Enrollment Information
All Programs Require Testing for Enrollment
In order to enroll in either an Academic, English as a Second Language (ESL), or Career Technical Education (CTE) program, students are required to take a Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) exam at the time of registration. The purpose of this pre-enrollment assessment is one of the following:
1) To ensure a student is properly placed into the correct ESL level.
2) To ensure a student is prepared for the academic rigors of a career technical or academic program.
3) To learn what academic gaps exist for students so that the school can provide support to address those gaps.
Career Technical Entrance Requirements
Requirements for IET Healthcare Programs
AtTo further support student success, MCAS is enhancing its career technical education entrance requirements to ensure students begin their programs with a strong and sustainable academic foundation. For its Integrated Education and Training (IET) healthcare programs, MCAS utilizes initial placement assessments to identify students who may benefit from targeted English language support. By providing these essential resources early on, we address potential challenges proactively, promote student achievement, and help ensure all participants are well-positioned to reach their education and career goals.
Assessments Administered and Required Minimum Scores for IET Healthcare Programs
Pre-Certification Nurse Assisting - CASAS Reading 6th grade / CASAS Listening 6th grade
Medical Assisting* - CASAS Reading 9th grade / CASAS Math 9th grade
Pharmacy Technician* - CASAS Reading 9th grade / CASAS Math 9th grade
*Students must also pass a computer literacy assessment or enroll in a computer support course.
Students who do not meet the established entry requirements, may be eligible to enroll with additional academic support through co-enrollment in complementary programs. Depending on individual assessment results, students may also be required to complete Literacy and Healthcare Bridge courses to build essential skills, strengthen academic preparedness, and support successful program completion.
Other MCAS CTE programs require the CASAS 130 for entry. Below are the levels required.
A+ Certification - ELA 9 / Math 9
Construction - ELA 6 / Math 6
Home Care Aide - ELA 5 / Math 5
Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialis - ELA 9 / Math 9
Security - ELA 6 / Math 6
Programs that require HS Diploma or equivalency
Medical Assisting, Peer Support Specialist, Pharmacy Technician and Armed Security.
The above programs require participants to possess a high school diploma (HSD) or high school equivalency (HSE) to meet applicable licensure or certification requirements. Students who have not yet earned an HSD or HSE may be eligible to co-enroll in an MCAS HSD/HSE program provided they demonstrate the academic readiness necessary to successfully participate in both programs concurrently.