Biology Proficiency Test Overview

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 by clicking BIOLOGY PRACTICE link below) 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) as your path to eligibility for BIO 1570 and/or 2630. 

Your Biology Placement score is valid for 5 years.

Biology Practice

Depending on OCC campus, the Biology Placement Test is administered on-site in either a Testing Center or an Academic Support Center (ASC).  

Testing Time Slots

Auburn Hills Testing Center
Monday - Thursday | 10:00 a.m. , 2:00 p.m. , 5:00 p.m.
Friday | 10:00 a.m. , 2:00 p.m.

Orchard Ridge Testing Center
Monday, Thursday, Friday | 10:00 a.m. , 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday |10:00 a.m. , 2:00 p.m. , 5:00 p.m.
 
Highland Lakes, Royal Oak, Southfield Academic Support Centers
Tuesday & Thursday | 10:00 a.m. , 2:00 p.m. , 5:00 p.m.
 

When you are ready to take the test, please email the Testing Center or Academic Support Center of your choice, using your OCC email address. Contact information is posted at the bottom of this page.

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.

A paraprofessional will respond by email to confirm your appointment.  Try to arrive 10 minutes early to check-in.

Please allow up to 24 hours during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm) between your request to take the test and a response from a Testing Center or Academic Support Center.

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)