Preparing For Your COVID-19 Test

Click the link below to view each step or scroll down to view them all.

  • Step 1 - Select a Testing Location

  • Step 2 - Register for Inspire Testing Lab

  • Step 3 - Arriving to the testing site

  • Step 4 - Wait for results via text/email

Step #1: Select a Testing Location

All locations are providing PCR tests. Antigen tests are available to students and staff needing to return to school after testing positive or an exposure.

Testing is Free and Available in Aptos, Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz and Watsonville


    • Cabrillo College, Parking Lot R (Park & Walk Up)- 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. 95003

        • Monday, Tues. Thurs. and Friday: 9 – 4 pm

        • Wednesday: 9- 5 pm

        • Saturdays: 9 – 2 pm

    • San Lorenzo Valley District Office (Park & Walk Up)- 325 Marion Ave, Ben Lomond, CA 95005

        • Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 12 – 4 pm

    • Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Drive-Thru) - 399 Encinal St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

        • Monday, Tues. Thurs. and Friday: 9– 4 pm

        • Wednesday: 9- 5 pm

        • Saturdays: 9– 2 pm

    • Pajaro Valley Unified School District (Drive-Thru) - 294 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076

        • Monday, Tues. Thurs. and Friday: 9 – 4 pm

        • Wednesday: 9- 5 pm

    • Salud Para La Gente (Park & Walk Up), 204 E Beach St. Watsonville, CA 95076

        • Monday - Friday: 9- 4 pm

        • Saturdays: 9– 2 pm

Santa Cruz County Office of Education Annex

399 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz

The testing site is at parking lot, entrance is right off of Dubois Street.

Salud Para La Gente

204 E Beach St. Watsonville

The testing site is outside Salud Para La Gente's main entrance. Please park in the back parking lot. Street parking is also available.

Step #2: Register for Inspire Testing Lab

You will only need to register once. Each individual wanting to test will need to register.

Students and staff will need to select their school district and school site on the left side of the panel.

All parents and families will use the community member registration.

After registering, you will be sent a QR code via email and text message. Please save this QR Code. Every time you would like to test, you will need to show this QR code. Please have it accessible when you arrive at the testing site.

Step #3: Arriving at the Testing Site

All COVID-19 tests are nasal swab PCR tests administered by a trained professional. You can request to self-swab.

All testing locations are drive thru, with the exception of Cabrillo.

Please have your individual QR code from step #2 ready when you arrive. The QR code was emailed and texted to you. You will need this QR code every time you test. You are able to test at any location with the QR code.

Step #4: Wait for Test Results

You will receive an email and text message informing you that your COVID-19 test result is available to view. Test results will be available next day.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions on the testing process.