Testing Services

Interior of the Testing Center.

Testing Services, which is located inside the Academic Success Center, administers skills assessments and certifications through Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE tests are scheduled by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/programs, selecting your test program, then choosing Cecil College as your testing site. For those taking the Skills Assessments, no appointment is necessary. You will need to present a photo ID and know your chawk email address as well as your Cecil College ID number. Supplies such as a calculator, pencil, and scratch paper are provided as needed.

Skills Assessment

Students who do not have test scores/transcripts or do not meet any of the exemption criteria will need to take the Cecil College Skills Assessments. To review the skills assessment exemptions, please visit the Skills Assessment and Exemption Options page.

Below are instructions on how to take the English and Math skills assessments. In most cases, you will need to complete the skills assessment prior to registering for credit courses.

English Skills Assessment

Students should follow these steps in order to complete the English Skills Assessment:

  1. Complete the Cecil College online admissions application. Once the Admissions Office receives and processes the application, you will receive a Cecil College acceptance letter and email detailing the next steps in the enrollment process.
  2. Read acceptance letter and log in to MyCecil.

    • Visit my.cecil.edu and use your MyCecil credentials to log in.
    • MyCecil credentials are provided on your acceptance letter; please refer to your letter for information on how to access your account.
    • The first time you log in to MyCecil, you will use your temporary password. Then you will be prompted to create a permanent password. Make sure to remember your password.
    • IT assistance is available via the Help Desk by phone at (410) 287-4357 or email at helpdesk@nullcecil.edu.
  3. Meet with Admissions in-person or schedule a virtual meeting.

    • For an in person Admissions meeting, please visit the Admissions office on the North East campus during regular office hours. Visit cecil.edu/admissions to check current office hours.
    • To schedule a virtual meeting, visit ceciladmissions.youcanbook.me. Select a day and time that works best for you. After you submit your request, you will receive a link to access your meeting via email.
    • Admissions will provide a document to you on how to take the English placement as well.
  4. Get registered for the English Skills Assessment.

    • Either Admissions or Academic Advising will register you for the EPE000 course, which is the English Skills Assessment.
    • Once you are registered, the course will show up on your Blackboard account. To log in to Blackboard, go to cecil.blackboard.com. Using your MyCecil username and permanent password, you will be able to log in to your account. After registration, the English Skills Assessment can take up to 24 hours to show up on your Blackboard account.
  5. Take the English Skills Assessment.

    • Log in to cecil.blackboard.com with your MyCecil credentials.
    • Open and complete the two sections—Self-Assessment and Writing Essay—on the English Skills Assessment page. Please give yourself approximately 105 minutes to complete both sections. Prior to taking the assessment, please refer to the English Placement Process and Tips document for writing tips and more information regarding the test.
    • Once you complete the self-assessment and essay, the Department of English will review your materials, send your course placement to your student email address, and send a copy to Advising. At that point, you will be able to schedule your English class for the coming semester with an advisor.
    • If you have any questions about this process, please contact Professor Susan Bernadzikowski, the English Department Chair, at sbernadzikowski@nullcecil.edu.

Math Skills Assessment

Students should follow these steps in order to complete the Math Skills Assessment:

  1. Complete the Cecil College online admissions application. Once the Admissions Office receives and processes the application, you will receive a Cecil College acceptance letter and email detailing the next steps in the enrollment process.
  2. Read acceptance letter and log in to MyCecil.

    • Visit my.cecil.edu and use your MyCecil credentials to log in.
    • MyCecil credentials are provided on your acceptance letter; please refer to your letter for information on how to access your account.
    • The first time you log in to MyCecil, you will use your temporary password. Then you will be prompted to create a permanent password. Make sure to remember your password.
    • IT assistance is available via the Help Desk by phone at (410) 287-4357 or email at helpdesk@nullcecil.edu.
  3. Meet with Admissions in-person or schedule a virtual meeting.

    • For an in person Admissions meeting, please visit the Admissions office on the North East campus during regular office hours. Visit cecil.edu/admissions to check current office hours.
    • To schedule a virtual meeting, visit ceciladmissions.youcanbook.me. Select a day and time that works best for you. After you submit your request, you will receive a link to access your meeting via email.
    • Admissions will provide a document to you on how to take the English placement as well.
  4. Take the Math Skills Assessment.

Skills Assessment Waivers

Students may qualify for a skills assessment exemption. Exemptions may be granted when:

  • a student has earned an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution;
  • a student has a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT in the academic discipline; or
  • a student has successfully completed parallel coursework at another accredited institution of higher education.

Starting your coursework at college level advances your pathway through Cecil College. Focus on the importance of the skills assessments and prepare to do your best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Testing Services located?

Engineering & Math Building (Bldg. G), room 310A; inside the Academic Success Center.

How do I contact Testing Services?

Call (443) 715-3292 or email asc@nullcecil.edu.

What is Testing Services?

  • It is a quiet, secure location to take tests.
  • It proctors a wide variety of tests, including:

    • Skills Assessment: Students take this before they begin their journey at Cecil College. Math Placements will be taken in Aleks PPL, English Assessments are taken in Blackboard.
    • Tests for Cecil classes: Sometimes, teachers will have students take their tests in the testing center to allow additional time, make–ups or accommodations.
    • Pearson VUE: We are a Pearson VUE certified testing Center. Pearson VUE is the global leader in computer-based testing for IT, academic, government and professional programs, including Comp TIA, Cisco, and GED tests. A complete list of the tests that they offer can be found at pearsonvue.com.
    • Certiport Testing – Quickbooks and Microsoft Office Specialists.
    • Tests for other colleges and universities.

What do I need to use Testing Services?

All you need is your Cecil College ID, license, or other government issued ID.

What can I bring in when taking a test?

  • You are not permitted to bring anything into the testing room with you unless otherwise specified by your testing sponsor (teacher). For example, some teachers allow a note sheet or textbook.
  • You will be required to hand a proper ID to the testing proctor in order to test.
  • Any required materials (pencil/pen, scrap paper, calculator, etc.) will be provided by the Testing Center.
  • There are lock boxes available for use to store your valuables while you are testing.

Location & Hours

Testing Services is located on the North East Campus in the Engineering and Math Building (Building G), Room 310, and is open during the following hours:

Days Hours
Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Accessibility Services

If you plan to utilize Testing Services at Cecil College and have a disability, please reach out to the Accessibility Services Office to get more information about the services offered and to learn how to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs.