Admission & Placement Test

Admissions test - post-secondary programs

The purpose of the admissions test is to demonstrate that you meet the academic requirements of the program you have applied for.

For example, if you have applied to a program that requires English 30 and Math 30 your English and Math test results should show that you have the reading/writing and math skills developed in those high school courses. Please note, not all Bow Valley College programs accept the admissions test for entry, if you are unsure, please review the admission requirements outlined on the program page or refer to your email from the admissions team regarding your next steps.

Placement test - upgrading program

This is for applicants to our Upgrading program only and it is not a pass/fail test – it is simply an opportunity to see where your skills are at so that we can place you into appropriate level classes to start your upgrading.

If English is not your first language, we may recommend that you enter our English Language Learning program to improve your English skill before pursuing upgrading.

‍

‍

Applicants are given three (3) hours to complete the test. If an applicant requires additional time beyond the 3 hours, they may be required to complete the test in multiple sittings.

No, outside resources such as calculators and dictionaries are not permitted on the test. When taking the math section, applicants will encounter select questions that allow a calculator. In those cases, one is provided on the screen.

The admissions and placement tests use Accuplacer testing software and in some cases, as well as Bow Valley College created test sections.

‍Placement test

English:

• Reading
• WritePlacer Essay
• Below high school-level reading comprehension*

Math

• Arithmetic
• Quantitative reasoning, algebra, and statistics
• Advanced algebra and functions
• Below high school-level math*

*Bow Valley College created test sections - no preparation material available

‍

Admissions test

English

• Reading
• WritePlacer Essay

Math

• Arithmetic
• Quantitative reasoning, algebra, and statistics

Health Care Aid Program:

• Reading
• Writing

Practice material can be found here: Accuplacer sample questions and preparation material. If you are completing the English portion, you should review basic essay structure and thesis statements.

• • For Academic Upgrading the placement test is NOT pass/fail – it is simply an opportunity to see where your skills are at so that we can place you into appropriate level classes to start your upgrading. If English is not your first language, we may recommend that you enter our English Language Learning program to improve your English skill before pursuing upgrading.
    • If you have applied to Academic Upgrading you will receive your course placement and “Next Steps” by email, 3 – 5 business days after completing the test.
    • If you have applied to a career program, our Admissions department will send you an official response by email 2 – 3 weeks after you complete the test.
  
  
  • For post-secondary programs the purpose of the admissions test is to demonstrate that you meet the academic requirements of the program you have applied for. For example, if you have applied to a program that requires English 30 and Math 30 your English and Math test results should show that you have the reading/writing and math skills developed in those high school courses.
    

• If you have applied to Academic Upgrading you will receive your course placement and “Next Steps” by email, 5 - 7 business days after completing the test.
• If you have applied to a post-secondary program, our Admissions department will send you an official response by email 2 – 3 weeks after you complete the test.

Test results are valid for 2 years and are only applicable at Bow Valley College. We do not share test results with other institutions, nor will we accept results from tests completed elsewhere for placement or admissions purposes.

Yes!* You can retake the admissions or placement test, but we require you to wait:

• 2nd attempt: Minimum two (2) weeks after first attempt
• 3rd attempt: Minimum three (3) months after second attempt**

*Please note, if the program has started, you will be required to submit a new application and application fee prior to re-testing.

**The maximum number of attempts in a one-year period is three (3), regardless of the number of programs an applicant has applied to.

‍

EAP applicants are sent information by email when they are required to complete the test or assessment. Please refer to that email and reply directly to it if you have further questions.

• Applicants have a maximum of two (2) hours
• Paper based tests with reading and writing components only
• Tests cannot be completed online
• There are no preparation material available for the EAP test

If you have a documented disability and require additional resources in testing, please reach out to an Accessibility Advisor.

‍Please note, the Testing Centre is able to accommodate learners who require accessible furniture or additional time to complete testing. If you would like to discuss further, you can contact the Test Officer at 403-410-1735.