El Centro Assessment Testing Instruction

A. ASSESSMENT TESTING

ALL applicants to the Paramedic Certificate program MUST achieve minimum assessment scores in reading comprehension and math skills. Previously earned assessment test scores such as TASP, SAT, ACT, etc. may be considered. Students who are TASP exempt through previous coursework, previous degrees, or the "B or Better" ARE NOT EXEMPT from the math assessment testing for application to the Paramedic Certificate program.

An appointment to test is not necessary.  However, applicant for the EMT-Basic Certification must obtain a testing referral slip from the El Centro College Continuing Education Office, Room A-260. Applicants for the EMT-Paramedic Certification must obtain a referral slip from the Counselor's Office (214-860-2084).  Please contact the Assessment Center at 214-860-2178 for hours of operation. For further assistance regarding assessment testing, please consult the El Centro College Health Occupations Admissions Office.

Students may present any combination from the reading and math test columns below to fulfill the assessment testing requirement for application to the Paramedic Certificate program. Minimum acceptable scores for each test are indicated. TASP, THEA, SAT and ACT scores have no expiration date. All other test scores are valid for two years from time of testing to date of application.

The math assessment testing is required regardless of an applicant's prior completion of previous college degrees or coursework.  However, English 1301 with a passing grade can satisfy the reading assessment requirement.

RETESTING POLICY

Applicants to the Paramedic Certificate program who do not achieve minimum scores in reading and math assessment testing may retest one time for a $10 fee and with permission from the El Centro College Continuing Education Office. If the applicant does not achieve minimum required scores on the retest, the applicant must complete one of the following options before being granted a third and final testing opportunity during that application filing period. The three options are: a) enrolling in developmental coursework; b) submit documented proof of obtaining tutoring; or c) enrolling in the Continuing Education course "College Fresh Start" which grants access to the College Learning Center for self-remediation utilizing computer programs, video/audio tapes, etc. If the applicant does not achieve minimum scores on the final retest, the applicant will not be allowed to submit an application during the current filing period and cannot test again until the following semester.