Computerized Placement Test FAQ's

What is entry-level assessment? What is the CPT (also known as Accuplacer)? What are the requirements for entry-level placement? Who must take a placement test? Is the CPT required for students with ACT and/or SAT scores? Are transfer students required to take the CPT? When and where are the tests given? Are there any fees for taking the CPT? Are there special arrangements for students with disabilities? What should I bring on the day of the tests?

What are the testing regulations? What is a placement test and how does the CPT work? What should I do to prepare for the test? Is there a tutorial for how to use the computer keyboard and mouse? How will the computer deliver the testing? What is adaptive testing? Should I guess on questions that I don't know? What should I do at the end of the test? What if I have questions about being placed in certain courses?

What is an entry-level assessment?

At Seminole Community College, entry assessment consists of the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test, also known as the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) from the College Board. The tests contain areas of sentence skills, reading skills, elementary algebra and possibly college-level mathematics. Students may also present American College Testing (ACT) scores or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores as alternative placement test scores. The SCC Catalog contains minimum scores for placement into college credit level as opposed to college preparatory courses.

What is the CPT?

• Nationally normed test, customized and delivered by educational institutions.
• Fast, accurate determination of whether a student has the skills to take a freshman course or would benefit most from preparatory work.
• Extensively used by community colleges, four-year colleges and technical schools around the world.
• Also known as Accuplacer.

What are the requirements for entry-level placement?

FTIC, full-time or part-time students must complete the CPT or another state approved entry assessment as indicated:

• Prior to participating in new student orientation/advisement and registration if they are a degree-seeking student (A.A., A.S. degree or college credit certificate program).
• Prior to registration for the first session if they are an academic enrichment, dual enrollment or early admissions student.
• Prior to registration for any course that has a specific entry placement score as a prerequisite.
• Entry assessment scores must be less than two years old.

Who must take a placement test?

All first time in college, degree-seeking students at SCC must take a placement test in the skill areas of English, reading and mathematics, in accordance with Florida's State Board of Education (SBE) regulations, except transfer students with English, math and/or reading courses completed. The SBE requires the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test (CPT) known nationally as Accuplacer Online, and has approved Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) test scores to be used as alternatives.

Is the CPT required for students with ACT and/or SAT scores?

The CPT establishes the most accurate placement levels, and therefore it is recommended; however, the ACT or SAT scores may be used as alternatives when taken within two years of planned attendance. The CPT is required for students whose SAT or ACT scores placed them into developmental or college preparatory English, math or reading courses.

Are transfer students required to take the CPT?

Transfer students who have successfully completed an English course in college prep are exempt from the sentence skills test. Likewise, students who have completed a college mathematics course would not take the mathematics test; and students with college prep reading courses taken at another college would be exempt from the reading test. These students would be placed based on transfer credit rather than test scores, and would work with enrollment services advisers and counselors for placement until transfer credits are evaluated by the Registrar's staff.

If transfer students have not successfully completed an English, math and/or reading course at a previous college, then CPT tests would be required in those respective subjects.

When and where are the tests given?

Test are given on a walk-in basis, Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The CPT is given in the Assessment/Testing Centers on two campuses. The Sanford/Lake Mary Campus Assessment/Testing Center, in the Student Services Center, Building A, room 107A, and The Assessment/Testing Center on the Oviedo Campus, located in the Student Services Building.

Are there any fees for taking the CPT?

For first time in college (FTIC) students, there is no separate fee for the CPT. Non-SCC students, who are not applying for SCC admission, should contact the Assessment/Testing Center regarding their $25 CPT testing fee.

Are there special arrangements for students with disabilities?

SCC does special testing accommodations for students who have documented disabilities. Documentation must be provided to the Disability Support Center prior to the testing date with enough time to determine the appropriate accommodations. Testing accommodations are made on an individual basis. Documentation brought on the testing day will not be honored. Students with temporary disabilities must also be pre-approved for appropriate testing accommodations.

What should I bring on the day of the tests?

On the test day you need to bring a government or state issued photo ID or a SCC student ID and your student ID number provided by Admissions. The test is taken on a computer, but scratch paper and pencil are provided to work out your answers.

What are the testing regulations?

Before taking the tests you will present your SCC ID or your photo ID, sign in and receive testing regulations orally. After receiving the verbal testing regulations and test directions, you will then be seated at the computer station to take the tests. Failure to follow the testing regulations or test directions could void your test scores. No cell phones or calculators are permitted in the testing area.

What is a placement test and how does the CPT work?

The CPT identifies a student's English, math and reading courses, including college preparatory courses, according to SBE cut scores. No matter how a student performs on the test, the College has a course to begin the learning sequence in that subject.

The purpose of a placement test is to assess your current skill level so that you begin your college career at a level that is neither too easy nor too hard.

What should I do to prepare for the test?

Use the online practice tests to give you a better understanding of how the test "looks and feels."

Is there a tutorial for how to use the computer keyboard and mouse?

"If you are not comfortable using a computer keyboard or mouse, you may want to take the tutorial available on the Internet at http://www.collegeboard.org. Ask a friend or adviser to help you." (The Accuplacer Online Student Guide, 2002.) Computers with Internet access are available to students on all SCC Campuses.

How will the computer deliver the testing?

A computer will be used when taking the test. You will use the mouse to enter your answers. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided for the math test. There is no essay part of the test. A Test Proctor will always be present should you have any questions or problems. The Test Proctor has the ability to resolve any difficulties that may occur.

What is adaptive testing?

"Each test is adaptive. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique selects just the right questions to ask without being too easy or too difficult. Each test is untimed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, once you have selected and confirmed your answer, you cannot return to that question." (The Accuplacer Online Student Guide, 2002.)

Should I guess on questions that I don't know?

"The CPT (Accuplacer) is an adaptive test. This means that the questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. You can change your answer to a particular question before moving on to the next question, but you cannot leave a question out or come back to it later to change your answer. Once you go on to the next question you cannot return to the question. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick from the remaining choices." (The Accuplacer Online Student Guide, 2002.)

What should I do at the end of the test?

At the end of the test you will be prompted to locate the Test Proctor. The Test Proctor will print your test scores and the test results will be forwarded to Counseling Advising and Educational Planning (CEPD).

What if I have questions about being placed in certain courses?

When you meet with your adviser or counselor, ask for an explanation about placement, the reasons for your being placed into certain courses is based on your test scores and SCC's minimum scores.