General Information about Diagnostic Testing

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Educational testing is designed to assess K-12 students for learning disabilities (reading, math, writing, etc.). An assessment can also screen for characteristics of ADHD and mild Autism, but cannot provide a medical diagnosis. Overall, an assessment can provide insight into a student’s learning profile in order to inform their family and educators as they seek to meet their needs.

Assessments occur during the fall and spring semesters. Testing appointments are determined by the class schedule of the graduate students. Testing and parent conferences can only be conducted during these predetermined days and times.

The center is not a full-service clinic, meaning services are limited to when the graduate students and supervisors are scheduled to be here. Clients are required to attend a set of three pre-determined appointments. Only in the case of emergencies, and at the discretion of the clinic director and supervising faculty, will accommodations be attempted for rescheduling.

The cost for testing services is $200. This includes two testing sessions that are approximately 3.5 hours, as well as a 30 minute conference. During the conference, the results of the evaluation and a written report that is reviewed and signed by both the student and the supervising licensed/certified faculty member are presented.

Testing is administered, one-on-one, by a graduate student in the Masters of Arts in Education (School Psychology) program. Students are supervised by a licensed or certified clinician through a one-way mirror.

Each assessment includes a cognitive assessment, which looks at domains such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, visual processing, working memory, long-term memory, and processing speed. Additionally academic achievement tests are given that evaluate a student’s reading, writing, and math abilities. Additional testing is based on the primary referral concern (i.e. memory, auditory processing, reading, attention/concentration, visual processing, etc.).

The CCDS is a training facility for graduate students, therefore full assessments are required for diagnostic testing.

To schedule an appointment, please call CCDS office at 916-278-6252. There is typically a semester long waitlist. In the event of a last minute cancellation we will then go through our waitlist on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you are able to accommodate the cancelled appointment time, your child remain on the waitlist.

This question is asked during the intake process, as to determine educational rights. If separated parents share educational rights, a signed consent form is requested from both parents in order to proceed with testing.

Testing Day Information

It is suggested clients get a full night of sleep and breakfast and/or lunch before testing. If your child wears glasses to read, we request they are brought to both appointments. Any medications your child usually takes should continue to be taken on the test day. We also recommend bringing a snack and water for your child to enjoy during breaks. The temperature can vary inside the testing room, so dressing in layers is recommended.

The closest parking is available at Parking Structure 1. Permits can be purchased from a kiosk on the 5th floor. Permits available include an all-day pass for $7 and a 2-hour pass for $4. Place the permit on your dashboard. Guest parking is available in any of the spots indicating “students/daily permit”.

Payment for services is managed by the Bursar’s Office located on the campus. Payment can be made online or at the Bursar’s Office. Online payment instructions will be emailed to you approximately a week before your appointment.

What To Do After Testing Information

Our results do not guarantee services from your child’s school; however, they can be used to provide evidence to your school/school district, or be shared with your child’s.

Test results are only shared with the parent or legal guardian of the child. Results will only be shared with third party entities (i.e., school, medical doctor, etc.) if an authorization to release information form is filled out by the parent/legal guardian. Results will only be shared without consent if a court ordered subpoena is served or if a mandated reporting situation arises (i.e., child abuse, harm to self or others, etc.).

GATE Testing: General Information

GATE testing involves a 3-hour cognitive assessment. A cognitive test evaluates students’ abilities in areas such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, visual processing, working memory, long-term memory, and processing speed.

The GATE testing fee is $75 for one testing session that lasts approximately 3 hours. It also includes a 30 minute conference where the caregiver is presented results from the evaluation and is given a written report.

Testing is administered, one-on-one, by a graduate student in the Masters of Arts in Education (School Psychology) program. Students are supervised by a licensed or certified clinician through a one-way mirror.

Assessments occur only during the CSUS spring semester (January-May). Our testing appointments are determined by the class schedule of the graduate students. Testing and parent conferences can only be conducted during these predetermined days/times.

To schedule an appointment, please call 916-278-6252.

We encourage parents to contact their school district’s GATE coordinator to find out which tests they accept prior to scheduling an appointment. Requests for specific cognitive assessments are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

GATE Testing Day Information

We suggest your child get a full night of sleep and eat breakfast and/or lunch before testing. If your child wears glasses to read, we request they are brought to both appointments. Any medications your child usually takes should continue to be taken on the test day. We also recommend bringing a snack and water for your child to enjoy during breaks. The temperature can vary inside the testing room, so dressing in layers is recommended.

This question is asked during the intake process, as to determine educational rights. If separated parents share educational rights, a signed consent form is requested from both parents in order to proceed with testing.

The closest parking is available at Parking Structure 1. Permits available include an all-day pass for $7 and a 2-hour pass for $4. Place the permit on your dashboard. You can park in any spots designated for students/daily permit.

Payment for services is managed by the Bursar’s Office located on the campus. Payment can be made online or at the Bursar’s Office. Online payment instructions will be emailed to you approximately a week before your appointment.

What to do after GATE testing information

Results do not guarantee GATE program admittance from your child’s school; however, they can be used to provide evidence to your school/school district. Test results are widely accepted in most school districts in the Sacramento region.