Assessment Center

RRCC offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) opportunities in compliance with the policies established by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). These system-wide policies are described on the CCCS Prior Learning Assessment pages.

How Can I get started?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Credit includes learning acquired from work and life experiences; community and volunteer extension courses; individual study and reading; civic, community and volunteer work; and participation in informal courses and in-service training sponsored by associations, business, government, and industry. PLA Credit is not awarded for EXPERIENCE, but for college-level LEARNING that entails knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained as a result of their prior learning experience.  

To get started, you must fill out the form:

1. Fill out and submit the Prior Learning Self-Assessment Form
2. Once you have received Prior Learning Peocessing Fee, fill out  and submit the Payment Form 

​When you have completed and submitted both forms, a PLA staff member will contact you.

Students can receive PLA credit through:

• Portfolio of learning/certificates
• College Level Exam (CLEP)/DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)  A proctor fee of $25 can be paid by submitting Payment Form
• Challenge Exam offered through some academic departments

Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate testing

Follow the links above for details on each CPL process.

Alternative Credit Project

If you have stopped out of college, the Alternative Credit Project (ACP) provides a pool of online courses that Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) will accept towards your degree (up to 45 ACP credits towards your Associate Degree and up to 50% of the credits required for a certificate).

Learn more about the Alternative Credit Project here.

To be eligible to apply for PLA:

• You must be a RRCC Student
• PLA credit must be directly applicable to your declared certificate or degree program as outlined in the RRCC Catalog
• Prior learning must be demonstrated and cover specific course competencies
• It is the student's responsibility to determine the transferability of PLA credits outside the Colorado Community College System
• Your RRCC transcript will show class credit only; no grades are assigned to PLA credit
• You may receive PLA credit in any amount not to exceed 75% of the total credits required for your degree or certificate

Advisors are available to answer your questions about the PLA process and for referrals to the correct faculty to consult for your PLA credit.

*You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files.

All testing will be done by appointment only.
You can schedule an appointment by calling (303) 914-6727 or e-mail us at RRCC.AssessmentCenter@rrcc.edu.We are committed to serving you.

If you need to take a test for another institution in a proctored environment, we offer this service. The fee is $25 per test for the first two hours and $10 for each additional hour. All appointment based exams must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.  Please call us at 303.914.6720 to schedule a test time and date.

Same day scheduled or walk-in proctored test will be accepted only if the schedule allows.  The fee for walk-in or same day scheduled tests is $50.

We can host traditional paper/pencil exams or Internet-based tests (no personal laptops). It is the responsibility of the student to contact their school to arrange to have the test sent to Red Rocks, or to have the necessary website/password information sent, if the test is web-based. Please use the following contact information:

Mailing address for traditional tests:

Assessment Center
Red Rocks Community College
13300 West Sixth Avenue
Lakewood CO 80228

Contact information for Internet-based tests:

Assessment Center
assessment.center@rrcc.edu

Box 24

 

Red Rocks Community College does not offer the pre-GED test at this time.

All GED testing is done on the computer and at a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers. Red Rocks Community College Assessment Center on both  campuses  is an Authorized Test Center. The GED testing program certifies attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills and serves as the only nationally recognized high school equivalency program. For more information please click here.

Please check back for updates and visit https://ged.com/ (link is external) to register for testing.

The Benefits to Getting Your High School Diploma

• Get a Better Job
  The majority of jobs require a high school diploma. A GED diploma is accepted by employers -  just like a high school diploma.

• Continue Your Education
  A GED diploma is accepted at most colleges and universities as proof that you have completed your high school education. Red Rocks Community College even has a special scholarship for GED graduates.

• Feel Better About Yourself
  By earning their diploma, many graduates experience a remarkable improvement in how they feel about themselves. It makes a difference!

• Increase Your Income
  Income increases with your level of education.

• Invest in the Future
  Educated parents have better educated children. Earning a diploma is not only an investment in yourself, it’s an investment in your children.

Faculty Approval for PLA

The faculty approval form for Prior Learning can be found here.

Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate

• Review available AP/IB exams for community college credit (listed under column CCCS)
• Official AP or IB Test Score Report must be submitted to RRCC Assessment Center
• Declare a major
• If score meets CCCS score requirements, credits are posted to Red Rocks Community College transcript

Contact information for transcripts/scores

• AP Services (official transcripts needed)
  
  P.O. Box 6671
  Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
  Phone: (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)
  Email: apexams@info.collegeboard.org

• IB Transcripts (official transcripts needed)

  • ATTN: Transcript Officer
    International Baccalaureate
    Americas Global Centre
    7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200 West
    Bethesda, Maryland 20814
    USA

  • Email: transcripts.iba@ibo.org
    Phone: +1 301 202 3000
    https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment-and-exams/requesting-transcripts/

