What’s a placement test?

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Placement tests assess a student’s skills and knowledge in various subjects and are required for college admission. Advanced Placement (AP) tests can provide college credit and higher-level course placement. Computerized placement tests (CPT) are available and provide information on reading, sentence skills, math, and science. The Accuplacer is a popular college placement test worldwide.

A placement test is taken to determine a student’s standing in a variety of specific subjects, as well as basic academic and career skills. For example, many homeschooling parents administer placement tests to their middle and high school students in areas such as reading, writing, language skills, and math. Grade 8 public school students typically take placement tests in similar fields before entering high school, while most students entering any college or university must take some form of college placement tests to determine whether they have at least basic knowledge of English, reading and mathematics. Placement test results act as an initial student assessment to determine eligibility for a specific certificate or degree programs. Similarly, career placement tests help high school and college students, or other individuals, assess aptitudes, interests, personalities, and abilities for a variety of potential jobs.

An Advanced Placement (AP) test can give a student an advantage when entering a college or university environment. High school students can choose to take higher level courses in multiple subjects and then complete tests, typically in May. Test results are generally available by July, providing students with valuable data for potential college acceptance and placement. Excellent AP test scores receive favorable attention from college admissions personnel and can often receive college credit as well as placement in higher-level courses. AP tests therefore provide a win-win situation for students and the potential colleges or universities those students choose to attend.

A computerized placement test (CPT) provides a convenient means for the student to fulfill the requirement to provide placement test scores to prospective colleges or universities. Although obviously computer-based, the CPT may not be independently completed by the student; a proctor must administer and supervise the test. The CPT is not a timed test, but the student should plan to spend three to four hours to complete it. CPT scores provide information about a student’s current skill levels and knowledge in reading, sentence skills, math, and science.

Anyone considering going to college should plan to take a placement test. The test is available in a variety of formats, some available internationally and others relevant to specific regions within a specific country. Some tests focus on one area, while others cover all basic or primary academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math. The Accuplacer is one of the most popular college placement tests available worldwide to assess a student’s skills and knowledge in areas such as reading comprehension, sentence skills, college math and algebra. Accuplacer placement test results help academic advisors determine the best course selections for a student’s abilities.




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