Placement

english/math Placement Assessment

The Placement Assessment is an untimed, computer-based test that measures your reading, writing, and math skills. It helps determine the most appropriate English and/or Math courses for you, ensuring you're placed in classes that match your current skill level and support your academic success.

The assessment is not a pass/fail. There is no “passing” scores, unless it is a program-specific requirement.  Please check your program requirements, program admissions, or talk with your program advisor before taking the placement test.

Chemistry/Biology Placement Assessment

The Chemistry and Biology Placement Assessment is a timed, computer-based test that lasts 1 hour and 50 minutes. It helps determine which Chemistry and/or Biology course is the best starting point for you based on your current knowledge and skills.

To learn more about how science placement works, including course options, visit the Chemistry & Biology Course Placement Options page.

Location

Most Placement Assessment is administered at the Bremerton Campus. If you need to test at Poulsbo Campus or Shelton Campus, please contact @email in advance to ensure a proctor is available at those locations.

Visit the OC Parking website for more information on parking.

Olympic College, Bremerton Campus
Assessment & Testing Center
Building 4, Room 222
1600 Chester Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337

Key Information

• Valid for Two Years: Scores are valid for two years from date of testing.
• Course Sequence: The assessment does not allow students to skip courses in their English and/or Math sequence.  Once you've enrolled in courses based on your initial placement, you may not retake the assessment to place into higher-level courses.
• Exceptions: Any exceptions to this policy require instructor approval.
• Official Score Report: You will receive an official score report after completing the assessment, which include your placement results.

Accommodation

Olympic College provides accommodation through our Student Disability Services. Please contact their office for more information.

Need Help?

Not sure  if you need to take the Placement Assessment? Contact one of our Student Success Coaches for guidance.

English/Math Placement Fee

$25 Non-refundable fee

Payment must be paid online after making the appointment. Payment is valid for up to 60 days.

Students using a voucher from Labor & Industries, WorkFirst or other entity should redeem their voucher at the Cashier's Office for a receipt and take their test as a walk-in.

Biol/Chem Placement Fee

$15.95 Non-refundable fee

Please pay the Cashier's Office, and payment is valid for up to 60 days.

Bring payment receipt and valid ID to the Assessment & Testing Center when checking in. 

Placement Fee Waiver

Those seeking financial assistance may be able to have their testing fee covered by Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) or Workforce & Economic Development. Please review their website and contact them directly for eligibility requirements.

Questions

Contact @email should you have any questions.

NEXT- GENERATION ACCUPLACER SCORE PLACEMENT

English Course Placements

Math Course Placements

BIOL&241 and CHEM&141 Placements

More information regarding Biology and Chemistry placements are on our webpage.

Next Steps and Important Information

Running Start Student Applicants

Reading and Writing scores need to be at least a score of 260 each. Reach out to your RS Advisor for questions.

Healthcare Program Applicants

Reading Score of at least 260. And this score does not expire. Reach out to your Healthcare Advisor for questions

Student Success Coach

We highly recommend reaching out to one of our SSCs to discuss your educational goals.

Expiration

Placements are valid for two years from the date of assessment.

Retake Policy

Assessment may be taken up to three times per calendar year. There is a fee associated with each retake. Once class sequence has started and completed, you are not able to retake your assessment to move up to the next course level. The only exception is if the course was taken more than six years old for Math. 

Effective 10.28.2025

Retake Policy

Candidates are allowed up to three attempts per section per calendar year when using the Placement Assessment for placement into Olympic College courses. 

• A minimum 48-hour waiting period is required between each attempt.
• Each attempt requires payment of a testing fee.
• Additional retakes may be available if you're using the assessment to qualify for entry into a specific program.

Important Reminder

The Placement Assessment cannot be used to skip courses in English and/or Math sequence. Once you have enrolled in a course passed on your placement results, you may not retake the assessment to place into a higher-level course. Exceptions to this policy can only be made with instructor approval or if the prerequisite course for a higher-level course has expired.

Reciprocity

Transferring TO Another WA CTC Schools

If you would like your placement assessment scores transferred to another community and/or technical college, or university please complete and sign our Test Score Transfer Form and send it to TestingCenter@olympic.edu Please make sure to include a valid fax or email address for the receiving institution. 

Transferring TO Olympic College

If you've taken a placement assessment within the last year, you may request the institution at which the assessment was taken to fax it to us at 360-475-7470 or email it to us at: @email to see if it can be used for Olympic College course placement. Students will be contacted via student email regarding corresponding OC course placement.

Official Scores

We cannot accept score reports submitted by students, whether delivered in person or sent electronically. Score reports must be sent directly from the testing institution where the exam was taken.

Placement Assessment Reading Test – Nursing Program Requirements

• The Reading portion of the Placement Assessment is required for all Nursing Program applicants, regardless of prior degrees or education.
• There are no waivers or exceptions—every applicant must complete this test for their application to be considered.

Score Validity

• For Nursing and other Healthcare programs, reading test scores never expire.
• If you're using the scores for English or Math course placement, they expire after two years.

For more information on Healthcare Programs and requirements, please visit their webpage.

Future applicants to the PSNS & IMF Apprentice Program should be prepared to meet the program requirements for BSTEC 150 and MATH 94 courses.  

Please Note: The PSNS & IMF Apprentice Program does not accept transcripts. Only qualifying Accuplacer scores will be accepted.

Placement Assessment Scores