Testing Services
If you have any questions or need further assistance, email testing@northshore.edu.
Accommodations - If you have a documented disability and need testing accommodations, contact Accessibility Services well in advance of your testing.
Communications and Math Placement Testing
Accuplacer Placement Testing
Accuplacer Placement Testing is a set of standardized assessments used to evaluate students’ skills in subjects like math, reading, and writing to determine placement in appropriate courses.
-
Communications: NSCC uses the ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing tests to determine placement for Communications courses.
-
ESL Placement Testing - NSCC uses the ACCUPLACER Reading, Writing, and ESL Listening to evaluate student’s English language skills and determine placement in the appropriate level of ESL courses.
-
Math (Non-STEM Programs): NSCC uses the ACCUPLACER Math test to determine placement for Math and Statistics courses.
ALEKS Math Placement (STEM Programs)
-
ALEKS Math (STEM Programs): NSCC uses the ALEKS Math test to determine initial math course placement for STEM students.
-
STEM Programs Include: Aviation, Biotech, Computer Aided Design, Construction and Building Science, Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity and Computer Networking, Computer Science Transfer, Database Management and Security, Engineering, Pre-Engineering, General STEM Foundation, Biology STEM Foundation, Chemistry STEM Foundation, and Math STEM Foundation.
-
Test for Credit
Advanced Placement (AP credit for high school students)
NSCC awards academic credit as indicated in the AP Policy and Procedures. Students with eligible AP scores must have an official AP score report sent from The College Board. To order an AP score report, visit the College Board AP website.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP is a series of examinations that allow students to earn college credit for what they already know. NSCC awards academic credit as indicated in the CLEP Policy and Procedures. To arrange a CLEP test, first, purchase your test via the CLEP website. After you have purchased your exam you may make an appointment to take your test at North Shore.
Language Testing for Credit
Students may earn up to 12 credits for their foreign language skills. NSCC administers Brigham Young University Foreign Language Achievement Tests (BYU FLATS) and New York University Language Proficiency Tests. Exams are available in over 50 languages.
High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing
The Massachusetts HSE credential is equivalent to a high school diploma and accepted by colleges and employers. You earn it by passing the GED© or the HiSET®.
More Information About High School Equivalency Testing
Proctored Testing for Other Colleges
NSCC is a secure testing center which provides proctoring services to students attending other colleges, businesses and agencies. NSCC is a member of the National College Testing Association (NCTA). As a member in good standing, we adhere to the Consortium of College Testing Centers (CCTC) guidelines. For information about proctoring services please contact testing@northshore.edu.
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
TEAS is a computerized test composed of multiple-choice questions organized into four sections, which measure reading, mathematics skills, science and English grammar. TEAS tests for all health programs must be taken in person at an authorized Test Center. At this time, there is no remote option.
More Information About the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
Testing for NSCC Courses and Distant Learning
Make-up exams, online course exams, and exams requiring approved extended time can be taken in the Testing Center. Students must coordinate all testing arrangements directly with their professor. The Testing Center follows all instructions and guidelines provided by faculty.
To schedule an exam, visit the Test Appointment Page.
Basic Skills Core Requirements
Basic Skills Core Requirement - Students must meet certain requirements before enrolling in college-level courses. These prerequisites usually relate to communication and math skills, which can be demonstrated in several ways. Proficiency in both areas is also required to graduate.
Departmental Exams
Departmental Examinations are faculty-prepared examinations for catalogued NSCC courses other than those covered by national exam programs. Students may request an exam through CAS and then work with an instructor to learn about and arrange for testing. Contact us at testing@northshore.edu for information.
The following policies apply to all students testing:
-
All students will be asked to present a photo ID and sign in when taking any test in the Testing Center. If a student does not have a photo ID, instructor identification of the student is acceptable.
-
Exams are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the Testing Center is full, a waiting area is available.
-
For Zoom testing, students must have a computer with a camera and a microphone, have the ability to share their screen, and allow remote access. Students are required to show their testing spaces. No electronic devices are allowed.
-
For on-campus testing, all student belongings must be left outside the testing room. No backpacks, books, pocketbooks, portable electronic devices, hats, coats, hooded sweatshirts or zippered sweatshirts are allowed in the testing room.
**CELL PHONES MUST BE LEFT OUTSIDE THE ROOM AND MUST BE SHUT OFF**
-
Valuables should not be brought to the testing area. The testing center/staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
-
Scrap paper is available for student use. Scrap paper MUST be handed in at the end of the exam.
-
Talking is not allowed in the testing room. Students with questions should speak with the Testing Supervisor.
-
No eating or drinking or chewing gum is allowed in the testing room.
-
Students will not be permitted to return at a later time to complete a test they have started or seen without express permission from the instructor.
-
Nursing calculators are available for nursing students only.
-
Staff and campus police are available to handle emergency situations.
-
Staff will assist with the troubleshooting of power failures or other technological issues.
-
In the event of a fire alarm, all testers will be asked to exit the building immediately. Computers are to be left on. Consideration will be given to time lost due to the interruption and every effort will be made to allow sufficient time to complete an examination in progress.
NSCC’s Center for Alternative Studies and Educational Testing will not provide information to any external sources regarding an individual's test scores unless written permission is received from the student in accordance with NSCC’s student confidentiality policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us!
Email: testing@northshore.edu
Danvers Campus (DB-213)
Kerry Breeze
978-739-5539
kbreeze@northshore.edu
Lynn Campus (LS-215)
Alicyn Thompson
781-477-2142
althomps@northshore.edu