Biology Proficiency Test

Summer Term Hours
The ASCs and Orchard Ridge Testing Center will have virtual hours on Fridays beginning May 13 through July 29.  On-site Friday hours will resume on August 5.  Regular on-site hours Monday-Thursday will continue throughout the summer term.    
Biology Proficiency
  • The Biology Proficiency placement is proctored in the Academic Support Centers (ASCs) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  When you are ready to take the placement (proctored), email the ASC closest to you from your OCC email address
  • Put Biology Placement in the subject of your email.  Include your name, birth date, and OCC Student ID number in the email along with date/time requested (either 10 am or 2pm) Tuesday or Thursday

In order to enroll in BIO 1570 (Microbiology of Health and Disease) or BIO 2630 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I), you must have:

  • Earned a C or higher in BIO 1511 or BIO 1530 (or equivalent college transfer course) within the past 5 years.  
    OR
  • Earned 70% on the Biology Proficiency Test

The Biology Proficiency Test is a 60 question, multiple-choice test.  We recommend that you spend time reviewing the material before taking the test.  (See topics on the back) You are allowed to retake the test one time. 

If you do not earn 70% on your second attempt, you must enroll in BIO 1511 or BIO 1530 (see a counselor before enrolling in BIO 1530). 

Your Biology Placement score is valid for 5 years.

Biology Practice

EXEMPTions

Students are exempt if they meet anyone of the following conditions:

  • If you earned a C or higher in BIO 1570 and want to enroll in BIO 2630 or earned a C in BIO 2630 and want to enroll in BIO 1570 (obtain a signed “Prerequisite Exemption” form from the department chair)
  • If you are retaking BIO 1570/BIO 2630 and received a C or higher the first time (obtain a signed “Prerequisite Exemption” form from the department chair)
  • If you received a 3 or higher on the AP Biology exam (submit test results to a counselor)
  • If you have achieved a passing CLEP score on the SUBJECT exam in General Biology (submit test results to a counselor)
  • If you have been admitted under a guest application from another college (high school guest students are not eligible)