The College Placement Test (CPT) is used to determine if you are at college level in reading, English and math.
If you are a new student, you must take the CPT to enroll in a degree or certificate program, or in a course that requires a prerequisite, such as ENC, REA or MAT. However, if you provide qualifying SAT or ACT scores and/or a transcript with appropriate college-level classes from another institution, you may contact an advisor to request an exemption from taking the CPT.
The CPT is taken after completing the admissions application. After you take the CPT, you must review your test scores with an advisor or generalist to determine the appropriate courses based on your CPT scores. You must attend a new student orientation session or complete the online orientation before registering.
PERT and Accuplacer
There are two kinds of CPT:
Students testing for placement on or after September 19, 2011 will take the Postsecondary Educational Readiness Test (PERT). To prepare for this test you can download the PERT Study Guide.
The Accuplacer test was offered for new student course placement prior to September 19, 2011. It is still available for initial math course placement higher than the College Algebra (MAC 1105), Ability-to-Benefit and SPC Nursing Program admissions requirements. To prepare for this test, visit the Accuplacer website.
Study guides containing more in-depth review materials to prepare for either college placement test are available for:
Take the test
You may take the CPT at one of our Test Centers during the hours listed. The test is computerized and is not timed, however, it usually takes approximately 3 1/2 hours to complete. If you are taking either test for the first time, you do not need to pay a fee.
On the day of the test, bring your:
- Valid, photo ID
- SPC student ID number
Food, drink, all electronic devices and all other materials are not permitted in the test room.
Accommodations
If you have a disability and require testing accommodations beyond extended time (test is not timed), contact Disability Resources to make arrangements for accommodations.
Test retakes
You can currently retake the CPT as many times as you need before you begin taking classes at SPC, but all attempts must be before you enroll in a credit class. You must wait at least one day before retesting. There is fee for CPT retakes.
Expiring placement test scores
Test scores expire for placement purposes after two years.
If test scores are more than two years old and you have successfully completed a math, reading, or English course (with a “D” or higher), no further placement testing in that discipline is required.
If test scores are more than two years old and you have not successfully completed a math, reading, or English course (with a “D” or higher), you must pay the $15 fee and retest for course placement in the related discipline or start at the lowest level of developmental classes.