  • Order form (official transcripts needed)

Challenge Exam Checklist / Credit for an AAS Degree

• Arrange appointment with appropriate department faculty to discuss your CPL options with that department. You may contact RRCC Assessment Center for referral to correct faculty, if necessary
• Pay for CPL credit evaluation through RRCC Assessment Center. This payment can be made by check, credit card, or cash
• Complete Challenge exam as required by department faculty
• Final evaluation of Challenge Exam is submitted by faculty to RRCC Assessment Center
• If Challenge Exam is successfully completed, RRCC Assessment Center staff forward final documents for credit award for signature by student, faculty member, and dean
• Credits are posted to Red Rocks Community College transcript

CLEP

RRCC offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities in compliance with the policies established by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). These system-wide policies are described in the Student Guide to Credit for Prior Learning   CCCS policy posted on the CCCS website.

Students can receive CPL credit through:

• Portfolio of learning/certificates
• College Level Exam (CLEP) offered through the college board in specific subject areas
• Challenge Exam offered through some academic departments
• Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate testing

Follow the links above for details on each CPL process.

To be eligible to apply for CPL:

• You must be a RRCC Student
• You must have successfully earned at least one credit at RRCC
• CPL credit must be directly applicable to your declared certificate or degree program as outlined in the RRCC Catalog
• Prior learning must be demonstrated and cover specific course competencies
• It is the student's responsibility to determine the transferability of CPL credits outside the Colorado Community College System
• Your RRCC transcript will show class credit only; no grades are assigned to CPL credit
• You may receive CPL credit in any amount not to exceed 75% of the total credits required for your degree or certificate

The Assessment Center staff are available to answer your questions about the CPL process and for referrals to the correct faculty to consult for your CPL credit..

Prior Learning Assessment by CLEP (College Level Examination Program) Checklist

• Review available CLEP exams for community college credit
• Review materials for details on test preparation and register for a CLEP exam.
• Create an account with the College Board to register for a CLEP exam
  • After you pay $89 online to the College Board, you will receive a payment receipt and a Ticket ID.
  • Schedule an appointment with Assessment Center for a date and time to take the test.
  • On the day of the test, be prepared to present the following at the test center:
    • A valid registration ticket from My Account registration portal
    • Registration forms or printouts that are required by the test center. Make sure you have filled out all necessary paperwork in advance of your testing date.
    • Your driver’s license, passport or other government issued identification that includes your photograph and signature, as well as a secondary form of ID that includes a photo and/or your signature, such as a student ID. You will be asked to show this identification to be admitted to the testing area. The last name on your primary ID must match the name on your registration ticket.
      * Military test-takers, bring your military ID and Social Security card.
      * Home-schoolers, if you do not have the required government issued ID, please complete a Student ID Form, which is valid for one year.
      • The form must be accompanied by a recognizable photo, with a school or notary seal overlapping the photo. The form must be signed in front of a school official or notary. This form must be signed in the presence of testing staff when used for subsequent testing administrations. If you fail to present appropriate ID, you will not be tested.
  • The RRCC proctoring fee is $25 and can be paid by check, cash or credit card.
• Successfully complete CLEP
• Earn a minimum of one credit at RRCC
• Credits are posted to Red Rocks Community College transcript

Contact information for transcripts/scores

• College Board CLEP Services(official transcripts needed)
  Transcripts Request Service
  P.O. Box 6600
  Princeton, NJ 08541-6600
  (800) 257-9558

About DANTES/DSST Testing

For over 30 years, DANTES has offered and supported voluntary educational programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2006, DANTES authorized up-front funding of DSST exam fees for eligible military members at authorized National Test Centers that administer the Internet-based DSST exams. RRCC grants full course credit for many examinations with an acceptable score. For a complete list of DSST exam equivalencies inquire at the Assessment Center. More information can be found at Get College Credit

Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio Checklist / Credit for an AAS Degree

Math Review

Welcome to the RRCC Online Math Accuplacer Review! This review contains written reviews, videos, and links covering material for MAT 030, 060 and 090. Click a class to get started reviewing material.

Accuplacer Review Videos

For more information contact Craig Faulhaber at craig.faulhaber@rrcc.edu (link sends e-mail)

Accuplacer Math Study Skills

The following guides are pdf files for viewing or downloading:

• Arithmetic Review
• Pre-Algebra and Arithmetic Review
• Pre-Algebra Review
• Accuplacer Arithmetic Study Guide
• Accuplacer Elementary Algebra Study Guide

Self-guided Assessment Testing Available

The self-guided assessments were created to help you determine the appropriate levels of course work that align with your personal educational goals, skills and abilities.  Before taking the self-guided assessment survey, take a few minutes to read about  the courses options, as well as reflect on your previous school experiences.

