ABOUT US
The Testing Center
The Testing Center is located in the Office of Student Services in Holton Hall, coordinates testing services for new and continuing students which include administering the Virginia Placement Test (VPT); TEAS; courses through SSDL or cooperative programs. Should you need to take a test not included in these areas, please complete this form to determine if we can accommodate your needs. The testing center requires students to register for a day/time to take their exams. Click here to register for a date and time to take your exam.
Note Taking & Study Skills
Research has shown that students who take notes perform better on tests than students who do not (Rhamani & Sadeghi, 2011). Since there are multiple ways to study and take notes, take some time to find out what works best for you and for each of your classes. Visit our Note Taking & Study Skills page, here you will find multiple free resources for you to use. If you would like more information, please contact The Learning Center to schedule some time to meet with a tutor to help enhance your study skills!
CONTACT
MECC Testing Center:
HOURS
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
M-TH evening appointments can be made by emailing testing@mekck.net. Be sure to include your Full Name, Student ID Number, specific test information and day/time you are requesting to take your exam
Hours of operation are subject to change and fluctuate during the time period between semesters, holidays, college-wide faculty and staff events, and inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. Students should contact the Testing Center to confirm the hours of operation prior to testing.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Faculty
Policies & Procedures
- The Testing Center also proctors make-up tests when necessary.
- Instructors requesting to have their test(s) proctored by the Testing Center must complete all sections of the Instructor Transmittal Form for each request.
- For proctored course tests, the class roster must be attached to the Instructor Transmittal Form.
- Students will be permitted to use only the authorized materials, if any, specified on the Instructor Transmittal Form. The Testing Center will provide only blank paper and pencil. Any other authorized materials must be provided by the instructor or student.
- Requests for make-up tests must include each student’s name and student ID number. The instructor may write the student’s name and ID on the student’s test or in the “Special Instructions” section of the Instructor Transmittal Form.
- Instructor Transmittal Forms must be received in the Testing Center within 24 business hours prior to the test date provided.
- Students in need of testing accommodations due to a disability must contact Disability Services in advance to make arrangements for testing, as official documentation identifying the disability and any necessary accommodations is required.
- Testing Services staff will abide by the test deadline noted by the instructor on the Instructor Transmittal Form.
- Instructors requesting deadline extensions for their proctored test(s) or revisions to their Instructor Transmittal Form must submit such revisions in writing via e-mail or via submission of a new or revised Instructor Transmittal Form.
- Tests that have not been administered within two weeks after the stated testing deadline will be discarded (or returned to the instructor if specified on the Instructor Transmittal Form)
- The Testing Center reserves the right to deny any testing request that we are unable to accommodate, as well as any testing request that conflicts with our testing guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Students/Test Takers
Responsibilities & Best Practices
- Know your student account information (username and password)
- Know your course name, course number, test number (Ex: Test 1, Exam 1, Unit 1, Chapter 1, etc.), and instructor’s name.
- Be aware of your course requirements. Some web and video course tests do not require a proctor; your course syllabus or instructor will communicate any proctored test requirements.
- Be considerate of others:
- Enter and exit the testing room quietly.
- Avoid behavior that others may find distracting.
- Ask questions and discuss any testing issues with the proctor as quietly as possible when in the testing room.
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes.
- Be courteous and respectful at all times. Disrespectful behavior toward staff or other students will not be tolerated.
- Plan to take your tests well in advance before you need them.
- Be aware that you must register to take your test by using the registration form above. If you wait until last minute, the date/time may not be available.
- If you need to take the placement test, you are encouraged to arrive between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to begin.
- Arrive at the Testing Center early enough to finish your test within 15 minutes prior to closing.
Policies & Procedures
- A photo Student ID or Government-issued ID (driver’s license, military ID, passport) is required to take a test. Without proper ID, the student will not be allowed to test.
- Students are required to sign-in prior to testing.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room.
- All personal items, including but not limited to the following, are prohibited in the Testing Center and must be secured in a locker (provided) or in your vehicle prior to testing:
- Electronic devices (cell phones, Fitbits, laptops, pagers, smartwatches, etc.)
- Outerwear (caps, hats, coats, jackets, pullovers, hoodies, scarves, etc.)
