Regional Placement Testing
Frequently Asked Questions

How should I register for the Regional Testing Program?
Registration for Regional Testing is done online at:http://www.testing.wisc.edu/centerpages/regionaltesting.html. This registration program begins February 1, 2017. You will see what sites are open and get immediate confirmation that can be printed on the spot. No confirmation letters will be mailed to you. So be sure to print or write down the confirmation information when you register.

How do I pick a date for testing so it doesn't conflict with school functions such as sporting events, band, choir or other social events?
Check with your coaches, teachers or other high school staff to be sure you know the dates for these events. If there is any possibility that you will be involved, please leave those dates open and do not choose them for testing

What if I want to change or cancel my paper/pencil test date?
Do not call the Center for Placement Testing or any campuses to change or cancel your test date. To change or cancel your registration, go to our website at:http://www.testing.wisc.edu/centerpages/regionaltesting.html. You can use our online registration system to change or cancel your registration site and/or date. You only need to know your name and the date of birth you entered when you registered, to change or cancel your registration. However, changing can be difficult as popular sites fill quickly and you cannot change to a site once the registration deadline for that date has passed.

How do I know if I’m registered for placement testing/where can I check?
If you registered for a paper/pencil exam you will have an email confirmation messsage from regionaltesting@exams.wisc.edu with the subject "regional testing registration confirmation".  If you registered for a computer based exam, the confirmation email will come from testing@castleworldwide.com and the subject will be "University of Wisconsin - Scheduling Confirmation Notice".  Your confirmation email will also provide instructions for rescheduling or cancelling your appointment.  If you believe you registered to take the placement exams and either deleted or cannot find your confirmation message, please contact the Center for Placement Testing during business hours at 608-262-5863 so that we may assist you.

How do I find out the directions to the testing site?
A list of directions to the various testing sites is located on the world wide web at: http://www.testing.wisc.edu/centerpages/regionaltesting.html.

What is the schedule on the day of testing?
(All times are approximate)
Seating, orientation and Math testing                                                  8:00 ‑ 10:00 a.m.
Break                                                                                               10:00 ‑ 10:10 a.m.
English testing                                                                                   10:10 ‑ 11:50 a.m.
Break                                                                                               11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dismissal of those not taking a foreign language test                           12:00 ‑ 1:00 p.m.
followed by foreign language testing
Important Note: If you are only taking the English and/or a foreign language placement test, please contact the campus site where you are testing for instructions on a reporting time.

Do I need a government-issued photo ID when I come to the testing site?
Yes, the University of Wisconsin requires students to show a government-issued photo identification document such as driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport when they arrive to take placement tests.  A high school photo ID is acceptable. Students will not be allowed to test without providing an appropriate photo ID.         

How will I receive the results of my tests?
Interpretation of test scores is unique to each UW campus. You will receive your placement test scores and what they mean when you come to campus for orientation in the summer or fall. Test scores will not be sent from the Center and cannot be given over the phone.

I've been accepted to more than one UW System school or I may change my mind about which campus I am attending.  Do I need to take placement tests for each of these campuses?
No. All UW System institutions use the UW Placement Tests and all campuses have access to your scores. Therefore, you only need to take the tests once and whichever campus you attend will have access to your scores, regardless of the campus you indicated on your answer sheet.

Who should I contact if I have any questions regarding placement testing at a specific campus?
Follow this Link for a List of Campus Contacts

What if I can't find a date listed that works for me?
You will either need to try to find a computer-based testing option (which is available when you are registering on our website) or contact the campus you are planning to attend for other possible options. The computer-based testing option does require additional fees to be paid.

Does it matter whether I take the test in the paper or computer based format?
No... the choice is yours based on your preference of exam format, location, cost and convenience.

Are the computer based tests different than the paper version?
The questions are the same, they are presented in the same order and the timing is the same. The format of the questions may be slightly different as required for display on a computer screen, but we have done our best to make them appear as similar as possible. The computer based version will also offer an on-screen scientific calculator for use during the math exam. No other calculator will be allowed.

Are the results different?
No, scores will be reported to campuses in the same way for paper and computer based tests.

Will I see my results immediately if I take the tests on computer?
No. After your exams are completed, they will be transmitted to the Center for Placement Testing and to the campus you will be attending. Each campus has its own policy about how and when to communicate the results back to the students. The results will be reported the same way regardless of the exam format chosen.

 

 

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