Conestoga offers a variety of testing and assessment services to prospective and current students, the general public and employers. The list below outlines information and contact details for assessments that Conestoga delivers.
Current Conestoga students
eConestoga online testing
Online exam proctoring services are being used in courses through
Respondus Monitor. Online proctoring provides convenience for students to take exams from an off-campus location while assuring academic integrity. Respondus transmits data outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.
The decision to deliver a proctored online exam is made by individual instructors. Students should consult their course outline or directly with their instructors to determine if exams will be proctored online.
System requirements
Before you begin your exam, you should confirm your system meets the requirements to work with the proctoring service. You will need a:
- Computer that meets the system requirements
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Conestoga student ID or government-issued photo ID
You should expect the start-up process to take about 10-15 minutes, however, this time will not affect your exam duration. You should also review the
Respondus Monitor Student Guide (pdf).
Book accommodated tests
Students with approved accessibility accommodations related to testing have the option to write at their campus test centre. Testing appointments can be requested through the Test Centre section of
Accommodate. If a test is not listed as available to book, students should contact their faculty to have them add the test to the system.
Testing appointments must be requested at least 7 days in advance (14 days for mid-terms and final exams). It is the student's responsibility to keep track of upcoming test dates and request appointments in advance.
For details, please refer to
Book a test.
Conestoga faculty
Accommodated tests
"Test accommodations" are accommodations that are required to write/complete the test, and include, but are not limited to: extra time, use of assistive technology for reading and writing, and memory aids. If a student is approved for testing accommodations and would like to utilize them, the faculty will be required to schedule any applicable tests with Testing & Assessment Services.
For more information, please refer to Accessible Learning on the Student Success SharePoint site.
Make-up tests
"Make-up testing" refers to any tests or exams that are administered to students who are required to test outside of scheduled class time due to a conflict or special consideration. Examples of make-up testing include student illness, missed assignment due to inclement weather, and final exam conflicts.
For more information, please refer to Testing & Assessment Services on the Student Success SharePoint site.
Admissions
Academic Upgrading
If you are interested in Academic Upgrading, you will start with general academic assessments to determine the level of your academic knowledge and skills in math and communications. The results of the assessment assist you and your teacher to develop an individualized learning plan to reach your educational goals successfully.
Availability: By appointment
Cost: No cost if eligibility criteria is met; contact
upgrading@conestogac.on.ca
How to register: Email
upgrading@conestogac.on.ca
More information: Academic Upgrading
Pre-admission assessments - English, Math, Biology, and Chemistry
If you do not meet the English, Math, Biology, and/or Chemistry requirements for your program of choice, you may be asked to write a pre-admission assessment to determine your academic readiness for the program.
Availability:
- Online using third-party testing platforms, Accuplacer & ProctorU.
- In person at the Kitchener - Doon campus, Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Some dates may be excluded.
Please note: the Mature English and Mature Math assessments are not age specific, but program specific, as advised by the admissions office.
Cost:
- Online option: $28 USD for each assessment.
- In person option: $30 CAD for each assessment.
How to register:
Complete the online Request for Pre-admission Testing form.
Please note: Students are allowed one rewrite per year for each assessment. The same fees apply to rewrite an assessment.
Who to contact:
- For more information on program requirements, please contact the Admissions Office.
- For more information on the assessment process, please contact the Test Centre by emailing
testingservices@conestogac.on.ca or calling 548-889-0130 (select option 2).
Test information:
- English: 108 questions, 110 minutes
- Math: 72-100 questions, 120 minutes
- Biology: 30 questions, 50 minutes
- Chemistry: 31 questions, 60 minutes
- Mature Math - specific programs only: 64 questions, 120 minutes
- Mature English - specific programs only: 104 questions, 110 minutes
- Calculators and other resources are not permitted, with exception for individuals with approved testing accommodations
To help you prepare for the assessments, please reference the sample tests below:
- English sample test (pdf)
- Math sample test (pdf)
-
Biology sample test (pdf)
-
Chemistry sample test (pdf)
- Mature English test - specific programs only (pdf)
- Mature Math test - specific programs only (pdf)
Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge, or competencies that have been acquired through employment, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measureable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of& assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in a course credit recorded on an official Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students to clear academic deficiencies or to improve grades. PLAR is an optional process and is not used to obtain admission into a program.
View the PLAR policy and procedure.
More information:
Contact the Transfer Credit and PLAR Office at CreditTransfer@conestogac.on.ca or 519-748-5220, ext. 2397, or visit the Credit Transfer and PLAR Office.
English language
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
Conestoga College collaborates with Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of The University of British Columbia, and is an appointed CELPIP Test Centre.
CELPIP is a set of English language proficiency tests used to assess an individual's English language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The test is fully computer-delivered. Candidates must be familiar with computer usage and have basic keyboard and word processing skills.
The CELPIP test comes in two versions to suit different organizational needs.
CELPIP - General assesses listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency in typical everyday situations. This test is designated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada as proof of English language proficiency for those applying to immigrate to Canada. This test is also used by employers requiring proof of English language proficiency of their prospective employees.
CELPIP - General LS assesses listening and speaking proficiency in typical everyday situations. This test is designated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada as proof of listening and speaking proficiency for thoseapplying for Canadian citizenship.
For more information about English language requirements, please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Availability: View the full list of test dates and locations at Conestoga.
Cost: View the full list of fees and payment options.
How to register: Register online at CELPIP.
Who to contact: Please contact the CELPIP office by email at info@celpip.ca, by phone toll free at 1-800-958-5186, or online at CELPIP.
Sample test: A sample test is available at https://www.celpip.ca/free/.
More information Visit
CELPIP for more information.
Conestoga English Language Test (CELT)
Please note:
The CELT test is currently on hold. Please contact the Coordinator regarding which test is being accepted if you do not have the IELTS or TOEFL.
The CELT is an English language assessment used at Conestoga to evaluate the proficiency of English language learners for admission to our programs.
The CELT is not intended for students who are currently enrolled in Conestoga's English Language Studies program.
The CELT measures your skills:
- English structure
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking (to confirm bands 5 and 6)
To register, please email
Liliana Pereira Melo.
You will need to bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of fee payment from the bookstore
- Pens, pencils and eraser
Please allow for two hours to take the CELT.
Assessment fee
A $45 fee is required to take the CELT.
Preparing for the CELT
Knowing the format of the test is the first step towards being prepared. The CELT has four sections, each will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The sections are:
- English Structure - This section contains an exercise in error correction, comprehension questions related to grammar, a verb tense exercise and sentence writing.
- Reading - This section focuses on academic reading, definitions, comprehension questions as well as charts and a summary.
- Writing - This section requires you to write a 200 - 300 word essay on a given topic
- Listening - This section contains an exercise in which you will respond to lecture questions for comprehension.
If you score Band 5 of higher, you will be contacted to take the speaking assessment to confirm whether college language requirements have been met. The speaking assessment will take 20 minutes.
Speaking - This section contains three parts. In part one, you will answer basic information questions. In part two, you will respond to questions related to a visual. In part three, you will respond to a prompt asking you to give your opinion on a current topic.CELT scores
The CELT results are communicated via email or telephone within three business days.
The overall achievement scores are called Bands, which determine if you have met the English language requirements for Conestoga programs. See the table below:
| LEVEL | BAND |
|---|---|
| Level 1 - Beginner | 1 |
| Level 2 - Low Intermediate | 2 |
| Level 3 - High Intermediate | 3 |
| Level 4 - Advanced | 4 |
| Direct Entry into Certificate/Diplome Programs | 5 |
| Direct Entry into Degree Programs/Post Grad Certificates | 6 |
If you do not achieve the band you require, you have the following options:
- Further English language training through Conestoga's EAS/ELS program
- Self-study
- Rewrite the CELT within a four-month period
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS is designed to assess the English language proficiency of people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. Listening, reading, writing and speaking skills are assessed.
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is an internationally recognized language test designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Conestoga hosts Canada’s first official IELTS Testing Centre, and administers IELTS tests in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. For more information, including upcoming test dates and registration procedures,
visit the IELTS website.
Industry specific
Apprenticeship exemption test
Conestoga College offers apprentice testing for qualifying students who are registered with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Non-apprentices can also challenge the in-school portion of the program starting at level one.
Availability:
Apprentice testing is available at the
Cambridge - Reuter Drive campus on Tuesdays by appointment. Some dates may be excluded.
Cost:
$155.00 per Apprenticeship Exemption Test
How to register:
- Complete the online Request for Apprenticeship Exemption Testing form.
- Additional information will be sent in two to five business days to the email provided.
Who to contact:
After reviewing the request form, if you require more information on the process of exemption testing for apprentices and non-apprentices, please email
apprenticetesting@conestogac.on.ca or call 548-889-0130 (select option 3).
Sample test:
There are no available sample tests, however, test break downs can be provided once registration has been completed.
More information:
For more information on employment, training, and certification, visit:
Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES)
The demands of changing workplaces require employees to keep pace with new technologies, safety and productivity standards. It is important for employers to ensure workers have the skills necessary to adapt. TOWES assesses reading text, document use and numeracy the test taker must solve problems and complete tasks using real Canadian workplace documents.
Purpose of TOWES:
- Employers use TOWES as a pre-screening tool for hiring and training decisions.
- Employees use TOWES to assess their current level of proficiency, related to their occupation or career goals.
- Unemployed individuals and career changers can use TOWES to identify their skill level or gaps related to particular job category.
- Graduating students can take a TOWES credential to their employment interviews.
Cost and availability:
- The cost of the assessment is $79.50 + HST, a non-refundable fee.
- Please note some unemployed individuals may qualify for financial assistance to cover the cost of the test.
- Inquire about the availability of group assessments at work sites or larger group assessments.
TOWES is the sole property of Bow Valley College and Conestoga College is an authorized distributor. Visit
www.towes.com for more information about other products and research regarding essential skills.
For more information about TOWES at Conestoga College, contact Kathryn Richards at 519-748-5220, ext. 5605, or
krichards@conestogac.on.ca.
Additional resources:
-
Pathways to Essential Skills video)
- Literacy is Like Velcro (video)
Invigilating/proctoring services
Proctoring/invigilating services
Conestoga offers invigilation services for candidates looking to have external universities and colleges tests and exams proctored/invigilated.
Availability:
Proctoring/invigilating services is available at Conestoga's Kitchener - Doon campus, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Some dates may be excluded.
Cost:
- $40 per hour of testing
- Payment to be made upon check in at Conestoga's Doon Test Centre via debit/credit. Cash payments cannot be accepted.
- If you do not attend your confirmed testing appointment without notifying the Test Centre in advance, a $25 cancellation fee will be applied.
How to register:
Complete the online
Individual External Invigilation Request Form.
Please note: Once the test date and time is confirmed by Conestoga's Test Centre, it is the tester’s responsibility to ask the external institution to send the test to Conestoga's Doon Test Centre.
Who to contact:
For more information not found on the form, please email testingservices@conestogac.on.ca or call 548-889-0130 (select option 3).