Testing and Proctoring Services

Test, pencil, and paper

 

Placement Testing

PWSC offers placement testing and proctoring services for students and community members:

  • PWSC Campus: (907) 834-1600 or email pwsc.testing@alaska.edu.
  • Copper Basin Campus: (907) 822-3673
  • Cordova Campus: (907) 424-7598
For scheduling, please contact the campuses directly. Before registering for classes, most new students (and some returning students) must complete placement tests in writing and math. These tests help your academic advisor place you in the most appropriate courses. They are not graded; their purpose is solely to assess your current skill level.
  • ALEKS® Mathematics scores are valid for one year.
  • Accuplacer Writing scores do not expire, but we recommend retesting if you’ve been out of school for a significant period.
  • Writing Sample: You may also choose to complete a free UAA Writing Sample, which can provide a more accurate placement.

Score Placement Charts

Other Options for Placement:

  • Standardized Test Scores: Submit SAT or ACT scores for writing placement.
  • Nontraditional Credit: Submit AP or CLEP scores to receive credit and placement.
  • Transfer Credits: Transfer completed writing or math courses from another college/university for placement.

Writing Placement with Accuplacer or Writing Sample

PWSC uses Accuplacer for writing course placement, but students also have the option to complete a UAA Writing Sample for more accurate placement.
  • Accuplacer: Includes two untimed tests: Next Generation Reading and Next Generation Writing. Plan for 1-1.5 hours to complete both tests.
  • Writing Sample: A free alternative for students, offering a comprehensive assessment for course placement.
Option 1: UAA/PWSC Writing Sample 
  • We highly recommend that you complete a UAA Writing Sample, as it will most accurately place you in the correct courses at UAA.

Complete Your Writing Sample

Option 2: Accuplacer 
What You Need for Accuplacer
  • Photo ID (Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or PWSC student ID)
  • UA ID number
  • $21 testing fee (to be paid before testing)

If you wish to retest, you may do so once per subject each semester, with a minimum 2-day wait period. The $21 fee will apply again.

Preparing for Accuplacer

Distance/Remote Proctoring Available
  • If you cannot take Accuplacer or Writing Sample at a PWSC campus, contact Student Affairs at (907) 834-1600 for distance testing options.

Math Placement with ALEKS®

Most students are required to take at least one math course during their studies. PWSC uses the ALEKS® Math Placement Assessment to determine the appropriate starting course.
  • Log in with your UA username and password: To find your UA username and to set-up your UA password, please visit me.uaa.alaska.edu or contact Student Services for assistance.
  • Estimated Test Duration: 90 minutes, although it is untimed.
  • Re-testing: Allowed up to 5 times
  • Prep and Learning Module: Available after your first test to improve placement
Test Completion Options
  • Option 1: Complete the test virtually using a desktop/laptop with a working webcam. Follow the ALEKS prompts to install the required software.
  • Option 2: Schedule proctoring at PWSC by contacting pwsc.testing@alaska.edu or (907) 834-1600.
For technical issues, refer to the UA ALEKS website or ALEKS Support at 1-800-258-2374.

Test Proctoring

PWSC Student Affairs offers proctoring services for:
  • University of Alaska distance students: Request PWSC as your testing site through your main campus' eLearning platform.
  • Non-UA students: Email testing requests to pwsc.testing@alaska.edu or call (907) 834-1600. A proctor fee will apply (see below).

Proctoring Fees

(Effective April 15th, 2022)

  • Current Proctoring Fees
    • UA System Distance Exams: No fee
    • Non-UA University/Certification Exams:
      • 1 hour or less: $20
      • 2 hours or less: $30
      • 3 hours or less: $40
      • 4 hours or less: $50
      • 5 hours or less: $60
      • 6 hours or more: $90
    Certification Exams
    • Department of Environmental Conservation: $40 (up to 3 hours)
    • Maritime Certifications: $40
    • Pearson VUE: Costs vary by exam (proctored through Academic Affairs, contact Jay Stevens: (907) 834-1617 or mjstevens2@alaska.edu)
    Admissions and Entrance Exams
    Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VI)
    Used for admission to the UAA School of Nursing. The test has four sections, with a total of 170 questions, and a time limit of 3 hours and 29 minutes.
    • Remote Proctored TEAS VI: $121.50
    • In-Person Proctored TEAS VI: $121.50