Find Your Starting Point
Placement
At COCC, we're committed to your academic success. For new students, this begins with identifying with the right math and writing courses to launch your academic journey effectively. We use a comprehensive, multiple-methods approach to determine the most appropriate placement level for each individual student.
Your placement process starts with completing our Directed Self-Placement (DSP) survey. This initial step helps us understand your academic background and goals. If additional skills-based assessments are recommended based on your survey responses, we'll notify you with next steps and provide clear guidance throughout the process.
Placement Options
Have your GED or previous college credit? Learn more about how to provide placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I required to complete placement?
Degree seeking students must provide math and writing placement as part of the enrollment process.
Non-degree seeking students can take math and writing placement to satisfy course prerequisites.
You are not required to complete the COCC placement process if:
- You are using the 65+ Tuition Waiver Form
- You are taking College Now courses (taught at your high school)
- You are enrolled in Adult Basic Skills courses
- You are taking only non-credit courses
- You are part of the Degree Partnership Program (DPP) with OSU-Cascades
- What do my scores mean?Please use our Placement Chart to understand your math and writing placement.
- Who can I contact with my questions?
Questions about placement? Email placement@cocc.edu
Would you like to talk to math faculty about your math placement level? Email mathplacement@cocc.edu
Would you like to talk to writing faculty about your writing placement level? Email writingplacement@cocc.edu
- How long does it take to complete the placement assessment?
In order to satisfy placement requirements at COCC, start with the online Directed Self-Placement (DSP) survey. The DSP takes 10-20 minutes and will either determine your math and writing placement level(s) and/or indicate that skills-based assessment(s) are needed.
If skills-based assessments are needed, the DSP will direct you to call CAP Services (541-383-7200) to request access to complete the assessments remotely. (You can schedule time to take skills-based assessments in-person if you prefer.) The ALEKS (math) skills-based assessment typically takes 45 minutes to 2hrs and the ACCUPLACER (writing) skills-based assessment takes 30 minutes to 2hrs to complete. Neither ALEKS nor ACCUPLACER have time limits.
- How do I request accommodations?
If you are needing accommodations for your placement assessment, please contact Student Accessibility Services ahead of time.
Please contact placement@cocc.edu, once you have received your Letter of Accommodations, to ensure your accommodations are applied for your placement assessment.
Contact Us
CAP Services
240 Cascades Hall,
Upper Level
2600 NW College Way
Bend OR 97703
541-383-7200
capservices@cocc.edu