Placement Tools
Napa Valley College's placement tools place students into English, English as a Second Language (ESL), chemistry and math classes
English, chemistry and math placement is based on high school performance. To ensure accuracy, it is important that the information provided be reflected in a student's high school transcript.
The ESL placement tool will help a student, who wants to improve their English skills, choose an appropriate class level. The tool will show examples of class expectations and, based on these examples, a student can choose their own point of entry. Students are encouraged to review the ESL webpage, consult the college catalog, or meet with a counselor to learn of their placement options, and their rights to access transfer level coursework.
The Spanish Placement Tool will help you find the appropriate Spanish class for your level. If you have taken a Spanish class before or if Spanish is spoken in your home, you are not subject to prerequisites. You may sign up directly for the appropriate class. Use this placement tool as a guide for finding the correct level. Then use this form to register
How is my English and math placement determined?
Placement is based on completed high school course work and overall unweighted high school GPA. Further information, including placement standard tables, can be found on the Academic Affairs English, ESL and math placement website.
When can I register for the English, math, and/or chemistry class I was placed?
Placement results are uploaded into student records within one business day after completion of the tool. Students can register for class(es) after the results are uploaded.
Can I challenge my English and math placement?
Yes, there is a challenge process. For more information, please contact the Testing Center at (707) 256-7437 or TTC@napavalley.edu to challenge your English placement and the Counseling Department at (707) 256-7221 or NVCCounseling@napavalley.edu to challenge your math placement.
How can I view my English and math placement?
Students can view their placement tiers in Student Planning.
English and Math Placement Tiers
Students can view their placement tier number in MyNVC or in Student Planning:
Math Placement Tiers: NVC AB1705 Placement Tiers
Please note that enrollment options are based on major.
- MATH-P1: Allowed to take any GE math, must take co-req
- MATH-P2: Required to take Tech 92 and Tech 107
- MATH-P5: Required to take M120 with co-req
- MATH-P6: Allowed to take any GE math, must take co-req if selecting M120
- MATH-P7: Allowed to take any GE math, must take co-req if selecting M120, M115, M106, or M232
- MATH-P8: Allowed to take any GE math, must take co-req if selecting M120, M115 or M106
- MATH-P9: Allowed to take any GE math, must take co-req if selecting M115 or M120
- MATH-P10: Allowed to take any GE math, not required to take co-req
- MATH-P11: Required to take M130 with co-req
- MATH-P12: Required to take M130, not required to take co-req
- MATH-P13: Required to take M115 or M120 with co-req
- MATH-P14: Required to take M115 or M120, not required to take co-req
- MATH-P15: Required to take M232 with co-req
- MATH-P16: Required to take M115 or M120, must take co-req if selecting M120
- MATH-P18: Required to take M232, not required to take co-req
- MATH-P19: Required to take M120 with co-req
- MATH-P20: Required to take M120, not required to take co-req
English Placement Tiers:
- Tier 1 & 2(HS GPA lower than 1.9)
- English 95 (Composition Support) with English 120 (College Composition & Research)
- Tier 2 (HS GPA 1.9-2.6 or graduated HS more than 10 years ago)
- English 95 (Composition Support) with English 120 (College Composition & Research)
- Tier 3 (HS GPA higher than 2.6 or B- both semesters in 11th grade English)
- English 120 (Reading & Composition 1)
Students can register for courses listed in their tier or for courses in lower tiers.
How do I register for classes?
To register, students should follow the steps to successfully enroll found on the Admission & Records website.