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Basic Skills Assessment
Q. WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM THE ASSESSMENT?
A. The BSA measures your skills in reading, English and math. It lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours and is composed of multiple-choice questions. Your results will be used with other information from your academic history to establish placement levels and course eligibility in reading, English and math. You can receive a profile of your BSA results through the Assessment Office, a Butte College counselor, Chico Center or Glenn County Center.
Q. HOW DO I SIGN UP?
A. The BSA is administered throughout the year at various times and locations. There is no charge for the assessment, though pre-registration is required. For sign-ups, questions and/or concerns regarding assessment, please call the Assessment Office (895-2350). See the current Test Dates in this Website for days, times and locations (these dates do not reflect test accommodations).
Q. HOW CAN YOU BEST PREPARE FOR THE BSA?
A. It is not necessary to prepare for the reading and English parts of the assessment though there is a handout that shows how the test is structured; however, it will be to your advantage to prepare for the math part. There are three different math assessments, Basic Math, Algebra I and Algebra II. You will need to decide which of these would be appropriate for you to complete where you will do the best and receive the highest placement.
The Basic Math Assessment has two parts, computation and word problems. You will need to review your computation skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents.
The Algebra I Assessment covers beginning algebraic operations and solutions, like those covered during the first year of algebra in high school.
The Algebra II Assessment covers intermediate algebra including quadratic equations, like that covered during the second year of algebra in high school.
Study guides are available for the assessments through this Website, the Chico Center, Career Training Center, Glenn County Center or the Assessment Office located on the main campus.
A. Yes, each different assessment test may be retaken one time. After that, you must complete a class in that subject area before being allowed to take the assessment for a third time. Exceptions will be considered for students with extenuating circumstances. Be sure to use the study guides to review before retesting in math.
Study guides are available for the assessments through this Website (click on the Assessments listed above), the Chico Center, Career Training Center, Glenn County Center or the Assessment Office located on the main campus.