About Placement Testing
As a new student, you may need to take several placement tests before you register for classes.
These tests are not an entrance exam. They simply help you choose the right classes so you can succeed in college.
There are three placement tests:
- English Questionnaire
- Reading Test
- Math Test
These tests are offered online, so you can take them anytime, anywhere.
You will need a computer, a stable internet connection, and a quiet place to concentrate. You are welcome to complete the tests at a CCAC campus or center upon request; to make arrangements, email [email protected].
After you complete your placement tests, Academic Advising can help you explore our programs and register for classes.
Exemptions
Not all CCAC students are required to take all placement tests. If your high school or college transcript indicates certain grades, or you have already taken exams like the SAT or ACT, you may be exempt from CCAC's placement testing.
Accommodations
Our goal is your success! CCAC's Office of Disability Resources & Services is here to support students with disabilities or limited computer resources.
Registration
Once you have submitted your CCAC application and checked whether you qualify for
exemptions and accommodations, you are ready to register for the appropriate tests.
You will need:
- The email address and password that you used for your CCAC application
- Your seven-digit Student ID Number (found in your CCAC acceptance email)
After you have clicked the English Questionnaire button, simply follow the instructions in your browser to complete the questionnaire.
After you have clicked the Reading Test or Math Test button, complete the Event Registration form. Then check your inbox for an email confirmation. This email will provide further instructions to begin each test.
Register for Each Placement Test
Additional Resources
CCAC's online Help Center offers several detailed guides related to placement testing. If you would like step-by-step instructions, please refer to any of these guides:
- Taking the English Placement Test
- Register for the Reading Placement Test
- Taking the Reading Placement Test
- Register for the Math Placement Test
- Taking the Math Placement Test
Placement Test Practice
It has been shown that students who practice beforehand score better on their placement tests. Along with our testing service, Accuplacer, CCAC provides resources to help you prepare.
Visit the Accuplacer Practice Test site or check out some of the links below.
Reading Test Practice
Math Test Practice
Additional Math Exercises
Note: When you take the Math placement test, you will start with arithmetic or elementary algebra, depending on your previous math experience. No student will start with advanced algebra, but may advance to that part of the test based on results from the arithmetic and elementary algebra sections.
Specialized Placement Testing
If English is not your first language, you may need to take the English as a Second Language (ESL) Test, which is administered by Accuplacer.
You may be exempt from taking the ESL Test if you previously took the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, OPI or Asset Test. To see if you are exempt, please submit your test scores to [email protected].
The ESL Test has three parts: reading skills, listening skills and writing skills. To prepare for the test, please review the information in the links below.
Accuplacer ESL Test Description
Accuplacer ESL Test Sample Questions
Accuplacer WritePlacer ESL Guide with Sample Essays
You can also prepare by taking Accuplacer’s practice test online. To create an account and take a practice test, go to Accuplacer’s practice test website.
You can register to take the ESL Test online by clicking the button below and completing the Event Registration form. Then check your inbox for an email confirmation from Accuplacer. This email will provide further instructions to begin the test.
Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment to take the test on campus by emailing [email protected] with “ESL Test” in the subject line.
If you plan to register for advanced biology classes, and you previously studied introductory biology, you may be eligible to skip Biology 110 by passing the BIO 110 Waiver Test.
The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions with a 60-minute time limit. Passing the test with a score of 70 or above will waive the BIO 110 prerequisite from advanced biology courses.
You can register to take the test online by clicking the button below. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment to take the test on campus by emailing [email protected] with “BIO 110 Waiver Test” in the subject line.