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

English and Math Placement Tool
Chemistry Placement Tool
ESL Placement Tool
Spanish Placement Tool

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:

  • Tiers 1 & 2 (HS GPA lower than 3.0 or graduated HS more than 10 years ago)
  • Math 83 (Support for Statistics) with Math 232 (Statistics), or
  • Math 86 (Support for College Algebra) with Math 106 (College Algebra)
  • Tier 3 (HS GPA 3.0 or higher, or C- both semesters in Algebra 2, Math III, HS Statistics, or Financial Algebra {Statistics path} or GPA lower than 3.4 {College Algebra path})
  • Math 232 (Statistics), or
  • Math 86 (Support for College Algebra) with Math 106 (College Algebra), or
  • Math 130 (Math Concepts for Teachers)
  • Tier 4 (HS GPA 3.4 or higher, or B- both semesters in Algebra 2, Math III, or Financial Algebra)
  • Math 106 (College Algebra) without support
  • Tier 5 (HS Pre-Calculus C or higher both semesters)
  • Math 120 (Calculus 1)
  • Math 115 (Applied Calculus)
  • Math 108 (Trigonometry)

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.