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Assessment Testing
ACCUPLACER/Computerized Placement Tests (CPTS)
For more information about ACCUPLACER/Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs) please call 320-308-5089.
The Purpose of the ACCUPLACER Test
The Computerized Placement Tests (CPT's) which may also be referred to as ACCUPLACER, is a series of short basic academic skills tests developed by The College Board Company. This assessment allows you and the college staff to work together to help you succeed in your educational program. There is generally no “passing score”. Rather, CPT scores indicate basic academic skills in which you are strong, and areas in which you may need help. CPT's help you to determine the English, reading and mathematics courses most appropriate for you.
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On What Subjects Will I Be Tested?
- Reading Comprehension
- Measures your understanding of what you read.
- Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, and College Level Mathematics
- Measures your understanding of mathematics through problem solving.
- Sentence Skills
- Measures your understanding of how sentences are put together and what makes them complete.
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How Will I Take The Test?
The CPT's are administered on a personal computer. Previous use of a personal computer is helpful, but not essential. You will read the instructions and questions on the computer's monitor and select your answers using the computer's keyboard or mouse. A test administrator will be available to assist you when you begin the test, and to help explain your test results upon completion. Make sure you know your Social Security Number when you come to test. It is important to give the test your best effort. If you earn low scores you may be required to take developmental courses.
The test is not timed, so you may take all the time you need. Each subtest is designed using “adaptive techniques” which means the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your answers to prior questions. This technique "zeroes-in" on just the right
right questions to ask you without being too easy or too difficult.
Test questions will appear one at a time on the computer screen. Most questions are multiple choice. When you have completed the question and verified your answer, a new screen will appear with your next question. Unlike a paper-and-pencil test, once you have answered, verified and moved on to the next test question you will not be able to return to a test question. You cannot omit any question or come back later to change an answer. If you are not certain of an answer, try to eliminate one or more of the choices and then pick the best from those remaining.
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Testing Regulations
Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators, or other materials of any kind (except scratch paper provided by the test administrator for use with the mathematics tests) are not allowed in the testing room. Further, anyone who gives or receives help during the test or uses notes, books or study aids of any kind, will not be allowed to continue the test. Following the test, no scratch paper or test materials may be removed from the room. The college may cancel any test score if there is reason to question its validity.
A picture ID will be required to take the test. Please bring appropriate identification to your test session.
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Score Reporting
When you complete the test you will be given a printed copy of your “Individual Score Report”. It is very important that you keep it for your records because it will tell you what courses you should consider or may be required to take. It is also proof that you have taken the test. Please bring it with you for counseling or advising sessions, and when you register for classes.
The "Individual Score Report" will include your Total Right Score, Range, and Percentile Rank.
The Total Right Score shows how many of the questions you could expect to answer correctly if you took a test made up of 120 questions. This test score is a statistical estimate, not an exact measure of your skills.
The Range tells you how accurate your score is. If you took the test a second time you could expect your new score to fall somewhere within the Range that is shown.
The Percentile Rank compares your score with the scores of typical students entering college who completed tests composed of similar questions. For example, a Percentile Rank of 70 means that your score is higher than an average of 70 out of 100 individuals who completed the test.
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Special Arrangements For Students With Disabilities
If you need accommodations (e.g. reader, scribe, interpreter, audiotape, large print) in order to take the test due to a disability or temporary disabling condition please call 320-308-5406 at least three weeks prior to your proposed test date. Documentation from an appropriate licensed medical practitioner or agency may be required before accommodations can be arranged.
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If English is NOT your first language
If English is not your first language and you do not qualify to be exempted from testing, as indicated above, please call 320-308-5406 or 1-800-222-1009 ext. 5406 to schedule yourself for the non-native English speaking student test at least three weeks prior to your proposed test date.
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Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to enroll@sctc.edu
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