Assessment Services
Assessment Services is committed to providing testing services to promote access
to education. The following testing services are available year-round at all NIC
campuses/centres:
Placement Testing
What is placement testing?
Many of NIC's courses and programs accept the English and math tests administered
through placement testing services as a way for students to show that they have
the sufficient academic skills for admission. Each program/course has a specific
reading, writing, and math test that can be taken.
Who needs placement testing?
Students can either provide a high school transcript or take placement testing to
ensure that they have the English and math skills necessary for their studies. Students
should take placement testing if their…
- High school transcript is not available
- High school grades do not meet the course or program academic pre-requisites
- High school grades are older than admissions states, or
- They are interested in knowing their current English and math skills
Please Note:
- If you have a medical condition or a disability that requires accommodation to write
your assessment, please let us know at the placement testing information session.
- If English is not your first language or if you have studied ESL, or transitional
English, please let us know at the placement testing information session.
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Math Placement Test: Paper and Pencil
- The math test includes a range of math functions presented in two parts
- Students should not try to "cram" for the math test as the math test is designed
to determine a student's current understanding of mathematics.
- Part 1 consists of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers,
fractions and decimals, ratio and proportion, percentage problems, reading graphs
and metric questions
- Part 2 consists of factoring, quadratic equations trigonometry and geometry
- The math test is not timed, but generally takes about 2-3 hours to complete both
parts. If additional time is needed another session can be booked with no further
expense
- A calculator can be used for completing Part 2
Math Placement Test: Online: ACCUPLACER
What is ACCUPLACER?
- The ACCUPLACER system is an online assessment tool that North Island College added
as of April 1, 2011. Many students will use the ACCUPLACER system for the online
assessment of their mathematics skills. North Island College will be using two of
the ACCUPLACER assessments; arithmetic and elementary algebra.
- ACCUPLACER is an adaptive assessment. This means that the questions are chosen for
you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. This technique selects just
the right questions for your ability level. Because the assessment works this way,
you must answer every question when it is first given. You can change your answer
to a particular question before moving on to the next question, but you cannot leave
a question out or come back to it later to change your answer.
- Students receive immediate feedback of testing results as ACCUPLACER prints a results
sheet which provides a placement, based on NIC courses. Students can proceed directly
to registration after testing.
- For more information book an appointment with an NIC advisor.
What do I need to know to test online?
ACCUPLACER online assessment is best suited for students who are comfortable working
on a computer. The assessment is multiple choice and all answers can be figured
out using paper and pencil, which are supplied. If, however, a student is not comfortable
doing an assessment on a computer there are paper and pencil versions available.
To get ready for math testing we have made the following chapters of the Math Review
Book available to you. Begin by previewing the Study Guide for the Math Review Book.
This book is also available for purchase at all NIC bookstores or for review at
all NIC libraries.
The Level A Book would prepare students for the ACCUPLACER arithmetic assessment,
while the Levels B and C will prepare students for ACCUPLACER elementary algebra.
For review material that prepares students specifically for the ACCUPLACER math
assessments see the links below:
Information on the ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Assessment
The arithmetic assessment asks 17 questions divided into three types:
- Operations with whole numbers and fractions: topics included in this category are
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, recognizing equivalent fractions
and mixed numbers, and estimating.
- Operations with decimals and per cents: topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division with decimals. Per cent problems, recognition of decimals, fraction
and per cent equivalencies, and problems involving estimation are also given.
- Applications and problem solving: topics include rate, per cent, and measurement
problems, simple geometry problems, and distribution of a quantity into its fractional
parts.
Information on the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Assessment
The Elementary Algebra Assessment asks approximately 12 questions, divided into
three types:
- The first type involves operations with integers and rational numbers, and includes
computation with integers and negative rational numbers, the use of absolute values,
and ordering.
- A second type, which involves operations with algebraic expressions, tests minimal
skill levels using evaluation of simple formulas and expressions, and adding and
subtracting monomials and polynomials. At all skill levels, questions are provided
involving multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, the evaluation of
positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring.
- The third type of question involves the solution of equations, inequalities, and
word problems. Questions from this category may include solving linear equations
and inequalities, the solution of quadratic equations by factoring, solving verbal
problems presented in an algebraic context, including geometric reasoning and graphing,
and the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions.
Have More Questions?
If you have questions please either contact an NIC advisor
or the coordinator of assessment services at 250-334-5065.
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English Placement Test
English Placement Testing is made up of two activities. Each test takes approximately
one hour to complete.
