Services for Workforce Development and Continuing Education Programs

The testing center offers in-person placement testing for incoming WDCE students in the following programs:

  • Certified Medicine Aide
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Child Care Certificate (90-hour)
  • Community Health Worker
  • Dental Assistant
  • EKG Technician
  • Medical Billing Specialist
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Personal Trainer National Certification
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Physical Therapy Aide
  • Veterinary Assistant

If you are not interested in any of these choices, please use this list to find more information on the programs you wish to enroll in. Most WDCE programs do not require a placement test. If you are a degree-seeking student or seeking college credit courses, please visit our placement testing page for credit students.

Take the test for your program

If these programs interest you, please follow these instructions:

  • Apply to the College and pay any fees. If you've never applied, please visit our WDCE page and click "Enroll and Register" to learn more.
  • Verify that your program is on the list above. Other programs do not require a placement test.
  • Please read our testing center rules before you visit.
  • Take the placement test before choosing any courses:
  • Following the test, find your program coordinator using this list and choose your classes.

Take the WDCE Placement Tests in Person

Here you will find instructions to take the placement test in-person at one of our locations following the submission of your application. Feel free to read about the placement tests before you come to the testing center. Once you arrive, you must complete any required forms and show your photo ID to take the test. 

Please ensure that you have sufficient time to complete the placement tests. Incoming students taking both Reading and Mathematics tests may need up to two hours to complete all of them. However, not all tests must be taken on the same day.

The Testing Center is located in Bladen Hall, Room 100 at PGCC's main campus in Largo, MD. Please refer to our hours for the Testing Center for times and availability. All students must abide by the rules and guidelines at all locations.

Take the WDCE Placement Test Online

Students can now take the ACCUPLACER tests online if they have an active Owl Link account and a supported computer. The online platform requires you to install software that monitors and records your screen, microphone, and webcam to protect the integrity of the tests. After you finish the test, Testing Center staff will have access to the recordings for a limited time. If you do not wish to use this software, we invite you to take the test in person.

Because of the software requirements, you must request access to the online placement test. The Testing Center may deny access to online placement tests for any reason, such as exceeding the limits on test attempts, network outages, or more.

Please read the guidelines below to take the placement tests online successfully.

  • The College uses Examity for the online ACCUPLACER test.
  • The placement tests do not work on phones and tablets. You must take the test on a desktop or laptop computer running recent versions of Windows or macOS. Chromebooks also work.
  • Your computer must have a webcam, microphone, and fast, reliable internet access.
  • If the monitoring software and websites do not work, there is no penalty. But you must take the placement test in person.
  • Please ensure that anything you wish to keep private is not visible or audible.
  • Test your webcam to ensure that your entire face is visible and well-lit. Any hats or coverings should reveal your face. Test your microphone for clear sound.
  • Use the same photo ID for each stage of the test process.
  • Before starting the test, close all programs, apps, browser tabs, or windows with other content.
  • During the room scan, include your clean scratch paper and pencils in the webcam’s view. Show the entire room—not just the ceiling or floor.
  • Try to avoid moving or tilting your computer, and make sure it is on a firm surface.

The Testing Center has additional rules for online placement tests. Violating any of these or other testing center rules will cause the College to reject your test attempt. Each online platform may have additional rules which can trigger rejection. A rejected test attempt causes the College to invalidate your scores and remove them from your student record. All future attempts must be at a College Testing Center in person.

  • You must complete the test in one sitting. Ensure you’re in a location by yourself with no interruptions and remain at your computer for the entire test duration.
  • You are not permitted to use phones, tablets, or any other devices while taking the test. We recommend turning them off until the test is over.
  • Take the placement test by yourself. Other people cannot help or be present while taking the test.
  • Keep your webcam and microphone running for the entire test session.
  • Before starting the test, close all programs, apps, browser tabs, or windows with other content. Accessing any content outside of the test on any device may trigger rejection.
  • Do not use your phone or other devices while taking the test.
  • Do not wear earphones or other Bluetooth devices while taking the test.
  • The only resources allowed are clean scratch paper, pens or pencils, and accessibility tools for disabled students.

Use the button below to start the WDCE placement request form. The testing center will contact you through email after one business day to approve or deny your request and send more instructions.

REQUEST ONLINE WDCE TEST

Contact the Testing Center

Email: testingcenter@pgcc.edu
Phone number: 301-546-0147