CELSA Placement

Fall and Spring:

  • Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Some Tuesday/Wednesday evening and Saturday hours will be available.
  • Excluding holidays and college breaks.
  • All tests must be completed 10 minutes before closing.

Summer:

  • Monday - Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Some Tuesday evening hours will be available.
  • Closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
  • Excluding holidays and college breaks.
  • All tests must be completed 10 minutes before closing.

When you come to test, please make sure you have the following:

  • a current, valid photo ID (your student ID is helpful)
  • your student ID #
  • the DUO app: downloaded to your cell phone, or DUO passcode ready

Need CELSA Placement Testing?

GCC CELSA is currently being proctored in person by appointment only at the main campus. 

Schedule an appointment

Credit and Non-Credit English as a Second Language

Students need to take the CELSA test to enroll in Non-Credit and Credit English-as-Second Language (ESL) classes. The CELSA is done in Testing Services by appointment.

The Non-Credit ESOL courses are for community members who want to learn and improve their speaking and grammar skills. No minimum CELSA score is required. 

The Credit ESL classes are for students who already speak some English and want to improve their skills toward further academic study or workplace advancement. Students desiring to enroll in Credit ESL must score at least a 16 on the CELSA.

What to Expect from Testing

If you have questions prior to testing, call or email us. We are available to answer questions about hours of operations, testing hours for each type of exam, required items for testing, the check-in process, and the testing experience. 

On the day of testing, you will need to show a current valid photo ID, place all personal belongings in a locker, and bring approved test materials. It is important to note food and drinks are not allowed in the testing rooms.

Testing Services employees will review exam instructions with you before testing. If you are completing placement exams or nursing admission exams, you will receive a score report upon completion. 

Testing Environment

Students are under video and audio surveillance the entire time. All testing rooms are monitored by a camera system.

CELSA:

  • CELSA is a 75-question computerized multiple-choice exam;
  • The exam is written in English and is timed at 45 minutes;
  • You will receive your results right away after testing;
  • You have two retests in a two-year period;
  • The first retest can occur 24 hours or later from the first exam;
  • The second retest can occur three months or later from the first exam;
  • Scores are valid for two years;
  • A current valid photo ID is required.