- A reading test includes two multiple choice sections
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- A writing sample
- The writing test has students write an essay on one of the various topics provided
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Skills Assessment
Skills assessment is also available for other programs, such as Plumbing and Piping,
Professional Cook, and more. If required, the skill assessment will be listed in
the program's admission requirements. Please contact a student advisor for more
information.
How to Book a Test or Assessment
Placement testing can be completed at any NIC campus/centre or testing can be completed
off campus. Testing usually takes place twice a week, once in the daytime and once
in the evening. We suggest you do the testing over two sessions if you need to write
both the English and math test. Please contact the NIC location closest to you for
more information.
To book a placement test at your local NIC campus/centre:
- Apply to NIC
- Pay the application fee - $25
- Pay the placement testing fee - $15
- Non applicants must pay placement testing fee - $40
- Attend a placement testing information session. You will be told how to prepare
for the testing session and your appointment will be booked.
To book your placement test off campus:
- Apply to NIC
- Pay the application fee - $25
- Pay placement testing fee - $20 (Canadian students)
- Complete the
Application for Off-Campus Assessment
form
- Contact your local community college or high school to request a counselor or teacher
to supervise the tests
- Have the teacher or counselor fill out the test supervisor section
- Return the
Application for Off-Campus Assessment form
to NIC
- Include the Placement Testing fee - $20 - with the completed form
- NIC will send the tests to your test supervisor and the test supervisor will arrange
a testing time
- The test supervisor may charge for this service
- The test supervisor will mail the tests back to NIC and you will be contacted by
phone to discuss your testing results
What happens after my placement test is complete?
Once testing is complete, the student will be given the choice to book an appointment
to meet with the assessment faculty to discuss the testing results in person or
to book a phone appointment with the assessment faculty. The assessment faculty
will explain the result and
- Give the student permission to register for the course/program applied,
OR,
- Give the student permission to register for Adult Basic Education upgrading course(s).
Students will be allowed entrance into the program of their choice after completing
appropriate upgrading.
Assessment faculty will give the student a written summary of the results. Admissions
staff will also be informed of the results so that the student can register.
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Recognition for Prior Learning
What is Prior Learning Assessment?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that allows students to get credit
for learning. Through this assessment process, students match NIC courses or program
outcomes to learning that has been acquired elsewhere - courses, workshops, employment,
volunteering, etc.
Several formal assessment options are available for students to gain recognition
for their learning. It is important to note that all assessment options require
the student to submit evidence of their knowledge, skills, and abilities that will
be assessed for possible academic credit.
For more on the PLA process, see NIC Policies
4-10 and 4-11.
How does PLA work?
Three PLA assessment processes are available: transfer credit, portfolio assessment,
or challenge exam. Each program/department will determine the type(s) of assessment
used. Either the programs educational advisor (BSN) or a department chair will work
with an applicant to determine probable success through PLA. It is the program/department
contact person who gives authorization for the process to proceed.
For information on the PLA process contact the PLA coordinator,
Marie Ducharme at 250-334-5065. For information on the specifics of the
PLA assessment within a program, or to start the PLA process, contact the department
chair or educational advisor.
- Transfer
Credit
Students who have completed course work that is equivalent to NIC course objectives
can apply to have the credit recognized at NIC. To apply for transfer credit the
student will need to provide an official transcript and complete the Application for Transfer Credit form .
Sometimes the student will be asked to provide a detailed course outline to determine
if the course objectives match.
- Portfolio Assessment
Portfolio assessments usually involve a combination of documentation, skill demonstrations,
assignments and, sometimes, tests. The program PLA advisor or department chair will
provide written authorization to proceed by completing the
Application for Prior Learning Credit form .
- Challenge
Exam(s)
Challenge exams recognize a student's prior learning through a formal examination.
Students write one or more examination to prove their knowledge in an academic subject.
The course faculty will provide written authorization to proceed by completing the
Application for Prior
Learning Credit form .
How long will it take?
The time to complete the PLA process will vary according to the assessment measure
used. The PLA process would not, usually, take longer than a regular college semester.
How much will it cost?
For the flexible assessment or challenge exam process the cost is determined by
the number of credits being requested. Fees are calculated at 75 per cent of the
tuition for each course. If any additional costs are required they will be explained
by the PLA coordinator or the department contact.
PLA fees are due prior to an assessment occurring. They are payable in person at
any NIC Registration Office along with the SIGNED
Application for Prior Learning Credit form .
