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Testing Services at Northern
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Northern State University has information available for a wide variety of tests.   The ACT, CLEP, LSAT, MAT, COMPASS, PPST/Praxis and TOEFL iBT exams are all administered on campus.  Students may also obtain information on the GRE, GMAT exams, MCAT, & GED records.
 
 NSU can also provide proctor services for students needing a secure testing environment. Please contact Student Affairs at 605-626-2530 or e-mail mielkej@northern.edu.
 
  • The National ACT test is given on campus approximately 6 times throughout the year. For registration information, contact your local high school counselor or log on to www.actstudent.org Students enrolling at NSU who missed the national test date(s) can schedule a Residual ACT by contacting the Student Affairs Office at 605-626-2530 or e-mail mielkej@northern.edu. Students interested in residual testing do not have to complete a registration form or register online. Score reports from Residual ACT tests are only valid at NSU and will not transfer to another institution.
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  • CLEP testing is scheduled at various times throughout the school year. Information regarding exams, testing centers, etc. can be found at www.collegeboard.com/clep. Students interested in testing here on campus should contact Student Affairs Office at 605-626-2530 or e-mail mielkej@northern.edu. NSU is an open testing center, which means we can test any student, even if they aren’t enrolled at our institution.
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  • The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is offered 4 times per year on NSU’s campus. Visit www.LSAC.org for quick, convenient and secure online services. If you have questions regarding test day activities, please contact the Student Affairs Office at 605-626-2530 or email mielkej@northern.edu.
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  • The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a computer-based test administered at NSU. Information can be obtained at www.milleranalogies.com. If you are interested in testing here at NSU, contact the Student Affairs office at 605-626-2530 or e-mail mielkej@northern.edu regarding fees and dates.
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  • The COMPASS tests are placement tests consisting of 3 separate exams: Writing, Math, and Reading. Students who take the COMPASS test(s) but are not enrolling at NSU or another South Dakota Board of Regents institution will be charged according to the current mandatory fee structure. Students are allowed to challenge the ACT or COMPASS placement one time only at the current mandated fee. COMPASS sample questions can be found at www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html. For more information, please refer to http://www.northern.edu/about/pages/assessment/compass.aspx. For an appointment, please contact the NSU Assessment Office at 605-626-3290 or e-mail marilyn.zimmerman@northern.edu.
 
  • The Praxis Series™ tests are taken by individuals entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and professional licensing organizations. Information regarding exams, testing dates/centers, etc. can be found at www.ets.org/praxis. The Praxis I (PPST) consists of Reading (0710), Writing (0720), and Math (0730). Praxis II (Content & PLT) information can be found at http://www.doe.sd.gov/oatq/praxis.aspx. NSU administers both Praxis I and Praxis II exams and is capable of administering the test via computer.  For registration questions, contact the School of Education at 605-626-2415 or e-mail blondoa@northern.edu. If you have questions about test day activities (location, reporting time, etc.), contact the Student Affairs office at 605-626-2530 or email mielkej@northern.edu.
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  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), subject or general, is given at various test sites nationwide. Registration information and testing locations can be found at www.ets.org/gre. At this time, NSU does not administer the GRE.
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  • The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-based test administered year-round at various test centers. Log on to www.mba.com for more information. At this time, NSU does not administer the GMAT.
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  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) was converted to a computer-based test in January, 2007. For up-to-date information and testing locations, go to www.aamc.org/mcat. At this time, NSU does not administer the MCAT.

 

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) tests language skills important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success. TOEFL iBT also emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students' ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework. Information (including testing dates) can be found at www.ets.org/toefl.
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  • Students interested in taking the GED should contact the Cornerstones Career Learning Center at 605-626-2298. Individuals looking for GED records should contact the state office in Pierre at 605-773-3101 or log on to http://dlr.sd.gov/workforce_training/ged_testing.aspx for additional information.
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NSU Tests
 
  • The MIS Placement test is given for placement into MIS 105 or MIS 205. For more information, or to schedule an MIS Placement test, please contact the NSU Assessment Office at 605-626-3290 or email marilyn.zimmerman@northern.edu.
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  • Exit Exams - All baccalaureate candidates must complete the appropriate exit exam(s) in their major field(s) of study. Testing should take place in the student's final semester to ensure that relevant material covered on the test will have been covered in coursework. For more information, please refer to http://www.northern.edu/about/pages/assessment/exitexam.aspx, or contact the NSU Assessment Office at 605-626-3290 or e-mail nsuassessment@northern.edu.
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  • The Proficiency Exam (CAAP) is a South Dakota Board of Regents-mandated exam that tests your foundational college skills after 48 credit hours for bachelor degree-seeking students, or 32 credit hours for associate degree-seeking students. Tests are required in writing, mathematics, reading, and science. Passing all 4 sections is required for graduation from any of the state regental institutions. For more information, please refer to http://www.northern.edu/about/pages/assessment/proficiency.aspx, contact the NSU Assessment Office at 605-626-3290, or e-mail nsuassessment@northern.edu.