- Accessories (bracelets, gloves, sunglasses, etc.)
- Other personal items (backpacks, food, drinks, keys, purses, wallets, etc.)
- Unauthorized supplemental materials
- The Testing Center is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items.
- Access to personal items is not permitted during testing.
- Staff will not take messages for students who are testing.
- Persons not taking a test (family members, friends, children) are not allowed in the testing room and are not permitted to interrupt the student’s test session.
- Children under 10 cannot be left unsupervised in the waiting area. Testing Center staff are not responsible for supervising children of any age.
- In accordance with FERPA law and to protect the privacy of all testers, the staff can neither confirm nor deny if any particular individual is present or scheduled at the Testing Center.
- Students will be monitored by proctors, security cameras, audio monitors, and computer software (to view your desktop) while testing. Any cheating or disruptive behavior will be investigated and reported.
- Talking in the testing room is prohibited with the exception of any necessary discussions between the proctor and the student.
- All exam materials and used scrap paper must be given to the Testing Center staff after you finish your test. You may not leave with any notes or any portion of the test.
- Tests are not graded by the Testing Center. Students should contact their referring instructor or advisor with any questions regarding their grade status for a course test or program assessment.
- Testing Center staff reserve the right to deny testing services (or end a test session that is in progress) for students whose behavior is disruptive, disrespectful, or non-compliant with testing directions, policies, and procedures.
SERVICES
Academic Testing
We offer the following proctored testing services for academic-related testing:
Proctored Testing for MECC Courses
The Testing Center proctors tests for SSDL courses, and cooperative programs. The Testing Center also proctors make-up tests. Students must check-in to the Testing Center early enough to finish their test within our business hours. Students must reserve a time to take a proctored test. Should you need to take a test not included in these areas, please complete this form to determine if we can accommodate your needs. Please reserve your time here: MECC Testing Center Student Registration Form.
TEAS Testing
All TEAS tests must be scheduled. Limited seating is available for each testing time. Once you complete your registration form, you will receive a calendar invitation including all information needed for the exam. Please accept the calendar invite to confirm your appointment. Click here for the TEAS registration link.
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please email testing@mekck.net at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled time. Failure to give adequate notice in cancellation of appointment will result in delayed processing of your next requested appointment. If you are rescheduling following a no show appointment, your request will not be processed until 48 hours before your requested time, and will only be processed if there are available seats for your requested time. If all seats are taken, you will receive an email letting your know your requested time is not available.
If you are requesting “OFFICIAL” TEAS results be sent to a different institution, you may request by emailing testing@mekck.net. You must include your full name, student id number, the college you are requesting the information be sent, the office or individual the results are being sent, the email address the results should be sent to, the date of the TEAS test you are requesting be sent. Processing can take up to 48 hours after the request is received, please do not request results be sent the same day we receive the request. Request to send official test results should be limited to those who are requesting for a specific program (DH, MLT, and PTA) at Wytheville Community College; MECC, VHCC and SWCC will accept TEAS scores from the student.
TEAS for LPN and RN Programs
FREE ATI TEAS Practice Test – The Free Online Practice Test offers 60 Total Questions (15 per section including reading, math, science, and English and language use); Detailed rationales for right and wrong answers; End-of-Test personal score report with study recommendations; and unlimited attempts.
www.atitesting.com/teas/teas-prep
TEAS Study Materials & Resources: The TEAS is a proctored assessment for Pre-LPN and Pre-RN students. To register for a date and time to take the TEAS at MECC, please complete the TEAS Registration Form. Within 48 business hours after you complete and submit the form, you will receive an Outlook Calendar Invitation confirming your appointment.
Mometrix TEAS Test Prep (Free)
How to Access and Request Online TEAS Test Prep through Tutor.com
If you have any questions about the TEAS study materials and resources, please contact your Health Sciences advisor.
TEAS AH (Allied Health) for MLT, OTA, PTA, and RAD Programs
The TEAS AH is a proctored assessment for Pre-Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Radiography students. To register for a date and time to take the TEAS AH at MECC, please complete the TEAS AH Registration Form. Within 48 business hours after you complete and submit the form, you will receive an Outlook Calendar Invitation confirming your appointment.
