Course Placement Tests
All students who are taking their first college-level English, reading, or mathematics course must complete placement testing before they can register. Scores are used by you and an advisor or counselor to help you decide which courses to take. We want you to be as successful as possible. Research shows that placement testing helps you to enter English, reading, or mathematics courses at the proper starting point. The result is that you will have a better chance of completing your courses and earning good grades.
Accuplacer – computer based, adaptive placement exam
Accuplacer is a comprehensive computerized adaptive testing system designed for placement into the appropriate levels of English reading and math. It is not possible to "pass/fail" the placement tests, the scores are used for appropriate course placement only. The Accuplacer test series consists of three untimed tests: Writeplacer (English), reading and math. The Writeplacer is a written essay, it requires examinees to provide a writing sample in response to a specific prompt, the reading and math placement exams are both multiple choice exams. New students are required to complete placement testing in all three subject areas. Please allow 2.5 hours to complete the entire series. Individual sections of the test may be re-tested separately.
Preparation materials for the Accuplacer exam can be found at:
CELSA - Combined English Language Skills Assessment
CELSA is a paper and pencil test designed to place adult students of English as a Second Language (ESL) into the different language ability levels in ESL courses. There is no "pass/fail" associated with test scores; the scores are used for appropriate course placement only. CELSA is a 45 minute, multiple choice test and has a practice test that testing staff work through with the student, prior to giving the test. Directions for the CELSA must be given in English without the assistance of interpretation.
Preparation materials for the CELSA exam can be found at: