ALTA Language Proficiency Assessment

Listening & Speaking exams are administered over the phone and designed to assess fluency. You will be asked to answer a variety of questions about general topics. The test allows you to provide examples of your speaking ability and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on the length of your responses.

Reading Comprehension exams are delivered online and designed to assess reading and comprehension proficiency. You will review written passages followed by a series of multiple-choice questions about the content. This exam takes approximately 60 minutes.

The cost varies by exam as follows:

Listening/Speaking (IVR) CBC Campus or Remote: $80 (Interactive Voice Response using an automated menu)

Listening/Speaking (Live) CBC Campus only: $95

Online Reading Comprehension CBC Campus or Remote: $60

Registration will be finalized when payment is made. Payments are non-refundable.

CBC offers ALTA exams both remotely and in person by appointment only.

In-person testing is available at the Assessment Center by appointment only. See the testing dates and times above and register at least one week prior to your preferred date. Failure to pay and finalize registration prior to the registration deadline may affect availability.

Remote testing is available and requires you to register and pay for your exam(s) at least one week prior to your preferred test day. ALTA provides additional dates and times for remote testing. Contact the Assessment Center for more information.

When you're ready to register, email the Assessment Center with the following information:

• Your full name
• Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Email and phone number
• Method of delivery (On Campus or Remote)
• The language(s) you wish to test in
• The test(s) you'd like to take (Listening & Speaking, Reading Comprehension, or both)
• Your preferred testing date/time (see above for dates!)

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Need assistance or accommodations? Call the Assessment Center at 509-542-4860. We're here to help!

We encourage you to contact us at the Assessment Center as soon as possible if you may need to reschedule. Fees are non-refundable if you do not test on time or cancel.

You will be emailed a copy of your results after the ALTA Language evaluation is complete, generally within two business days. Assessment staff are not able to interpret or advise students regarding these results. For more information about interpreting your results, contact the Dental Hygiene program.

ALTA’s approximate assessment lengths are:

Listening/Speaking (IVR): 40 minutes - (Interactive Voice Response)

Listening/Speaking (Live): 30 minutes

Online Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes

ALTA scores do not expire. However, the CBC Assessment Center will retain your score report on file for two years in accordance with Dental Hygiene policy.

Services for qualified students with disabilities are available! Students who have documented learning and/or physical disabilities and need to request testing accommodations may contact CBC Disability Support Services at 509-452-4412, by%20email or by visiting Room T422 of the T Building before scheduling a placement test. 

Learn more!