TEAS Study Materials & Resources:
www.atitesting.com/teas/teas-prep
Mometrix TEAS Test Prep (Free)
How to Access and Request Online TEAS Test Prep through Tutor.com
If you have any questions about the TEAS study materials and resources, please contact your Health Sciences advisor.
Placement Testing
The Virginia Community College System utilizes Direct Placement to place students in English and Math eliminating the need for the Virginia Placement Test. However, the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) is an available option by all colleges within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to assess prospective students in English and Math. The MECC Testing Center administers the VPT for prospective students who wish to test to determine placement prior to enrollment at MECC. Students wishing to complete the Virginia Placement Test rather than utilize the Direct Placement option should schedule an appointment to take the Virginia Placement Test. Please email testing@mekck.net to schedule a day/time to take the VPT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Virginia Placement Test?
The VPT is used by all colleges within the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) as a method of to determine readiness for college-level courses. The VPT places students in English and Math courses that match their abilities and allows them to develop the skills necessary for optimal performance in all courses. Your placement results will determine which classes you are eligible to take.
The VPT is an adaptive, computerized test that takes an average of four (4) hours to complete, but it is not timed. The English portion requires an essay and contains a variety of question types. The Math portion contains a variety of question types. The other option for determining placement into English and Math courses is Direct Placement. Direct Placement is determined by a brief survey connected to your MyMECC account. You can work with an advisor to gain access to the Direct Placement survey.
When is the Virginia Placement Test Administered?
The VPT is administered by scheduled appointment only. Since the Virginia Placement Test is not required for placement in to English and Math Courses, it is not offered daily. To schedule an appointment to take the VPT, email testing@mekck.net
When should I test?
The Direct Placement Survey is the most common method of placement into English and Math Courses. The Virginia Placement Test should only be utilized if you are not comfortable with the results from for the Direct Placement Survey, if English is your second language and you desire to have your skills tested, if you feel that standardized testing is your best option for determining accurate placement in English and Math courses.
How long will it take me to complete the Virginia Placement Test?
The test takes an average of four (4) hour to complete, but is not timed. You can spend as much time as you need on each question. The Direct Placement Survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete when working with an advisor.
Should I review for this test?
All students preferring to take the Virginia Placement test rather than utilize the Direct Placement Test are strongly encouraged to refresh basic reading, writing and math skills. Reviewing will also prepare you for the types of questions you will be asked when you complete the survey. The practice test is available for you to utilize.
What should I bring with me to take the Virginia Placement Test?
You must have an active MECC Application for Admission on file and know your Student ID number or SSN. This information will be used to locate and review your student record prior to testing. Blank paper, pencils, and a basic four-function calculator will be provided. Personal calculators, supplemental materials, cell phones and any other personal electronic devices are not allowed in the Testing Center. In addition, you will not be allowed to conduct online research or use any supplemental resources during the test. Please refer to the Testing Center’s Policies & Procedures for details.
What can I expect when I take this assessment?
This is a computerized test that you should allow yourself approximately four (4) hours to complete. However, the test is not timed and you are encouraged to arrive at a time that will allow you to take as long as you need to complete the test comfortably within our business hours.
- The English portion is a two-part test designed to assess your reading comprehension and writing skills; you are required to type an essay and answer a variety of question types.
- The Math portion is a diagnostic assessment of nine (9) content areas. The system draws from a pool of test questions and contains a variety of question types.
Who should I contact if I have a disability and need testing accommodations for the Virginia Placement Test?
Students whose disabilities may require special accommodations when taking the VPT should contact the Disability Services Counselor at (276) 523-9108. Requests for accommodations should be made in advance. Students requesting accommodations will be required to provide documentation.
Do any other assessments take the place of the Virginia Placement Test?
Every student can take the Direct Placement Survey. This is a brief survey to determine placement in English and Math courses. Advisors are available to assist you with gaining access to the survey and answering questions you may have. The Virginia Placement Test is not a requirement, but an option for students to utilize in determining the best placement in English and Math Courses.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ACADEMIC & PLACEMENT TESTING
Students in need of academic or placement testing accommodations due to a disability must contact Disability Services in advance to make arrangements for testing. Documentation identifying the disability and necessary accommodations will be required.
RESOURCES
*The information provided on this webpage is subject to change.*