring a valid photo ID and know your DMACC login information. Arrive with enough time to complete the test within our operating hours. Your instructor will notify the testing centers of any approved test aids. All other belongings need to stay out of the testing room, in a locker if available. All electronics must be powered off before storing.

Yes, you will need to complete and sign a form.

• If you’re sending your scores to your DMACC email and/or another college: a digital signature (your name typed) is acceptable. Email the form to the testing center of your choice: Ankeny, Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Southridge, Urban, West.
• If you’re sending your scores to your personal email: a physical signature is required due to FERPA Regulations. Print, complete, and sign the form, then take a picture or scan the signed form and email it to the testing center of your choice: Ankeny, Ames, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Southridge, Urban, West.

No, we do not administer the ACT exam. Students must register through ACT's website: www.ACT.org.

Yes, you can take the ACCUPLACER Assessment at a community college where it is offered. Call the college testing center where you want to test to verify that they offer it and ask about their hours and location. When you have the information you need, please submit an ACCUPLACER Remote Voucher Request. DMACC will create a test voucher for you which will be emailed to the testing center you selected along with a copy to you. Please bring your voucher email to the college testing center. By using a voucher, your results will automatically be uploaded to your DMACC record.

Yes, but there are limited spots available. You will need a computer with a webcam and audio capabilities, a private room, and a good network connection for the remote assessment. Prior to your test date, you will get an email with instructions on how to download Zoom to your PC, as well as a Zoom link and a voucher number to get your assessment started. Please make a Remote ACCUPLACER Appointment to reserve a spot.

• Select Student Exams - ACCUPLACER - Remote Testing

If you have a special circumstance and the available dates/times don't work for you, please email remotetesting@dmacc.edu.

Visit the ACCUPLACER FAQ webpage and click the link “How can I get a copy of my test score(s)?”.

Visit the ACCUPLACER Student Portal information webpage for practice tests and study resources.

No, visit the Testing Center Locations page and review the Tests Offered tabs to find a DMACC Testing Center offering the TEAS. Review their hours of operation and determine if they require an appointment.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room. However, you can leave your drink container on top of a locker or in a place indicated by the DMACC proctor. Then, if you need a drink, you can get a drink without accessing your personal belongings. Please note that the timer/clock on your test will keep running.

DMACC testing centers are restricted to handling exam information only. If you need to get something to your instructor, please drop it off at their office or make alternate arrangements with them. Likewise, they cannot leave anything for you to take outside of the testing center.