As you begin your academic journey, it’s important for us to learn about your math and English skills in order to help you select your classes. That's why most students will complete some form of course placement testing.
The placement tools CCBC uses for course placement allow us to understand what you know so we can help you find the right class for you. Some tools can be taken more than one time, including those for math, English for high school students, and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). CCBC staff will assist students with information about retest options.
In most cases, first-time certificate and degree-seeking credit students will need to take one or more placement tools to determine course placement.
Placement testing is required if you are a first-time college student and have any of the following scores:
Next Steps:
You can opt out if you have documentation dated within the last 5 years:
Your high school GPA (final and unweighted) is at least 2.5.
SAT scores are at least 480 for reading/writing and at least 530 for math.
ACT total score is at least 21.
GED score is at least 165.
Or if you are transferring college-level math/English credits to CCBC.
Next Steps
Note: If you wish to place into Pre-Calculus (Math 163) or need it for your program, you will need an SAT math score of 570 or ACT score of 23. Alternatively, students can complete ALEKS PPL if they seek course placement into MATH 163 or higher.
Placement testing is required if you are a first-time college student and have any of the following scores:
Next Steps:
You can opt out if you have documentation dated within the last 5 years:
Your high school GPA (final and unweighted) is at least 2.5.
SAT scores are at least 480 for reading/writing and at least 530 for math.
ACT total score is at least 21.
GED score is at least 165.
Or if you are transferring college-level math/English credits to CCBC.
Next Steps
Note: If you wish to place into Pre-Calculus (Math 163) or need it for your program, you will need an SAT math score of 570 or ACT score of 23. Alternatively, students can complete ALEKS PPL if they seek course placement into MATH 163 or higher.
Most students starting CCBC for the first time will need to take math and English writing course placement tools. Those who have completed English 101 at another United States institution can skip the English writing placement. However, credits for English courses taken in another country will not transfer.
Students who have completed college-level math may be exempt from the math placement tool. However, if prior coursework was completed outside the United States, students must review thier transcript through the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES) as soon as possible.
Current middle/high school students applying to CCBC for dual enrollment need to meet with Early College Access Program staff for course placement requirements. Contact ecap@ccbcmd.edu for more information.
If you have a documented disability and need special accommodations for your placement tests, consider meeting with Student Accessibility Services. Call 443.840.3832 or email dssccbc@ccbcmd.edu to schedule an appointment.
Below is the recommended timeframe to provide documents and/or complete the placement tools.
| Starting Semester | Registration Opens | Placement and Advisement | Courses Begin |
| Fall | Mid-March | June | Late August |
| Winter | Mid-October | November | Late December |
| Spring | Mid-October | December | Late January |
| Summer | Mid-March | March | June |
Students in need of placement tests or course exams proctored outside of a CCBC Testing Center location may submit requests for an approved proctor via the CCBC Remote Proctor Request form.