Assessment and Testing

BCC is committed to the principle that all students who enter the college should be prepared for college-level work. All students, unless exempted, are required to complete the BCC learning skills assessment in writing, reading and mathematics. Based on the results of this assessment, which is administered by the Assessment and Testing Center, students are placed in the appropriate level of writing, reading, and mathematics courses.

The Assessment and Testing Center also serves as the Berkshire County test administration site for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) program. Individuals aged 16 or older, who are not enrolled in high school and who have not earned a diploma, may register to take the GED. By successfully completing a battery of five sub-tests, candidates may earn a Massachusetts Equivalency Diploma.

Students may also earn college credit for knowledge gained through life or work experience, or independent study, by taking the CLEP or DANTES examinations. These examinations are offered in more than 50 different subject areas. As an open testing site for these programs, the Assessment and Testing Center is able to test BCC students, as well as individuals who wish to obtain credit at other institutions.

The center also proctors exams for individuals who are enrolled in distance learning courses, and offers a service by which faculty members can arrange for make-up testing sessions for their students.