• Student in the testing center

Do I need to take the placement tools?

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.

Most new students will need to take a placement tool for math, English or both. See if you need to take the placement tools by viewing the requirements below:

You’ll need to take the placement tools if:

  • You have never attended college before and have any of the following scores:
    • High School GPA (Unweighted): Under 2.5
    • SAT (Evidence-based reading and writing): Under 480
    • SAT (Math): Under 530
    • ACT (Reading, writing, and math): Under 21
    • GED (Language arts and math): Under 165
  • You do not have any of the above documentation.

You may be exempt from the placement tools if:

You have previously attended another college and have a transcript of completed courses. Please submit your official transcript to the Registrar’s Office and send a copy gettingstarted@ccbcmd.edu. Academic Advisement will contact you about next steps.

OR

You can provide documentation dated within the last 5 years indicating any of the scores detailed below. Please submit your official documents/final high school transcript to the Registrar’s Office and send a copy to testingcenterappoint@ccbcmd.edu. Testing Center will contact you about your next steps.

Final High School GPA (Unweighted)

  • At least 2.5 for English
  • At least 3.0 provides a math course placement of MATH 083/125/153*.
SAT (Evidence-based reading and writing): At least 480
SAT (Math)
: At least 530*
  • SAT (Math) of at least 530 provides a math course placement of MATH 083/125/153.
  • SAT (Math) of at least 570 provides a math course placement of Math 163.
ACT (Reading, writing, and math): At least 21*

  • ACT (Math) of at least 21 provides a math course placement of MATH 083/125/153.
  • ACT (Math) of at least 23 provides a math course placement of MATH 163.
GED (Language arts and math): At least 165

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.

*Advisement staff will inform you if further math assessment is needed via the math tool, ALEKS PPL, based on the requirements of your program of study/major.

Think you need to take the placement tools?

Your next step is to schedule an appointment! You’ll be given the Math tool first, then the proctor will determine whether you need to complete the English tool.

Learn more about the placement process and how to schedule your appointment.

When should I take the placement tools?

Below is the recommended timeframe to provide documents and/or complete the placement tools.

Starting Semester Registration Opens Placement and Advisement
(complete by)
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