State-Mandated Tests

The State of Florida requires that students take certain standardized tests before they can:

• Enter or exit a program
• Earn a degree, certificate or license
• Practice a trade or enter a profession

The following are the most commonly taken state-mandated exams.

Computerized Placement Test (CPT)

The CPT is:

• Required for all students entering college-credit programs if they do not have valid ACT and/or SAT scores
• Used only for placement purposes in most college-credit programs

CPT Fees:

• First time (SCC students): Free!
• Retakes (SCC students): $10 (individual or complete test)
• All attempts (non-SCC students): $25

Students Required to Test:

All degree-seeking first-time-in-college students and all college credit certificate-seeking students who wish to register in more than 12 cumulative credits must take the CPT. Such students may not register for any credit course at SCC until they have a set of complete scores on file. This includes students who hold only a vocational credit certificate.

• All students who register for any English or mathematics course.
• All students seeking dual enrollment.
• All students who took a placement examination more than two years ago, whose scores were used for placement, but who have not yet passed a course in the corresponding subject area. Students who placed into the lowest levels (REA 0001C, ENC 0002C, or MAT0012C) do not need to retest in the corresponding subject area.
• All students who cannot provide ACT, SAT or CPT official scores or scores on an official transcript by the date of their orientation must take the CPT.

Students Exempted From CPT Testing:

Students are exempt from taking the CPT, unless needed as a prerequisite for a specific course, if they provide written documentation for one of the following:

• Official ACT or SAT scores less than two years old that place the student into college-level coursework at SCC:
  • SAT scores of 440 or above on verbal/critical reading or 440 or above on math for placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
  • ACT scores of 18 or above in reading, or 17 or above in English, or 19 or above in math for placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
  • If multiple test results are on record, the highest subtest scores are used.
  • Any score presented that is below what is needed for exemption will require the student to be tested on the appropriate CPT subtest(s).
  • Students who have already registered in a mathematics course (and are past the 100 percent refund deadline) are not eligible to take the CPT mathematics subtest.
• Attended a regionally-accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction and completed college-level or the highest college-preparatory-level coursework, as evaluated by SCC, in English and/or mathematics with a grade of C or higher.
• Have an A.A., bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction and have submitted official transcripts to SCC for review.
• Official SCC record indicates that the student is enrolled in another college or university and has applied to SCC as a transient student.
• Official SCC record indicates that the student is enrolled for teacher recertification.
• Official SCC record indicates that the student is enrolled for a vocational program, Adult High School, ABE/GED, a community education course or a continuing education course.

• College preparatory courses have a first digit of zero (0). They do not count toward a degree. However, these courses do count toward eligibility for VA benefits, financial aid and interscholastic athletics. Rule 6A-10.315 also requires students to begin college prep courses during their first 12 hours at SCC.
• This rule does not give SCC the authority to make exceptions to the requirement.
• Rule 6A- 10.315 limits students to three attempts to pass each college prep course, including original grades, repeat grades and withdrawals. Upon the third attempt, the student is assessed the full cost of instruction, is not permitted to withdraw and receives a grade for the course. The student may petition to waive the full cost of instruction due to extenuating circumstances or financial hardship by requesting a "Petition for Administrative Record Change" (non-refundable) form at the registration/records counter in the Student Services Building.

CPT 2009-2010 English Placement Scores: 

To be valid, test scores must be less than two years old.

• CPT Reading Score
  • 20 - 41 = TABE for reading placement
  • 42 - 52 = REA 0001C or LOEP for EAP placement
  • 53 - 82 = REA 0002C or LOEP for EAP placement
  • > 83 = No prep reading required

• CPT Sentence Skills Score
  • 20 - 82 = ENC 0001C or LOEP for EAP placement
  • > 83 = No prep writing required

• CPT Reading and Sentence Skills Score
  • > 83 = ENC 1101

Note: Preparatory English and reading must be completed prior to entering English I and/or any Gordon Rule Course.

CPT 2009-2010 Mathematics Placement Scores

To be valid, test scores must be less than two years old.

• CPT Elementary Algebra Score
  • 20 - 46 = Use arithmetic score below. If no arithmetic score, then MAT 0012C
  • 47 - 71 = MAT 0024C: Basic Algebra or MAT 0020C: Integrated Math
  • 72 - 120 = Use College Level Math (CLM) score below. If no CLM, then MAT 1033: Intermediate Algebra

• CPT Arithmetic Score
  • 20 - 24 = ABE Math
  • 25 - 74 = MAT 0012C: Fund. & Algebra or MAT 0020C: Integrated Math
  • 75 - 120 = MAT 0024C: Basic Algebra

• CPT College Level Math (CLM) Score
  • 20 - 39 = MAT 1033: Intermediate Algebra
  • 40 - 62 = MAC 1105: College Algebra or MGF 1106: College Mathematics MGF 1107: Liberal Arts Math or STA 2023: Statistics
  • 63 - 96 = MAC 1140*: Pre-Calc Algebra or MAC 1114*: Trigonometry MAC 2233*: Concepts of Calculus
  • 97 - 120 = MAC 2311*: Calculus I

* These courses are rigorous. All students registering for them are encouraged to e-mail Math Department Chair Lane Vosbury or call 407.708.2252 to set up a meeting prior to the start of class.

American College Testing (ACT)

The ACT is:

• An acceptable placement exam that allows students to meet the state-mandated college-credit entry requirement.
• Replaceable by the CPT if students wish to challenge their ACT placement.

