The College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST)

The CLAST is administered in all Florida community colleges/state universities. The exam:

• Has been adopted by Florida's State Board of Education
• Measures your communication and mathematics skills
• Determines if you meet the minimum standards for a sophomore in Florida's college/university system

The CLAST consists of four subtests:

• Essay: For this subtest, students are required to write an essay on one of two provided topics.
• English Language Skills: This subtest measures students' grammatical, spelling, sentence structure and word choice skills.
• Reading: The reading subtest determines students' reading comprehension skills (how well you understand what you've read).
• Mathematics: This test measures students' math skills, from basic mathematical problems to fundamental algebra.

When Can I Take the CLAST?

The CLAST exam will be offered at SCC for the final time in June.

• Regular Test Date: Saturday, June 6, 2009
• Alternate Test Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2009 (available if a religious holiday precludes Saturday testing)

The deadline to register for June 2009 testing was May 8, 2009. Applications are no longer being accepted for the CLAST exam.

Why Do I Need to Take the CLAST?

By Florida law, you are required to take the CLAST before you can be:

• Awarded an Associate in Arts degree from a community college or state university
• Admitted to upper-division status (junior and senior levels) at a state college or university

Do I Qualify for a CLAST Exemption?

• Students who have earned a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in selected postsecondary-level courses may be exempt from taking the CLAST.
• You must satisfy the SCC general education requirements in English and/or math by earning at least a 2.5 GPA in each subject, with a minimum of six semester hours of credit in English and/or math.
• To determine your eligibility, you must complete the CLAST Exemption Form, attach your unofficial transcript with the applicable courses and grades highlighted, and return these documents to the Assessment and Testing Office (Building A, Room A-107) for review. A decision will be made on your request within seven days after you submit the appropriate documentation.

How Do I Take the CLAST?

CLAST sessions (paper/pencil version) are held three times each year, and students must register before taking the exam. In most cases, students will register at the institution in which they are enrolled when they take the exam or at the institution from which they plan to receive their degree.

Florida's Commissioner of Education determines the registration deadlines and test dates for written CLAST sessions. You must register before the deadline, or you cannot take the test. Late and standby registrations or test walk-ins are not permitted for the written CLAST.

The CAT-CLAST is a computerized version of the CLAST and can be taken on a walk-in basis at the Assessment and Testing Center. The test takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Visit the testing center during normal hours of operation and give yourself plenty of time to finish the test before the office closes.

• Reading (first time): 50 minutes
• Reading (retake): 2 hours and 40 minutes
• English Language Skills (first time): 30 minutes
• English Language Skills (retake): 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Mathematics (first time): 90 minutes
• Mathematics (retake): 3 hours

Under What Conditions Might a CLAST Waiver or Course Substitution Be Considered?

CLAST waivers or course substitutions are given only in rare cases and are based on a student's:

• Proficiency in coursework (permitted only after four or more attempts to pass the CLAST subtests).
• Inability to pass the reading, English language skills or essay subtests because the student speaks English as a second or foreign language.
• Specific learning disability (see condition No. 3 on the CLAST Waiver and Course Substitution Form).

Is There a Fee to Take the CLAST or CAT-CLAST Exam?

CLAST*

• SCC Students: Free!
• Non-SCC Students: $35

CAT-CLAST*

• SCC Students: $10
• Non-SCC Students: $30

* Prices are subject to change.

When Is the CAT-CLAST Offered?

Please click your preferred testing site below for exam hours:

• Sanford/Lake Mary Campus
• Altamonte Springs Campus
• Oviedo Campus

Where Can I Learn More about the CLAST?

• Call 407.708.2337 to speak with an SCC counselor.
• Visit the Florida Department of Education's Web site.
• Call the Assessment and Testing Center at 407.708.2020.

Did you know?

First time college students entering a college-credit program are required to take the ACT, SAT or CPT exams.