Purpose of Placement Testing

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.

The placement test is administered to assess your proficiency in math and English so you can be placed into the appropriate level of study. Due to insufficient scores, many applicants are expected to successfully complete a developmental course(s) before they can enroll in the English and math courses required for graduation from their particular program of study.

A score report will be printed for you when you complete the placement test and an Enrollment Counselor will meet with you for score interpretation. The counselor will then refer you to your academic advisor for placement into the courses designated on the score report.

Applicants for limited enrollment programs in the Health Science instructional division who achieve insufficient scores on the placement test must successfully complete the required developmental course(s) to be eligible for entry into their designated program of study.

Applicants who achieve insufficient scores on the placement test may also request a retest in accordance with the college's Retest Policy.

If you have successfully completed a previous college-level math and English course or you achieved appropriate scores on the SAT or ACT, you will probably receive a waiver for the placement test. It is recommended that you talk with your advisor or an Enrollment Counselor about your previous course work or test scores before you sign up to take the placement test.

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. (click here for HOAE Testing dates)

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