Purpose of the Test
The faculty and staff at Mount Wachusett Community College want you to succeed in your educational pursuits. As a new incoming student, you need to complete the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) to determine your current ability in reading, English, and math. The results of the CPT will be used by an academic advisor to register you for courses that match your ability.
The results of your placement test may require you to take a developmental reading, writing, and/or math course(s). Developmental courses help you prepare for college-level courses required for a degree or certificate program. You receive college credit for developmental courses but the credit will not count towards your degree or certificate and is not transferable to another college.
If it has been a while since you have been in high school, or taken an academic course, you may want to prepare before taking the CPT.
Preparing for the Test
Take a few minutes to review the sample questions go to www.testprepreview.com Accuplacer Practice or http://cpts.accuplacer.com/docs/StudentGuide.html. By doing so, you will have an idea of what type of questions to expect when you take the CPT.
On the Test Day
A photo I.D. is required before the test can be administered.
Arrive about ten minutes before the scheduled test
time.
- Have a positive attitude!
- Be well rested!
- Bring your glasses if you wear them!
- Make sure you feel well!
- If you don’t feel well, reschedule to take the test!
- Take this test seriously!
About the Test
You will be given an essay to complete. After you have finished the essay, you will be administered the computerized sentence skills, reading and math sections of the test.
Testing Time
You are given 45 minutes to complete the essay. The sentence skills, reading and math tests are un-timed. Take as much time as you need.
The entire testing process takes about two an half hours.
Things to Know About a Computerized Test
- The computer is user friendly.
- Someone is available to assist you with using the computer.
- The computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your response to prior questions.
- You must answer every question when it is first given.
- You cannot skip any questions or go back later to change an answer.
- Use the paper and pencil that is available to work out math problems.
Testing Regulations
Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators or other papers of any kind are not allowed in the testing room. Furthermore, anyone who gives or receives help during the test or uses notes or books of any kind, will not be allowed to continue the test. The College may cancel any test scores if there is reason to question their validity.
Confidentiality
MWCC may use your test results for data collection and statistical analysis related to research. Your name will not be included in any research activity.
Obtaining Your Results
You must see an advisor to obtain your results from the College Placement Test. Test scores cannot be given to anyone other than the actual test taker without written consent from the test taker. Test scores cannot be given over the phone.
Course Registration
If you sign-up for same day testing and course selection, you will be able to select your classes immediately following the completion of the CPT. If this option does not work for you, call 978-630-9244 for other testing/registration arrangements. The earlier you register, the better your chances of getting the courses of your choice.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
To meet the needs of students with documented disabilities, the CPT is available in various formats (for example, Braille, on tape, or enlarged screen print). Other appropriate accommodations (including a sign interpreter) may be available based on the documented disability. If you have a question or require accommodation(s) prior to the test date, please contact:
Counselor for Students with Disabilities, 978-630-9120 or stop by Room 135
If you have any testing questions or concerns, contact the Testing Services at 978-630-9244 or stop by. We are located in Room 128C (to the right of the Library).