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Assessment in the subject areas of English and Mathematics are available to students who are unable to meet admission and/or course requirements based on their previous educational history.

Test sessions are normally held Monday through Friday at the Burnaby campus. Appointments can be booked from the MyAC student portal.

  • English Placement Test (EPT)

    English Placement Test (EPT)

    Students who choose to enroll in Alexander College without documentation of English proficiency are required to complete the English Placement Test (EPT). The result of this assessment will determine whether a student possesses adequate English language and writing skills for direct entry to university-level studies. Placement test results are valid for a period of two years from the date of sitting.

    If the result of the EPT indicates that a student is not prepared for university-level study in the English language, he or she may alternately be admitted to the English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. The EAL program is a full-time, integrated, intensive English and academic skills program designed to prepare students for college and university studies in the English language.

    A student may rewrite the EPT once per semester (see policy: Eligibility Criteria).

    Students are placed based on their EPT score, as follows:

    English Placement Test Scoring Table
    Score Course Course Name
    0-28 ENGL 068 English Foundations
    29-43 ENGL 078 English Beginner
    44-58 ENGL 088 English Intermediate
    59-73 ENGL 098 Academic Preparation: Lower-Advanced
    74-88 ENGL 099 Academic Preparation: Advanced
    89-100 ENGL 100 Strategies for University Writing
  • English as a Second Language Placement Test (ESLPT)

    The online practice AC ESL placement test is designed to provide a student with a general indication what ESL level might be appropriate for the learner to begin their ESL study at Alexander College. The practice ESL placement test allows a student to get familiar with the testing methods of the actual online ESL placement test. The AC Placement Test is 30 minutes in length and focuses on Listening, Grammar and Speaking.

    Practice Test

  • Math Placement Test (MPT)

    Math Placement Test (MPT)

    Applicants to the college who have not completed BC Mathematics 12 (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C are automatically placed at MATH 099 level (i.e., eligible for MATH 099).

    Alternatively, students who wish to have their math level assessed may take an internal Math Placement Test (MPT). The result of the MPT will determine whether a student possesses adequate Mathematics skills for direct entry to university-level mathematics (calculus).

    The MPT test sessions are held in-person at the Burnaby campus. The test duration is 80 minutes.

    The MPT is scored as follows:

    Mathematics Placement Test (MPT)
    Score Placement (Eligibility)
    Part 1 Part 2
    < 15 MATH 099
    > 15 < 8 MATH 100
    > 15 > 8 MATH 104
    > 15 > 10 MATH 151

    Placement test results are valid for a period of two years from the date of sitting. A student may rewrite the MPT once per semester (see policy: Placement Test Rewrites).

Test Study Guides

English Placement Test (EPT) Study Guide

Math Placement Test (MPT) Study Guide

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible to rewrite a placement test, the following criteria must be observed by the student:

  • A placement test rewrite must be written in between semesters.
  • This period begins the day after the last class of the current term, and up to 3pm of the last day of the add/drop period for the subsequent term.
  • A placement test rewrite can be written during a term so long as the student is not currently enrolled in classes for which the test has any direct bearing. E.g.: A student is not currently taking an EAP course)
  • No student can write more than one (1) Test (initial placement or rewrite) in a term.
  • If a student writes an English or Math placement test rewrite outside this period, for any reason other than those stipulated above, the mark of the placement test rewrite will remain with the Placement Testing Officer until the criterion above are met. Once the mark for the Test is released, the Placement Testing Officer will submit the result to the Office of the Registrar, who will make the necessary notation in the student’s file and provide a copy to the student’s Education Advisor.

How to Book a Rewrite

  1. The student must contact the Placement Test Administrator or Office of the Registrar to confirm their eligibility to rewrite a placement test.
  2. If eligible, the student must pay a $50 placement test rewrite fee to the Student Financial Services office.
  3. The student must see the Placement Test Administrator or Office of the Registrar to book an appointment.

If you are experiencing difficulty booking a Placement Test, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding Placement Testing, contact the Placement Test Administrator, placementtesting@alexandercollege.ca

Alternately, you can contact the Office of the Registrar, admissions@alexandercollege.ca

Placement Testing at Alexander College
Book Placement Test at Alexander College

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I book a placement test online?
    1. Go to myac.alexandercollege.ca
    2. Login using your 8 digit Student ID number and your password.
    3. Click on the ‘Make an Appointment’ tab
    4. Choose the subject of the test that you would like to take: English or Math
    5. Choose your preferred time date and time, and click ‘register’
    6. Click on the ‘My Appointments’ tab to check the status of previous and upcoming test appointments
  • What should I bring on the day of the test?

    Bring one piece of government issued photo ID or your Alexander College student ID card, a pencil and an eraser.

    Cell phones, dictionaries, calculators, translators and other devices are not permitted. Scrap paper will be provided by the test administrator.

  • What happens if I forget to bring the required ID to my test appointment?

    You will not be able to take the test and your appointment will be considered a ‘no show.’ Please see “What happens if I miss my appointment?” for more information.

  • Where should I go when I arrive at Alexander College for my placement test appointment?

    When you arrive, please proceed to the classroom as indicated in the pre-test email (sent the day before your test). We strongly recommend that test takers arrive 10 minutes before the test start time.

    Please note that the door will be closed at the start time of the test and no late arrivals will be admitted. Please see “What happens if I miss my appointment?” for more information.

  • How will I get my placement test results?

    You will receive your test results in the Placement Testing tab of your MyAC student portal, under ‘My Results.’ It typically takes 2-3 business days for results to be posted. If you have any questions about your placement test result, contact: placementtesting@alexandercollege.ca

  • Can I cancel my appointment?

    Yes. Appointments can be cancelled up to 1 business day before the test. You cannot cancel an appointment on the same day of the test. If you do not come to your test appointment without cancelling, the appointment will be considered a ‘no show.’

    To cancel an appointment log in to your account, click on the ‘My Appointments’ tab, and press the CANCEL button located next to the upcoming test.

  • What happens if I miss my appointment?

    Due to the nature of the test, late arrivals are not permitted entry. The door to the testing room is closed promptly at the test start time. If you are late for a scheduled test, or if you do not appear at all for your scheduled test, you will be marked as a ‘no show’ and will need to rebook for another date.

    After two ‘no shows’ recorded, you will be blocked from using the online booking system. To be able to book an appointment again, you must pay a non-refundable fee of $50 (see “How to Book a Rewrite” above).


How to Contact the Office of the Registrar

Drop in During Office Hours

Location Address Hours
Burnaby Campus Room number(s) 202-208 Monday to Friday 9:00am-4:00pm

By Mail & Phone

Location Address Phone
Burnaby Campus 4805 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4T6 (604)435-5815

By Email

Admissions Unit Registration Unit Student Records Unit
General mailbox:
admissions@alexandercollege.caPlacement testing services:
placementtesting@alexandercollege.ca
General mailbox:
registration@alexandercollege.ca
General mailbox:
studentrecords@alexandercollege.caGraduation:
graduation@alexandercollege.ca
Transfer Credit Unit Registrar
General mailbox:
transfercredit@alexandercollege.ca
General mailbox:
registrar@alexandercollege.ca