There is no fee for transfer credit unless the courses were taken outside of BC.
Out-of-province transfer credit evaluations require a $20 fee.
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Exam Invigilation/Proctor Services
Exam invigilation or proctor services are available to any individual requiring
a supervised testing facility at all NIC campuses/centres. Invigilation services
can accommodate individual or group requests for either online testing or pencil
and paper test administration.
NIC Exams
Students wishing to write a NIC mid-term or final exam should contact the local
campus Assessment Office to confirm space and time availability.
All Campus Open Exam Schedule
NIC Students: Distance Exam Information
Please Note: In order for NIC students to complete an exam
off campus, that they must complete the
Off-Campus Exam Application
and submit it to Assessment Services in a timely fashion.
Other Institution’s Exams
Students wishing to write another institution’s entrance exam, mid-term, final exam
should contact the local campus Assessment Office to confirm space, time availability
and fees.
Please Note: Students must contact the Institution that
is supplying the exam and provide them with NIC Invigilation Services mailing address
and contact information.
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How to Book an External or Hospital Unit Clerk Keyboarding
Test
From September to June, external and Hospital Unit Clerk keyboarding tests are booked
through the applied business technology instructor at the campus location closest
to you. Please pay the $25 external assessment fee or $15 HUC fee at the Registration
Office before your test date and bring the receipt together with a piece of picture
ID to the test.
In July and August, please arrange keyboarding testing by contacting
NIC Assessment Services at the campus nearest you.
Steps:
- Contact the instructor (email is best) at your local campus (see contacts below)
to arrange a date to do the test.
- The instructor will reply to your email confirming the date and time.
- Bring a piece of picture ID and your assessment fee receipt to the
testing. You may pay the assessment fee and do the testing on the same day. Please
let the instructor know ahead of time by email if you plan to do this.
- You will receive a letter with your average keyboarding speed at the end of the
testing from the instructor.
Testing Detail
The testing consists of producing one acceptable two- or five-minute timed writing
from a book of timings (time depends on your speed goal - five minutes for anything
over 40 wpm). An "acceptable attempt" must have three or fewer errors to calculate
your speed. You may make as many attempts as you wish in one hour and the backspace
key may be used during the testing.
Registration Office Hours
Please see the Hours of Operation
for the Registration Office at the Comox Valley campus.
Campus Contacts:
Campbell River Campus, Room C205
Janet Richardson, ABT instructor
Janet.Richardson@nic.bc.ca
T. 250-923-9707
Comox Valley Campus, Village H (portables)
Jeannette Gingras, ABT Instructor
jeannette.gingras@nic.bc.ca
T. 250-334-5000 ext. 4247
Port Alberni Campus, Room N115
Mary Louise Harrison, ABT Instructor
marylouise.harrison@nic.bc.ca
T. 250-724-8724 ext. 4247
Mount Waddington Regional Campus, PH 101
Shirley Ackland, ABT Instructor
shirley.ackland@nic.bc.ca
T. 250-949-2867
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Industry and Other Professional Organization Testing
NIC is committed to supporting the testing needs of the community. Institutions
are encouraged to contact Assessment Services directly to arrange to use us as a
testing site. Assessment Services is currently a testing site for:
Prometric Testing Center
Prometric is an online assessment and testing service offering exams that lead to
certification for many of the IT industry’s leading companies such as Microsoft,
CompTia, Apple, HP and many others.
NIC administers Prometric testing at the Comox Valley campus during regularly scheduled
Open Testing. Registration is through the Prometric test site www.prometric.com
.
Language Proficiency Index (LPI)
The LPI is a test designed to measure an individual’s competency in English. The
LPI office is located at the University of British Columbia, Applied Research, and
Evaluation Services.
NIC administers the LPI several times throughout the year. Students may register
by picking up an LPI application form at NIC Registration and forwarding the completed
form to the LPI office. Applications
can also be made online
.
General Educational Development Tests (GED)
The general educational development tests are five tests designed to measure the
areas of language arts writing (requires the writing of an essay), language arts
reading, social studies, science and mathematics. The BC Ministry of Education awards
students the GED Secondary School Equivalency Certificate When they have passed
the five tests. This certificate is not the same as a secondary school graduation.
NIC administers the GED several times throughout the year. The GED application forms
are available at NIC registration or
online.
Supplementary Grade 12 Exams August Rewrites
NIC Port Alberni and Campbell River campuses administer the Ministry of Education
Provincial Grade 12 exams in August.
Information regarding registration,
dates and times are available online
.
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