Answer the questions to the best of your ability.

• English self-guided assessment

• College Algebra self-guided assessment

• Liberal Arts Math self-guided assessment

* Please allow 2 business days to process self-guided assessments

If you have ACT, SAT, previous college courses, etc.  Please visit Do I Need to Test? website

Accuplacer

All testing will be done by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling (303)914-6727 or e-mail us at assessment.center@rrcc.edu

Placement testing helps to determine a student's competency in basic skills. Results of the testing process ensure that students are enrolled in the English and math classes that align with their level of proficiency. Academic success in English and math is critical for future academic progression in all areas of study; therefore, placement testing helps determine if the student is ready for college-level work in those areas or if they need to enroll in courses that build their skills for future success.

Students must show a valid state or federal picture ID to the online proctor before beginning the test.

Accuplacer Basic Skills Assessment

View or download the Accuplacer Basic Skills Assessment (.pdf)

Preparation/Study Guide

Welcome to ACCUPLACER. In addition to administering ACCUPLACER to students, the platform provides a variety of materials to help you navigate the program. Check out the Resources tab to locate manuals, guides, and other helpful resources which you can find here: https://practice.accuplacer.org. This practice resembles the real testing environment – including the calculator and highlighter functionalities, and features like Learn As You Go and the ability to save practice test history. 

Math Preparation videos Video Presentations RRCC Math Faculty Craig Faulhaber

Inside the test

Four Ways to Become a Good Test Taker

Download free study App

An Academic Placement Test is required for placement into traditional and online courses in the following cases.

• For any student 19 years old or younger
• For any student pursuing a degree program
• For any student taking an English or Math class
• For any student taking a class that has college level reading, writing, or math requirements; these requirements will be shown in the Course Catalog Course Description.

Our goal is for all students to be successful and our faculty believes that students must be given the best information to make good course choices. If you have qualifying ACT or SAT test scores no older than 5 years, that meet the following minimum scores, please fax them to us at 303.914.6457.

• Reading Requirement: ACT Reading score of 17 or better; SAT Critical Reading score of 430 or better
• English Requirement: ACT English score of 18 or better; SAT Critical Reading score of 440 or better
• Math Requirement: ACT Math score of 19 or better; SAT Math score of 460 or better

For Placement Testing, please the Placement Tests Section on this page

All testing will be done by appointment only.

You can schedule an appointment by calling (303) 914-6720 or e-mail us at assessment.center@rrcc.edu.We are committed to serving you and will also be available to help you test remotely.

Please complete your RRCC Admissions Application before taking the RRCC academic placement test. If you have not yet applied to the college, you can apply online now.

Please supply the following information about yourself and the location where you wish to take the placement test. Simply send this to us in a return email message.

Remember, if you are able to take the placement test at either Red Rocks Community College location, you do not need to complete this form.

Formstack form

Submit Test Scores

Unofficial ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or equivalent Placement Test scores from within the past five years for English and math may be submitted through fax, email, or in person at the Testing Center. Please include your Red Rocks Community College student ID number.

The minimum test scores for exemption are as follows:

ACT:

• English: 18
• Math: 19 (Math 120)  23 (Math 121)

 SAT:

• Critical Reading: 470 for English exemption
• Math: 500 (Math 120) 590 (Math 121)

Email: assessment.center@rrcc.edu
Fax: 303.914.6757
Mailing address: RRCC Assessment Center, 13300 W. 6th Ave., Lakewood, CO 80228.

For Jefferson County students only:

If you were a Jefferson County student that took Accuplacer or an equivalent placement test at your high school through an authorized a Red Rocks Community College site; the assessment center may able to retrieve your Accuplacer/placement test scores. We would need your birth date, the semester you took the test and your name. You can call or stop by the assessment center with this information. If we are able to retrieve the results, please give us your Red Rocks Community College student ID number so we can input your scores.

Contact information for transcripts/scores

• AP Services (official transcripts needed)
  P.O. Box 6671
  Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
  Phone: (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)
  Email: apexams@info.collegeboard.org
• College Board CLEP Services (official transcripts needed)
  Transcripts Request Service
  P.O. Box 6600
  Princeton, NJ 08541-6600
  (800) 257-9558
• SAT College Board requests
  P.O. Box 025505
  Miami, FL 33102
  (866) 756-7346
• ACT score requests
  319/337-1313
  319/337-1701 (TDD—must call from a TDD)
  http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/asrphone.html
• IB Transcripts (official transcripts needed)
  • ​https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment-and-exams/requesting-transcripts/
    • ATTN: Transcript Officer
      International Baccalaureate
      Americas Global Centre
      7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200 West
      Bethesda, Maryland 20814
      USA
    • Email: transcripts.iba@ibo.org
      Phone: +1 301 202 3000
       

High school chemistry completion – if your chemistry classes were taken within the last five years, contact your high school to send you transcripts. They can be received by mail, e-mail and fax.

