Please read this page in its entirety to ensure that Virtual Proctoring for Placement Testing is a suitable option for you.
Frederick Community College (FCC) Testing Center proctors are available to administer ACCUPLACER placement tests to you at home, by appointment, using Zoom.
The following placement tests are administered using VPP:
Due to the limited availability of appointments, we ask that students testing for English placement only initially take Reading and Writing tests in one sitting unless the student has an exemption in one area or only needs retesting in one area.
1) Complete the online booking form at least 24 hours in advance. VPP is scheduled by appointment only and based on proctor availability.
2) Check for confirmation emails. After booking your test, you will receive two emails. One contains your testing voucher code. You must have your voucher code at your testing station when you connect with your proctor. The second email will contain your booking confirmation and Zoom meeting invitation.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, there is a link in the confirmation email you received that allows you to edit your appointment. You may also email us at testingcenter@frederick.edu.
Placement tests have no time limit. Students seeking accommodations for placement testing other than time extensions should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities office at DisabilityServices@frederick.edu or 301-846-2408. Reasonable accommodations, based on documentation of disability and eligibility for services, can be offered to students.
IMPORTANT - You must have access to the following in order to take the virtual placement test:
Computer - desktop or laptop, Chromebook, or smartphone that meets the minimum system requirements listed below and that is plugged into a power source to ensure no interruptions due to loss of battery power during the testing session.
Webcam and microphone (or smartphone to serve as a webcam and microphone)
Acceptable photo ID - Acceptable forms of ID include original (no copies or alterations accepted):
Driver’s license or permit
High School ID
Military ID
Middle School ID
State or federal approved ID
College ID
Passport
Tribal ID card
Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship
Testing Voucher Code - you should have received this in an email after booking your test.
Zoom Meeting Invite - you should have received this in an email after booking your test.
A quiet room without disruptions:
No music or programs may run in the background and the webcam and microphone must remain on during the entire session.
Food, drink, calculators, and breaks are not allowed during testing.
Scratch paper and a standard pen/pencil. We recommend three (3) full-sized, clean sheets of paper - You will be asked to show both sides of your scratch paper to the proctor at the beginning and end of your test session. Please allow the proctor to inspect all items at your testing space.
We highly recommend that you test your computer/device, webcam, microphone, internet speed and connectivity and complete all installations before requesting a testing voucher, to ensure compatibility. You will need to ensure that you meet all system requirements and ensure that your Pop-Up Blocker is turned off.
1) Verify you have the minimum system requirements
| Browser Types |
PC: Internet Explorer 11+ Microsoft Edge 40+ / EdgeHTML 15+ Firefox 65+ Chrome 74.0+ MAC: Safari 11+ Mobile: iOS Safari Android Chrome |
| Platform |
Windows 10 Mac OS X v10.7 Chrome OS |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader version | Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0+ |
| Pop-up Blocker | Must be turned OFF to allow Pop-ups |
| Screen resolution | 1024x768 |
| Internet | High speed, hard connected is preferred but strong WiFi signal is acceptable. |
2) Test ACCUPLACER requirements
Visit www.accuplacer.org and scroll down to “Verify System Requirements” located at the bottom right of the page and select the “Verify System” button. Each technical specification must display “pass” to ensure that you have met or exceeded the minimum requirements. Any technical specification labeled “fail” must be corrected before testing can be scheduled.
3) Test Zoom Requirements
4) Test Broadband Speed
Trusted internet connectivity speed test by Ookla Broadband Speed Test: https://www.speedtest.net
Before booking an appointment for VPP, students should be aware of the privacy implications of following processes and settings of the virtual proctoring space:
Connect early - at least five (5) minutes before your appointment. Have your supplies and equipment ready.
Wait - When you connect to Zoom, there may be many students connected in the Main Session at the same time as you. Please be patient as your proctor greets and administers the test to each student in the virtual environment.
Verify ID - Testing officially begins when the proctor invites you to a Breakout Session, separate from the Main Session where you initially connected. In the Breakout Session testing environment, your ID will be checked and authenticated by the proctor.
Inspection #1 - You must show the proctor your testing environment by slowly panning your webcam around the room. You must indicate the number of leaves of scratch paper at your desk (we recommend at least 3 full-sized, clean sheets) and allow the proctor to inspect them to ensure there are no pre-written notes.
Begin test - Once the proctor performs this initial inspection, they will assist you in starting your test. Proctors will mute their microphone and turn off their webcam during your test but you are required to keep your audio and video connected for the duration of your appointment. You will be monitored using a combination of live proctoring through the Zoom video chat service and a lockdown browser from ACCUPLACER to dissuade you from using unauthorized resources on the web or in your testing environment. Do not click outside of the test window once testing begins.
Inspection #2 - When testing is complete, the proctor will request a final inspection of your testing environment and scratch paper and ask that you tear the scratch paper into small, confetti-sized pieces. Close out your web browser before disconnecting from the Zoom meeting.
Check email for test results - Your test results will be automatically received by Frederick Community College. A copy of your results will be securely emailed to you, and a QR Code will be available for you to scan using your smartphone. You may also view your scores by visiting the ACCUPLACER Student Portal and clicking on "Your ACCUPLACER Score Report."
When taking the ACCUPLACER, you are to follow the Code of Student Conduct and any violations of academic integrity reported may impact your eligibility to register for courses. If the proctor observes any behavior that resembles an attempt at academic dishonesty, the proctor reserves the right to stop your testing session and inform you of what they have observed. If the proctor determines that you have committed a violation of academic integrity, the testing session will stop and disciplinary action may be taken, which includes a formal report sent to the Associate Vice President of Learning Support/Dean of Students. Please ensure that you are testing in compliance with the requirements listed below.
Brand New Students
Students who are new to the College should continue with the next step in the Required Orientation, Advising, & Registration (ROAR) process and make an appointment to meet with an advisor. ROAR appointments will be starting on May 1, 2020 and available for booking on April 20, 2020.
Current & Transfer Students
Current and transfer students should make virtual advising appointment to meet with an advisor. Visit the Counseling and Advising page to make appointments.
Dual Enrollment Open Campus Students
Make a virtual advising appointment to meet with an advisor.
Dual Enrollment High School-Based Students
Make a virtual appointment with your High School Guidance Counselor during their posted Office Hours.
Early College High School Students
Applicants should email the FCC Office of Dual Enrollment with a note indicating that you have completed placement testing.
Frederick Community College prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its activities, admissions, educational programs, and employment.