SCC is a national ACT testing center and offers the test four times each year.

ACT 2009-2010 Placement Scores:

To be valid, test scores must be less than two years old.

• ACT Reading Score
  • 18 or above = No prep reading required
  • 17 or below = CPT required

• ACT English Score
  • 17 or above = No prep writing required = CPT required

• ACT Reading and English Score*
  • 18 or above in Reading and 17 or above in English = ENC 1101 (English I)

• ACT Mathematics Score

  • 18 or below = CPT required
  • 19**** - 24 = MAT 1033 (Intermediate Algebra) or CPT
  • 25 - 28 = MAC 1105 (College Algebra)**, or STA 2023 (Statistics), or MGF 1106 (College Mathematics), or MGF 1107 (Liberal Arts Math), or CPT
  • 29 - 30 = MAC 1140 (Pre-Calc Algebra)***, or MAC 1114 (Trigonometry)***, or MAC 2233 (Concepts of Calculus).*** Otherwise, MAC 1105 (College Algebra)**, or MGF 1106 (College Mathematics), or MGF 1107 (Liberal Arts Math), or STA 2023 (Statistics)
  • 31 or above = For entrance into MAC 2311,*** Calculus I or higher, students must take CPT - College Level Math (CLM) portion only MAC 1140: Pre-Calc Algebra*** or MAC 1114: Trigonometry*** or MAC 2233: Concepts of Calculus***

NOTE: Students must have BOTH scores to be eligible for English I. Students who take MAC 1105 and who are going on to Calculus will take the following sequence: MAC 1105-> MAC 1140->MAC 1114->MAC 2311.

*** These courses are rigorous and all students registering for them are encouraged to meet with the Math Department Chair, Mr. Lane Vosbury, ext. 2252 prior to starting class.

**** It is to the student's best interest and our strong recommendation that if their scores fall within 19 - 21 that the student takes the CPT for appropriate placement. ACT scores are invalid after two years, therefore the ACT must have been taken "after" the following dates: for Fall registration: 8-28-06; for Spring registration: 1-8-07; and for Summer registration: 5-8-07.

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

The SAT is:

• An acceptable placement exam that allows students to meet the state-mandated college-credit entry requirement.
• Replaceable by the CPT if students wish to challenge their SAT scores.
• A commonly required admissions test throughout the United States.

General Education Diploma Exam (GED)

The GED is a national testing program that provides an alternative method to obtain a high school equivalency diploma. SCC is a national GED testing center, and any Florida resident without a high school diploma is eligible to take the GED at SCC.

GED Fees:

• First Time: $70
• Retakes: $14
• Language Arts (writing only): $16

The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

The TABE is a basic skills exam that meets the state-mandated entry requirements for:

• Non-college-credit career programs;
• Adult Basic Education programs;
• The GED preparation program;
• SCC's Adult High School.

TABE Fees (Non-SCC students):

• Survey Form: $25
• Complete Battery: $40
• Retakes: $25

Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS)

The CASAS:

• Assists in the class placement of non-native English speakers.
• Meets the state-mandated entry requirement for students entering SCC's ESOL Program.

Level of English Proficiency Test (LOEP)

The LOEP:

• Assists in the class placement of non-native English speakers.
• Meets entry requirements for students entering SCC's English Language Institute.
• Places students in English for Academic Purposes Program and pre-English I courses.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL:

• Is for international students who are studying in countries where North American English is the language of instruction.
• Assists in the class placement of non-native English speakers.
• Meets entry requirements for students entering SCC's English Language Institute.

College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST)

The CLAST:

• Is required to complete an Associate in Arts degree at all public Florida institutions
• Must be taken at the end of the sophomore year
• Is required of all junior-level or above students in the Florida public university system

CLAST Fees:

• SCC students: Free! 
• Non-SCC students: $35
• Retakes (SCC students) Individual or complete test: $10

CAT-CLAST Fees:

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

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP is a nationally recognized exam, and passing it certifies a student's competency in various college subjects. SCC is a national CLEP test center, and it offers the exam for anyone in the Central Florida community who is eligible to take it.

CLEP Fees:

• Testing: $70
• Registration: $15

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Test (DANTES)

The DANTES is a nationally recognized testing program that was initially designed for military veterans and reservists. Passing the exam certifies a student's competency in various college subjects. SCC is a national DANTES test center, and it offers the exam for anyone in the Central Florida community who is eligible to take it.

DANTES Fees:

• Testing: $70
• Registration: $15

High School Competency Test (HSCT)

The HSCT is a State of Florida-required exam that students must pass to obtain a high school diploma. SCC is an HSCT testing center, and it offers the exam for anyone in the Central Florida community who is eligible to take it.

Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)

The FCAT is a State of Florida-required exam that students must pass to obtain a high school diploma. It must be taken by students that began ninth grade in the 1999-2000 school year or after, even if continuous enrollment was not maintained. SCC is an FCAT testing center, and it offers the exam for anyone in the Central Florida community who is eligible to take it.

Florida Teachers' Certification Exam (FTCE)

The FTCE is required for students to earn a Florida Teaching Certificate. Students must register through the Florida Department of Education in Tallahassee and pass various parts of the exam to teach a specific subject area. SCC is an FTCE test center.

Did you know?

SCC's Assessment and Testing Center administers a variety of tests, including state mandated entry and exit exams, specialty exams to earn college credits and professional certification and licensing tests.