Placement Test Scores from the Rock

How to view your placement test scores:

1. Go to the RRCC homepage and click on "The Rock": 

2. You will need to sign in with your Student ID number (S#) and password:

3. Once logged in, click on the Dashboard:

4. And click on the "Degree Check" icon:

5. A screen appears with your placement test scores and any exemptions or prior college coursework that has been entered.

Test Proctoring Services for External Students

All testing will be done by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling (303) 914-6727 or e-mail us at RRCC.AssessmentCenter@rrcc.edu.We are committed to serving you.

f you need to take a test for another institution in a proctored environment, we offer this service. The fee is $25 per test for the first two hours and $10 for each additional hour. All appointment based exams must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.  Please call us at 303.914.6720 to schedule a test time and date.

Same day scheduled or walk-in proctored test will be accepted only if the schedule allows.  The fee for walk-in or same day scheduled tests is $50.

We can host traditional paper/pencil exams or Internet-based tests (no personal laptops). It is the responsibility of the student to contact their school to arrange to have the test sent to Red Rocks, or to have the necessary website/password information sent, if the test is web-based. Please use the following contact information:

Mailing address for traditional tests:

Assessment Center
Red Rocks Community College
13300 West Sixth Avenue
Lakewood CO 80228
Box 24

Contact information for Internet-based tests:

Assessment Center
assessment.center@rrcc.edu

Industry Certification Testing Options

At this time, Red Rocks Community College is indefinitely closed and will not be proctoring third party tests

The Red Rocks Community College Assessment Center hosts 4 major testing companies that provide industry certification and licensure tests. We support the certification needs of our own students as well as those of the Denver western metropolitan area.

• Lasergrade which hosts a wide variety of licensure and certification tests for the construction, finance, health care, and commerce industries

• Scantron which hosts test for many fitness and customer-service industries

• Kryterion is a full-service test development and delivery company that provides world-class online testing technology integrating item banking, test delivery and real time reports; while leveraging a global network of testing centers.

• Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 175 countries.

We support these computer and internet-based testing programs.  Test candidates must register and make the test fee payments through the host companies listed above.

Please remember to bring two forms of identification when you come to test!  We look forward to meeting your testing needs.

Academic Placement Testing

If you’re a new student, the state of Colorado requires you take an academic placement test before you can enroll in classes (unless you qualify for an exemption). This assessment will help us place you in the right courses when you start at Red Rocks Community College.

How will assessment help me?

Assessment will help determine your skill levels in English and Math. Placement information will assist you in selecting courses in which you are likely to succeed. If you feel you have either a learning disability or physical disability which might adversely affect your test results, you should contact the Accessibility Services at 303.914.6733 before testing.

Who must be assessed?

Matriculation requires that all new students to college be assessed in English and Math. Students are exempt from placement testing and assessment if they have earned an Associate or Bachelor Degree (from US College or University) or have completed college course work in English and Math (college transcript proof required.)

All students must be assessed if they plan to:

• Earn a degree or certificate;
• Enroll in any English or Math courses
• Enroll in any core level course.
• Under the age of 21 (Department of Education requirement)

Can I use my transcript from another college instead of testing?

Courses can be used to meet prerequisites.  Courses must meet the prerequisite requirement, courses description and pass with a “C” or higher.

Official transcripts may be mailed directly from your previous college(s), emailed from your college or they may be hand carried in a sealed envelope. If you open the envelope it will be considered unofficial.

Official Transcripts can be mailed to:
Student Records, Box 8
Red Rocks Community College
13300 W 6th Ave
Lakewood CO 80228-1255
student.records@rrcc.edu

Can I use ACT or SAT scores for placement?

If you have qualifying ACT or SAT scores from within the past five years for Reading & English and within the past two years for Math, please see the section on submitting test scores located in the Testing Information section on this page and supply your score report and we will enter those scores for you. 

How do I retrieve my test results and placements?

• Go to www.rrcc.edu and click on “The Rock” icon;
• You will need to sign in with your Student ID# and password;
• Then you will need to click on your Student Tab;
• Look for Degree Check at bottom left hand corner of the page and click on the “Degree Check!” icon;  
• A screen appears with your placement test scores and any exemptions or prior college coursework that has been entered.

What are the re-test policies?

     The exam can be taken up to three times before the first semester of enrollment. For all subsequent semesters, you are allowed one opportunity to retest.

• Retests can be given as soon as the following business day after the first, second and third tests.
• Retests cannot be given on the same day according to the College Board. A Student ID number (S#) and a valid, government –issued photo ID are required for all Accuplacer tests, including retests.