College of the Great Smoky Mountains - Southwestern Community College, serving Jackson, Macon,  and Swain Counties and Cherokee/ Qually Boundary







Jan Smith
Jan Smith
Testing Coordinator
Enrollment Counselor
B.S., M.A.Ed., Western Carolina University
828.586.4091,  ext. 332
800.447.4091,  ext. 332
1st floor, Balsam Ctr

jans@southwesterncc.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

» Accuplacer study guide
and sample test

 

 

 

 
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Testing

Accuplacer - College Placement Test (CPT)
General Information

Purpose of CPT Test Description
Test Requirements for Admission Score Report
Retest Policy Confidentiality
Special Accommodations How to Schedule a Test Session

Purpose:
Placement testing at Southwestern Community College is an accurate way of assessing a student’s level in reading, English and Mathematics. Using the results of this test, the student’s academic readiness will be matched to the academic requirements of English and math classes. The Accuplacer College Placement Test (CPT) was developed by the College Board to provide academic readiness information. This computerized Placement Test adapts to your skill level and automatically determines which questions are asked based upon your answers to previous questions. The Accuplacer is not a timed test.

Types of Test:
There are four tests available, all consist of multiple-choice questions: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills, Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra. You must answer every question; you cannot skip any question or come back later to change an answer.

Descriptions of the Test:
Reading Comprehension- This test measures your ability to understand what you read. Some questions will ask you to read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. The test contains 20 questions.
Sentence Skills- This test measures your understanding of how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence clear and complete. This test contains 20 questions.
Arithmetic- This test measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts.
Elementary Algebra- This test measures your ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts.
*WritePlacer is not required

Placement Testing
Applicants to a program of study are required to demonstrate competence in reading, grammar and mathematics.
Competence can be demonstrated in three ways:
1. Students can have successfully completed algebra and English courses at the college level
OR
2. Students can have SAT scores of at least 500 Verbal (Critical Reading) and 500 Math or an ACT composite score of at least 21. (A minimum score of 400 on each section of the SAT or 18 composite on the ACT will be accepted if the test was taken prior to April 1, 1995)
OR
3.

Students can take the College Board’s ACCUPLACER (CPT) offered free by SCC to all applicants. Sentence skills, reading, algebra and arithmetic are the subject areas included on the test. The average test completion time is 1 1/2 hours. For students whose test scores fall below established minimums, the College requires developmental education courses to improve basic skills. Applicants will receive information from the Admissions Office on how to schedule a test session. You must present photo I.D. at the time of testing.

SCC Testing Study Guide and a Sample Test
Other Study Guides:
· www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer
· www.purplemath.com
· www.google.com in the search box type "Accuplacer Practice" look for help with no cost involved
4. Test Regulations - Calculators, notebooks, dictionaries or textbooks are not allowed in the testing room. The testing center will provide scratch paper and a pencil for test takers. All cell phones need to be turned off during testing. Talking to other students is not allowed.
5. Distance learning students, those who do not live in the Jackson, Macon and Swain County area can arrange to have tests proctored at a local community college or university. In addition www.ncta-testing.org provides a list of schools that proctor exams, there is usually a fee associated with this. Contact the SCC Testing Office (828) 586-4091, ext. 332 once a proctor is located or if there are problems securing a test site. Accuplacer (Reading, Sentence Skills, Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra), Asset (Reading, Writing, Numerical Skills and Elementary Algebra) and Compass (Reading, Writing, Pre-algebra and Algebra) Exams are accepted.

Macon Center testing dates:

Call the Macon Center to schedule - 828.369.7331

Score Reports:
Upon completion of the test, you will receive a printed score report. The test administrator, and enrollment counselor or advisor will interpret your scores. Your scores are considered valid for initial placement for a period of 3 years from the date the assessment was
completed.

Retest Policy:
If a student places into a Developmental Education course, and he/she feels that the placement test did not adequately reflect her/his skill level, the student may request a retest. If after the retest, he/she continues to feel that the test did not adequately reflect her/his skill level and he/she places in the borderline range of 47-50 percentile in Sentence Skills, the student may be permitted to demonstrate proficiency by writing a one-page essay under the direction of the Dean of Arts & Sciences.

