Testing & Essential Skills Center

Testing & Essential Skills Center

Welcome to GateWay Testing Services

The testing center is currently BY APPOINTMENT ONLY for all in-person exams. Remote testing is available for those needing to take a HESI exam.

Student assessment helps us place you in the appropriate college classes in English, math, reading, or English as a Second Language (ESL) so you have a solid start to your educational career. At Maricopa Community Colleges, we use multiple measures like your high school GPA, GED scores, or college entrance exam scores, such as the ACT or SAT. We also provide placement testing though the EdReady online placement tool.

Measure Criteria  How to Submit
High School GPA Attended high school in the U.S. within the last 10 years. Completed at least two years of high school. 2.6 unweighted high school GPA Digitally
ACT or SAT Scores Taken within last five years Digitally
GED Scores Taken within last five years Digitally
EdReady Scores See the EdReady for Course Placement page Automatically Uploaded
ACCUPLACER and WriterPlacer Scores Taken with the last two years Automatically Uploaded

Accessing ACT, SAT, and GED Test Scores

Use the following links if you need to request your scores for tests you have already taken.

The GateWay Testing Center is a certified testing site for the following:

Assessment Policies & Procedures

  • Tests are not administered within TWO hours of closing.
  • Referrals to the Assessment Center are made by program advisors, counselors, or faculty members.
  • Complete and submit a Student Admission Application prior to testing.
  • A current and valid picture ID is required for all testing services. Digital IDs are not accepted.
  • No children under the age of 18 may be left unattended on campus while a student is testing.
  • Email testing@gatewaycc.edu or call us at (602) 286-8160 for further information. 
  • Submit the optional Customer Satisfaction Evaluation by the end of the semester.

Test & Exam Schedules

This non-proctored, online testing option can be accessed at maricopa.edready.org (DO NOT use any other EdReady site).

Students will be required to create an EdReady account if they have not done so previously. Students will be asked for their MEID. If unsure of their MEID, students can contact edready.student.communications@memo.maricopa.edu

See the EdReady Student Guide for additional information on how to access EdReady.

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test*

For information about who is required to take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test, visit https://www.maricopa.edu/future-students/assessment-placement.

ACCUPLACER Next Generation is a computer based adaptive test. This means that the questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. This technique selects just the right questions for your ability level.

This testing is available on a walk-in basis. 

You can prepare for the math portion of the ACCUPLACER Next Generation using a free review called Power Math Camp. Learn more

Please note: WritePlacer test scores can score 'Pending'. Test scores can take up to 48 hours to post to your maricopa.edu student account. Please take your original test scores with you to your Advising appointment.

Test Resources

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Practice

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Writing Sample Questions

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Sample Questions

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics Sample Questions

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions Sample Questions

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Test Specifications

ACCUPLACER Next Generation Preparation Resources

myMaricopa Assessment and Testing

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Exam* 

ADEQ has a testing agreement with Gateway Community College to proctor Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) operator certification exams for all operator classifications and grade levels.

You may contact ADEQ for practice exams by calling (602) 771-0100 or azopcert@azdeq.gov

You have three hours to complete this multiple-choice, 110 scored question exam. Only one exam may be taken in a three-hour period. You must earn 70 points or greater to successfully pass the exam.

Schedule an exam here.

Find study guides here.

*All ADEQ exams are available by appointment only. 

Availability

Washington Campus

108 North. 40th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Test held on the first floor of the IE Building.

If you have any questions about registering please contact Maggie Wright at operatorcert@gmail.com

The CELSA exam is a 45 minute exam with 75 questions on paper and pencil. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to serve the needs of students who are not native speakers of English.

The ESL program offers:

  • Classes teaching multiple English skills at many levels
  • Computer software and library resources available
  • Course work in conversation, grammar, writing, reading, and pronunciation
  • Free conversation practice
  • Small class sizes

Program Cost*

$97 per credit hour

*Please note that these are only estimates and do not include books. These estimates may change based on increases in tuition, course fees, and book costs. Estimates are based on the 2023-2024 tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.

Interested in non-credit classes? See our non-credit ESL offerings. 

To schedule, please call (602) 286-8160 or email testing@gatewaycc.edu.

Cost per section is $35. Payment must be made online at the time of scheduling. Cost to retest is $35 per section.

To register for the online GED exam or for more information please visit ged.com

Each test is timed.

