Where can you find a testing center?

Although most students pursuing online degrees are not required to have taken standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT or GRE – there are some exceptions to this rule. Some students, mainly those enrolling in Master's Degree programs, are required to have passed the GRE before they are admitted into the online education program of their choosing. Though it is at the discretion of the college whether or not they require students to have taken standardized tests, in the case of those which do, one question remains – Where do I go to take the test?

Many colleges have specialized centers for admittance testing, as well as other types of testing which can be done via computer. In these rooms, there are rows of computers which have “walls” around them, blocking potential students from seeing the answers of the person at the computer next to them. Testing can be done at certain times, with numerous people performing the same test at the same time, or it can be done on a revolving basis, where students simply begin taking the test whenever they are fit into a slot. These testing rooms are often proctored, meaning that there is a person supervising test takers, who is also there to answer questions and assist in the case of technical issue. These testing centers are often used by outside sources also, and in some cases, an online college or university will use the testing center in order for its potential students to complete necessary testing. If this is the case, the online college you apply to will inform you of the closest college campus where there is a testing center available.

In many cases, testing centers are used by colleges in order to determine whether students are able to “test out” of certain classes which are required by the college. If a student proves proficiency in a certain domain, such as math, they may be able to obtain a score surpassing the minimum limit, and be offered the opportunity to take a different class in its place. Students pursuing online degrees through campus based colleges are often able to take tests at the college in order to test out of other classes. When students enroll in programs through universities which are based solely online, students are often not offered this opportunity. This is at the discretion of the college, and an admittance counselor can give you this information when you apply for admittance.

In some cases, testing centers are not on college campuses, and are instead solitary units. If it is required that you perform testing before admittance to the online education program of your choosing, an admittance counselor or an academic advisor from the college you choose will be able to direct you where to go! Click here to learn more about admission tests for online degrees.

More Online Education Questions?

If you have more questions about online degrees, go back to our frequently asked questions about online education page, or call 1-866-944-2648 to talk with an online education expert.