Lawson State has two testing centers, one on each of its campuses. Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to meet their educational goals by offering assessments for course placement, program acceptance and/or college admittance and other exam services
The Lawson State Community College Testing and Assessment Center offers a variety of testing services:
All students must show an offical, current, photo ID in order to test.
All fees must be paid in the Business Office on the Birmingham or Bessemer campus.
Cell phones may not be used in the Testing Center.
Children are not allowed in the Testing Center.
With prior approval from the Office of Disability Services, testing is available for
students with disabilities.
All testing services are by appointment only.
For scheduling, please feel to visit the testing center on either campus. The Testing
Center is located in the Academic Success Center (2nd floor) on the Birmingham campus
(West ) in Room 220, and in Building A, Room 183-A on the Bessemer Campus.
Or contact by us phone:
Birmingham Campus:
(205) 929 - 2113
Bessemer Campus:
(205) 929 - 3419
What is the ACCUPLACER Placement Test?
High School and GED Graduates entering college, MUST either take a ACCUPLACER Placement Test or present a valid (no older than 3 years) previous ACCUPLACER score report to the College's Admissions & Enrollment Management Office.
ACCUPLACER tests your knowledge in math, reading, and writing. Over 1,500 institutions
administer ACCUPLACER tests as part of the enrollment process. These tests help identify
your strengths and needs in each subject area. ACCUPLACER interactive online learning tools are available to help you sharpen your skills. The academic advisers and counselors
at your college or technical school will use your ACCUPLACER test results along with
information about your academic background, goals, and interests to help you take
courses that match your skill level and give you the best opportunities for success.
You are encouraged to visit a counselor after receiving your results. A counselor
will help you understand the meaning of your placement scores.
Must I take the assessment before I register for classes?
If you wish to enroll as a full-time or part-time student, you may have to complete
the entire placement assessment unless exempt. Exemptions are listed below:
Only ACT subject matter examinations are used for placement purposes. Composite ACT scores MAY NOT be used for placement in math and English courses.
Mathematics:
For some programs, the track begins with MTH 116 (non-transferable track for some
select majors). Use caution when following this track. MTH 116 does not transfer
to a state four year college / university.
English Placement
Mathematics Placement: Math Placement based on ACT math sub-score of 20 or higher
Lawson State Community College, as mandated by the State Board of Education, has an
open door policy. Lawson State admits students who do not have a High School Diploma
or a GED Certificate into certain programs. The courses taken in the programs are
not creditable towards an associate degree when the student demonstrates an ability
to benefit in the programs. Under the ability to benefit provisions, applicants MUST
ENROLL IN COURSES NOT CREDITABLE toward an associate degree. Therefore, the courses
must reflect a career technical certificate program. Please contact the Office of
Admissions for a list of eligible programs.
Steps for Enrollment For Ability To Benefit Students:
1. Submit a completed application for admission. An application must be on file in order to be considered for the Ability to Benefit
Assessment.
2. Successfully complete the Ability to Benefit Assessment. The test consists of three
(3) parts Writing Skills, Reading, and Numerical Skills. The minimum score for each
is part is as follows:
Writing Skills-32
Reading-62
Numerical Skills-25
Note: Students must achieve or exceed the minimum scores in each testing area.
3. The Office of Admissions will contact you regarding upcoming assessment dates or
call 929-6385. Those needing special accommodations should contact Janine Jones at
least two weeks prior to the anticipated assessment date via email at jjones@lawsonstate.edu.
4. After receiving admission confirmation from the Office of Admissions, register
for the appropriate class. Please visit a counselor on the Birmingham or Bessemer
campus to register for classes.
5. Pay applicable tuition / fees.
6. Contact the Director of Admissions via email at dwaluyn@lawsonstate.edu, if you
have additional questions.
The Office of Admissions will contact you regarding upcoming assessment dates. Student will be sent a letter prior to the test date with all of the required information such as test date, time, and location. For additional information, please contact (205) 929-6396. Those needing special accommodations should contact Janine Jones at least two weeks prior to the anticipated assessment date via email at jjones@lawsonstate.edu