How does placement work?
If you graduated from a high school in the United States in the last 10 years, you will use our online tool to self report your high school GPA and, for your math placement, you will also use your final grade from the last math class you took. Please then turn your unofficial or official high school transcripts in to the Admissions + Records Office.
I didn’t graduate from a high school in the United States in the last 10 years, how can I be placed?
If it’s been over 10 years, or if you have a GED or a diploma from another country, then you will not use your transcripts. Instead, use the guided self placement at
www.contracosta.edu/placement.
If you are an English Language Learner, complete the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement at www.contracosta.edu/placement.
Is CCC the only school doing this?
No, all 115 California community colleges are required by Assembly Bill 705 to make the change. Learn more at
https://assessment.cccco.edu/ab-705-implementation.
Do I still need to do placement to register?
No, you can still register without doing a placement, but it is required if you want to get an earlier registration date (priority registration) or if you need to clear a prerequisite.
What is the difference between English 1A and English 1AX?
They are the same class, but 1AX offers extra support to help students succeed. In English 1AX, you will have more in-depth guidance on writing assignments, more time to comprehend and analyze complex, college-level readings, and more in-class practice.
Do I have to take English 1AX if I am placed in it?
You do not have to, but it is highly recommended.
What is the difference between Math 164 and 164S, Math 120 and 120S, Math 171 and 171S?
An “S” in the course number means extra support is built in. You will have more face time with the teacher and more time to comprehend material.
Do I have to take the corequisite “S” class for the math
class I place in?
Yes, if your placement recommendation includes an “S”, you must register for both the main course
and the support corequisite. For example, if you are placed in Math 120S, you must register in Math 120 and Math 120S. If you are not placed into an “S” class, feel free to register in a math course with or without the “S” corequisite.
Are the extra support classes transferable?
English 1AX is approved for transfer to CSUs and UCs, but only 4 of the 5 units as transferable to the UCs. Math classes with an “S” are not transferable; however the main classes (164, 171, 120)are.
Can I still take the tutoring classes English 875N and Math 875N?
Yes, all students can take the tutoring classes and they are highly recommended!
What are my options if I disagree with my placement?
We are currently working on a way for students to challenge their placement.
Does my placement mean I have done the pre-requisite and can take the next level of the course?
No, your placement tells which class to take first. For example, if you place in English 1A then you should take English 1A. You are not eligible to take English 1C until you complete English 1A.
If I placed in English 142B, Math 115, 118, or 125 before, but never took the classes, should I do another placement?
Yes, at this time it is recommended that you do another placement. Visit
www.contracosta.edu/placement.
If I took English 142B, Math 115, 118, or 125, do those courses still “count”?
Yes, these still count as units taken.