  • Two forms of identification are required. One must be state issued with a photograph; the second must be original and official (i.e., Social Security or birth card - no photo necessary).
  • Those 16-17 years old must also submit a notarized letter from a parent or legal guardian, giving permission to take the exam and an official withdrawal from the last school attended.
  • The state of Arizona requires GED testers to also pass the Arizona Civics test with a minimum score of 60%.
  • Mathematical Reasoning is 115 minutes which includes 2 minutes for instruction and 3 minute breaks to grab a calculator for part 2.
  • Reasoning through Language Arts is 150 minutes which includes 3 minutes for instructions and final review. 10 minutes break between parts 2 and 3 and 45 minutes for the written essay.
  • Social Studies is 70 minutes with 2 minutes for instruction and final review. No break.
  • Science is 90 minutes with 2 minutes of instructions and final review. No break.

Learn more information at www.GED.com or call 1-877-EXAM-GED (877-392-6433).

This is the Healthcare Competency test, with credit given by exam.

  • Admissions & Records must first verify student eligibility and authorization before testing can be scheduled.
  • Once authorized, pay the appropriate fee at the Cashier's Office.
  • After payment, proceed to the Student Assessment Center for testing & scoring.

Fees vary and eligibility must be verified by A&R. Testing is offered on a walk-in basis.

Availability

Fall and Spring (August through Mid-May)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Summer (Mid-May through July)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Evolve Reach (HESI) Admission Assessment Exam (A2) is the Nursing program entrance exam. The HESI A2 is a computer-based test consisting of seven modules: Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, Learning Style, Personality Style, and Critical Thinking. 

All seven modules must be completed within a single four-hour testing session. Personal calculators are not permitted. When allowed, a calculator will appear in the testing program. Scores are available immediately. Results are valid for two years. 

You may retest after a 60-day waiting period. Up to TWO retests are permitted within one year from the date of the first valid test. 

Request a test here. Testers must use official school email (MEID@maricopa.edu) to access form.

*This test is available by appointment only in person and remotely.

Testing Fees:

$45 for students testing for any Maricopa Community College Nursing program. $70 for students applying for a school not in the Maricopa Community College district.

Note: HESI A2 (Entrance Test) is not offered during midterm and finals week. Please call for more information (602) 286-8160.

The Evolve Reach (HESI) Admission Assessment Exam is part of the prerequisite for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The HESI A2 is a computer-based test consisting of five modules: Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology.

All five modules must be completed within a single five -hour testing session. Results are valid for two years.

You may retest after a 60-day waiting period. Up to TWO retests are permitted within one year from the date of the first valid test.

Request a test here. Testers must use official school email (MEID@maricopa.edu) to access form.

Testing fees:

$45* for students testing for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

*Costs are subject to change without notice.

Note: HESI A2 (Entrance Test) is not offered during midterm and finals week. Please call for more information (602) 286-8160.

The Evolve Reach (HESI) Admission Assessment Exam is part of the prerequisite for the Physical Therapy Assisting Program. The HESI A2 is a computer-based test consisting of five modules: Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, Anatomy & Physiology.

All five modules must be completed within a single five-hour testing session. Results are valid for two years.

You may retest after a 60-day waiting period. Up to two retests are permitted within one year from the date of the first valid test.

Request a test here. Testers must use official school email (MEID@maricopa.edu) to access form.

Testing fees:

$45* for students testing for the Physical Therapy Assisting program.

*Costs are subject to change without notice.

The HESI PN is the Nursing program entrance exam for students looking to enter block three or block four:

The HESI PN is for students applying for Blocks three or four of the nursing program. The exam is computerized and must be completed within a single four-hour testing session exam designed to assess basic knowledge of practical nursing. Current LPN applicants and transfer applicants seeking admission into block three or block four must achieve a score of 850 or higher to be considered for entrance into the program.

Exam must be completed within a single four-hour testing session. The score is available immediately and is valid for six months. Students may retest after 6 months. 

Request a test here. Testers must use official school email (MEID@maricopa.edu) to access form.

Testing fees:

$55 for students testing for the MCCCD Nursing program.

$80 for students testing for an outside college. This includes an additional $25 proctor fee.

No refunds and costs are subject to change. 

*This exam is available by appointment only and conducted remotely. 

Note: HESI PN EXAM is not offered during midterm and finals week. Please call for more information (602) 286-8160.

Exams are by appointment only. Students, please call (602) 286-8160. Faculty, please email testing@gatewaycc.edu

Availability

Washington Campus

108 North. 40th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Test held on the first floor of the IE Building. 

Fall and Spring (August through Mid-May)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Summer (Mid-May through July)

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Proctoring or correspondence testing is available for non GateWay students. The proctoring fee is $25 PER test, effective July 1, 2018. For more information and additional testing times, contact the Student Assessment Center at (602) 286-8160 or email testing@gatewaycc.edu.

Availability

Washington Campus

108 North. 40th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Test held on the first floor of the IE Building.