Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CCLA?
The CCLA (Community College Learning Assessment) is a nationally standardized exam that assesses the degree to which community colleges contribute to their students’ development in critical thinking, analytic reasoning, problem solving and written communication. This information provides a benchmark against which to examine the effectiveness of institutions’ programs for increasing student proficiency in the areas measured. Howard Community College administers this exam as part of its ongoing commitment to academic excellence.  The college is being assessed rather than the individual students taking the test. The results are used to assist faculty and administrators to enhance teaching and learning; therefore, the results will not affect your graduation or grade point average in any way.

Who takes the CCLA?
All students who petition to graduate in Spring 2008 are required to take the assessment.

When will the assessment be available?
The assessment period begins on February 1, 2008. Students should make every effort to take the exam during February and definitely by the graduation petition deadline of March 15, 2008.

Where will the assessment take place?
The CCLA will be administered at Howard Community College’s Test Center located in the Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall (RCF-366). 

Do I need an appointment?
In order to provide you with the most efficient service, an appointment is strongly advised.  Walk-ins are also welcome during published CCLA testing hours. If for any reason the appointment or published testing times do not work for your schedule, alternative arrangements can be made.

When are CCLA appointments available?
Appointments and walk-in CCLA testing sessions are available during the following days and times:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesdays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

How do I make an appointment to take the CCLA?
Please contact the Office of Admissions and Advising at adm-adv@howardcc.edu or (410) 772-4856 (then select menu option 3, which will be a voicemail box).  Leave a message requesting the appointment date and time which you prefer.  Your request will be responded to within one business day. If you would like to test on the same day please walk-in during published CCLA testing hours (see above).

How long does the assessment take?
You are allotted 105 minutes to complete the assessment.  This does not mean it will necessarily take you the entire time to complete the assessment.

What if I have a disability?
Please contact Disability Support Services at (410) 772-4629 or via TDD at (410) 772-4023 to make arrangements to take the CCLA. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?
A valid (unexpired) government or institutional issued photo identification, such as your student ID, driver’s license, passport, or military ID. All other materials such as pencils, pens, calculators and scrap paper will be provided by the Test Center.

What is involved in taking the CCLA?
The CCLA is a computer-based, online assessment.  You will be asked to perform tasks such as preparing a memo, preparing essay responses to simple prompts, or analyzing passages in order to identify the strong or weak points in the arguments given.

Do I need to study or review any material for this assessment?
No. You do not need to study as this is an assessment of your overall educational experience, which is not subject-specific.

How will this assessment affect my grade point average or graduation status?
We ask that you approach this assessment seriously and do your best since the results are designed to assist faculty and administrators to enhance teaching and learning.  Remember though, Howard Community College, not the student, is being assessed. Therefore, the results will not effect your graduation or grade point average in any way.

Will I receive the results of the assessment?
Students graduating during the Spring 2008 semester will receive their results in August.  Once again, these are sent to you because we believe you are entitled to the results of any assessment you take.  Still, what the college is interested in is the total results of its graduating class, not the results of any individual student.  If you would like to have more information about your scores, please contact the Office of Planning, Research and Organizational Development at (410) 772-4289.

Will my scores be kept on file in my student record?
No. Howard Community College is being assessed, not you. It is the overall or cumulative score of the graduating class that will be retained rather than individual information. Your personal testing record will not be kept and will never become a part of your student record.

Why should I take this test?
This test is a graduation requirement.  However, there is another very important reason.  The college’s excellent reputation is not only important to you now as a student, but is also important as you transfer to other institutions, apply to graduate school, seek employment and so forth.  Taking it not only supports the institution as you prepare to move forward, but ensures its excellent reputation is maintained.

We do realize that this is an added task to your already busy schedule; therefore, all students will receive a small token of our appreciation, and the first 100 students to complete the test will be eligible for a drawing for a $250 Visa gift card.

Who should I contact if I would like additional information?
Please refer to our website at http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/advising/testcenter/tests.html   If you have any further inquiries please contact the Office of Admissions and Advising at adm-adv@howardcc.edu or (410) 772-4856 (then select menu option 3, which will be a voicemail box).  Leave a message regarding your inquiry. Your request will be responded to within one business day by a member of the Admissions and Advising team.