1.  Submit an Application for Admission to Gavilan College.  Processing time is approximately 5 business days.  On the 4th day after you submit your application, begin attempting to log in to Self Service Banner to receive your Gavilan ID number.  (Instructions for logging in to Self Service Banner are on our website  www.gavilan.edu)

2.  Once you have a Gavilan ID number, you may click on "request an assessment test" and fill out the online registration form--include a valid email address to receive confirmation of your reservation.  (Students are required to reserve a seat for the assessment.)

3.  On the day of the assessment, arrive 30 minutes BEFORE the test.  Students who arrive late WILL BE turned away and will be required to reschedule.

4.  Bring your Gavilan ID number and a Photo ID.  (Valid photo ID includes California Driver's LIcense or Identification Card, Military ID, Passport, or current Student Body Card).

5.  Take the assessment.  Scores will be available within 2 business days.

6.  To receive scores, go to the Counseling Dept., Admissions & Records or either of the sites (Hollister or Morgan Hill) with a photo ID for a printout of your scores.  Due to FERPA privacy laws, only the student (even if considered a minor) may pick up the scores--family members will not be issued this printout.  Scores will not be given out over the phone or via email.

NOTE:  Calculators and/or dictionaries of any kind, cell phones, watches, pagers or any other wireless devices are not allowed in the testing room.  Assessment staff WILL provide pencils for students.

Federal regulations require students  who do not have a high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) certificate or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and who are applying for financial aid, to take an Ability to Benefit assessment.  If  you have a high school diploma (or equivalent) from another country you are exempt. 

The Ability to Benefit schedule is listed below. 

Call or come by the Financial Aid Office 408-848-4727 (SC124) to sign up for a session.  Times and locations are subject to change and additional times may be added. Students taking the Ability to Benefit test must valid picture ID, Gavilan ID number, a copy of their class schedule and the yellow referral slip from the Financial Aid Office to be admitted to the testing room.

       Confirm time and location with the Assessment Center in MP- 101, 408-846-4992 prior to testing date.

Reminder - ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE BOTH ENGLISH & MATH ASSESSMENTS.  Remember to complete a high school contract.  You will bring your completed high school contract when you meet with a Gavilan College counselor.

The following dates and times have been scheduled for your high school.  Contact the Counseling Department or Career Center at your high school to schedule an appointment.

Students, age 18 and over and who are out of high school, who have an AA degree or higher, are enrolling for fewer than 6.0 units, have accumulated fewer than 12.0 units in transfer courses and do not plan to earn a certificate or degree, are exempt from the orientation and placement assessment requirement. You still have the right to take advantage of these services and we encourage you to do so.

The Assessment Office offers proctoring services for students enrolled in distance learning courses.  There is an hourly charge of $25.00 per hour for these services. Call (408) 846-4992 for more information.

Parking permits are required at the Main campus in Gilroy:

Monday - Thursday 7:00 am -11:00 pm and Friday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Permits are available from coin-operated machines located in each parking lot.  

There is no charge for parking at the Hollister or Morgan Hill sites.                         

Download Ability to Benefit Test Information and Practice Tests in pdf format

(Requires Acrobat Reader, click here to download)