Student Guide - North Island College

Student services
Placement Testing
Most NIC programs accept placement testing at the
appropriate level as meeting a course or program requirement.
Placement testing is available to applicants who do not
have access to their high school transcript and would like to
demonstrate that they have the academic skill levels required
for entrance into a program. Applicants may also use the
testing results and recommendations to help them determine
other programs or courses that would suit their educational
background and abilities.
The tests used are not examinations but are reading, writing,
and math activities that can help the student plan for success.
Please visit our website to access the Math Review Booklet and
the English test review material www.nic.bc.ca/assessments.
Mathematics placement test results are valid for 18 months
following the date of testing.
English placement tests are valid for 36 months following the
date of testing.
Testing is offered on a regularly scheduled basis and can be
arranged by contacting the local campuses. Testing fees apply
and are published in the Other Types of Fees section of this
guide.
Recognition for Prior Learning (PLA)
NIC recognizes that adult learners acquire knowledge and skills
through life and work experiences and study unassociated
with formal education. Through the Prior Learning Assessment
and the Recognition (PLAR) processes, NIC will assess both
knowledge and skills and will grant credit and/or recognition
for learning that is equivalent to NIC courses/ programs.
Credits for prior learning will appear on official NIC transcripts.
Fees will be charged for prior learning assessment and
recognition. Applicants are advised to contact the Coordinator
of Assessment Services for further information.
Invigilation Services
North Island College Assessment Services provides exam
invigilation for North Island College courses, other educational
institutions and outside agencies that have testing needs.
Invigilation of GED, Prometric, and IT Certification Exams is
available through North Island College’s Assessment Services.
Sittings are scheduled and prior booking is required.
General Education Development Tests
The General Education Development Tests (GED) are
provincially administered tests in English, Social Studies,
Natural Sciences, Literature and Mathematics. Successful
completion of the tests results in a BC General Education
Development certificate which may be accepted as a basic
educational requirement by some employers and institutions.
GED Testing sessions are held throughout the College region
several times each year. Please contact your local campus for
the current testing schedule. The GED application forms
are available online thru the Ministry of Education
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/ged
Applicants for the tests must:
1. Be 19 or older at the time of application
2. Have been a BC resident for at least six months
3. Have been out of secondary school for at least one year
Note: GED Testing does not provide an equivalent to academic
Grade 12 and a GED certificate is not accepted for entry into
many College programs.
Counselling & advising
Aboriginal Student Services
Aboriginal students are welcome to see any of the college’s
educational advisors and counsellors free of charge. In
addition, aboriginal student advisors are available to
assist students in developing educational plans, liaise with
instructors, or contact aboriginal sponsorship organizations.
Campus orientation tours can be provided and each advisor
has scheduled drop-in times, check with your local campus
for dates and times. If you wish to meet with an aboriginal
student advisor, having registered status is not a requirement
for eligibility. For more information, contact NIC’s aboriginal
student advisor at your local campus.
Counsellors
About us
The members of NIC’s counselling staff have backgrounds in
Counselling Psychology, Education, Educational Psychology,
Organizational Leadership and Conflict Resolution. Counselling
Services are available to all students. Our professionallytrained
counselling staff is available to help students who are
experiencing difficulties with their studies. Counsellors also
assist students with issues of a personal nature which may be
affecting their ability to be successful in their courses. Crisis
Counselling is also available.
Students who are undecided about their career or educational
goals may see a counsellor for assistance. Workshops in
areas such as stress-management, study skills, and time
management are offered throughout the year. Contact the
counselling services at your local campus for more information.
Our goal is to help you reach your goal!
16 2013/14 student guide