What do you need to know before taking the placement test?

You cannot "pass" or "fail" the placement test. However, test results are used to determine whether you will be placed into developmental or college-level courses.

About the CCBC's placement test

You will take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading test on a computer. This is an adaptive test which means that the questions given are based on your answer to previous question. Note: CCBC is not currently using Accuplacer Next Generation Reading as the English/reading tool.

You will take the ALEKS math assessment to assess your math readiness on a computer. ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine math skill level.


Test Sections
  • There is one section on the ACCUPLACER placement test: Next Generation Reading - Note:  Not currently in use.
  • There is one test section on the ALEKS placement test: Math
Time Limit
  • Don’t rush! The tests are not timed so you can take as long as you like to finish the tests.
  • If the Testing Center is getting ready close or you need to leave for any reason, the proctor can save either test and you can finish on another day.
  • If you need to take both the English tool and the math tool, we suggest that you set aside about two hours of time. You can take both tests on the same day or you can break up the test over several days.
  • You can even stop the either test at one location and finish at another location. We will work with your schedule.

Practice, practice and more practice

  • You can take the ACCUPLACER test up to two times and we will use your highest score for placement. - Not currently used as the English/reading tool.
  • You can take the ALEKs test up to three times and we will use your highest score for placement.
  • Save time and money! Do your best on the test! Taking at least 30 minutes to practice now may save you time and money later!
  • Practice before you test!

Taking the test in the CCBC Testing Center

  • Appointments are required to take the placement test. Please arrive at least 75 minutes prior to the Testing Center location’s posted closing time so you can check in. You will not be seated if you arrive later than 60 minutes prior to closing.
  • When you finish the ACCUPLACER and or ALEKS test, your placement results will appear as soon as you answer the last question.
  • As a prospective CCBC student, you may request to have your placement tests proctored outside of CCBC's main Testing Center locations. Review the Placement Test Remote Proctor Guidelines.

What to bring on the day of the test

  1. Your CCBC student ID number.
  2. An original, valid photo identification that is not expired and was issued in the United States. The photo ID must includes your name and a recognizable photograph. Receipts or interim documents from Motor Vehicle Administration are not permitted. 
Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
  • Driver’s license or permit
  • Motor Vehicle issued state ID card
  • High school or middle school ID*
  • College or university student ID
  • Passport or passport card
  • Tribal ID card
  • Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship
  • Authorization from the college board (See a CCBC admissions counselor for more information.)
*High school or middle school ID cards must have a picture, a date/year and may not be older than 4 years.

If you haven’t done so already, bring any SAT or ACT scores. You may also bring college transcripts.

What not to bring:
Cell phones, calculators, electronic devices, books or notes may not be used during the placement test and must be turned off.

Note regarding calculators: You will not be able to use your own calculator on the test. But don’t worry; ALEKS provides the tools you will need, such as a calculator, when the tools are permitted.

Retest options

If you are not satisfied with your initial score, you may retake the ACCUPLACER or ALEKS placement tests. CCBC will use your highest score so there is no harm in retesting. In fact, we recommend that you retest.   

Ask your academic advisor for more information about retesting for ACCUPLACER or ALEKS.