Confidentiality:
Your test scores and the information you provide when taking the test will only be provided to The College Board, to Southwestern Community College, and to the state to meet state information requirements. The information may be used to document whether or not you have met state testing requirements. The College Board may also use it for research and training purposes. Your test information will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your permission. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please see your Test Administrator.

Special Accommodations:
If you have a disability (permanent or temporary) that will affect taking the test under standard conditions, you should request accommodations before taking the test. Reasonable accommodations will be provided with appropriate documentation of disability. Documentation must be presented to the Director of Student Support Services.

How to Schedule a Test Session:
You must submit your application to attend SCC to the Admissions Office before you test. Appointments to test are required and may be schedule by calling 586.4091, ext. 332 or contacting any staff member in our Admissions Office.

Health Occupations Aptitude Examination (HOAE)
Applicants seeking admission into the following Health Science programs must take the Health Occupations Aptitude Examination: Medical Sonography, Nursing Associate Degree, Practical Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography and Respiratory Therapy.

The Health Occupations Aptitude Examination measures abilities, skills, knowledge, and attitudes important for successful performance in Health Science programs. The resulting scores are one component in the highly competitive health science selection process. A specialized internal scoring system is utilized to accumulate points applied to the selection process.

The examination consists of five parts: academic aptitude, spelling, reading comprehension, natural science and vocational adjustment. To register for the test, students MUST:

1. Pick up the HOAE Registration Card from your Health Science advisor
2. Complete Parts 1 and 2 with your advisor’s signature.
3. Take the completed form to the Cashier’s Office, 1st Floor Balsam Center to pay $15.00 fee.
4.
IMPORTANT:
· Fee MUST be PAID by the deadline date (see schedule).
· Fee is nonrefundable but may be applied to another test with valid documentation.
· Fee is valid for test dates during the 2008-2009 Academic Year.
· If you do NOT show for the test, you must reschedule for another test date during this year.
5. The test is given on the date and location indicated. Sign-up is limited to the number of seats available on each date. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time and bring a valid current photo identification card with you.
6. For study and practice, see the materials on reserve in the SCC Library, on sale in the SCC Bookstore and/or see the Pre-Test Information - Sample Test below.
7. Results will be mailed. For information on interpreting your score, see the Post-Test Information – Understanding my Results below.
8. Special Accommodation Needs – All special needs should be referred to Jan Smith, Testing Coordinator, 828.586.4091, ext. 332.

Pre-Test Information: HOAE “Instructions” and a “Sample Test”  
 
Post-Test Information: “Understanding my Results”.

HOAE Test Date Deadline to Pay Fee
Seating Cap.
Testing Location
Nov. 24 (Mon) – 9:00 am Nov. 19 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Nov. 24 (Mon) – 1:30 pm Nov. 19 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Dec. 8 (Mon) – 9:00 am Dec. 3 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Dec. 8 (Mon) – 1:30 pm Dec. 3 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Dec. 16 (Tues) – 9:00 am Dec. 11 – 5:00 pm
22
Founders, 124 or 125
Jan. 14 (Wed) – 9:00 am Jan. 9 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Jan. 14 (Wed) – 1:30 pm Jan. 9 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Jan. 21 (Wed) – 9:00 am Jan. 16 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Jan. 24 (Sat) – 9:00 am Jan. 21 – 5:00 pm
22
Founders, 124 or 125
Jan. 28 (Wed) – 9:00 am Jan. 23 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
Jan. 28 (Wed) – 1:30 pm Jan. 23 – 5:00 pm
8
Balsam, Student Serv
See your advisor for test dates for Feb - May (or check back here later)

Please arrive 15 minutes early and bring a valid photo identification card with you.  
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 Last updated 9/8/08


   
   
 
 
 
Southwestern Community College • 447 College Drive • Sylva, NC 28779
828·586·4091 or 800·447·4091
fax 828·586·3129