Purpose of the SPC Placement Test | Who needs to take the Placement Test?

How is the Placement Test administered? | On the day of the test | After you take the Placement Test

What areas are covered on the Placement Test? | Call the testing office that's convenient for you 

Course Credit Awarded for CLEP

Demo for Computer Literacy/Information test out option

Take Practice Tests

Purpose of the SPC placement test

The SPC placement test is designed to measure entry-level skills in writing, reading and mathematics. State law mandates that state-supported institutions test their students' entry-level skills. The SPC placement test is not an admissions test that can be passed or failed. Its purpose is to assist in determining if you are at college level in reading, English, and mathematics. You will review your scores with a counselor or advisor after you complete the college's required Interactive Student Orientation (ISO). If your scores indicate that some review is necessary, you may be required to take college preparatory coursework that will prepare you for the college level. These college preparatory courses do not count toward your degree.

Special testing accommodations

Students who may need testing accommodations due to a disability should contact Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD) on their home campus before signing up to take the placement test. Further information is available at the following Web site: http://www.spcollege.edu/Central/OSSD/services.htm.

Students whose native language is not English

SPC offers the English as a Second Language Program (ESL) to students whose native language is not English. If your native language is not English and you score below college level on the placement test, you will be required to take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test to determine your level in the appropriate ESL courses.

Who needs to take the placement test?

If you are a new student seeking a degree and you have not completed coursework at another college in English, reading or mathematics, you are required to take the placement test. If you are non-degree seeking but want to take courses that require the placement test as a prerequisite, you will have to take the test. However, if you have taken the SAT or ACT and achieved the appropriate scores, you may be able to use these scores instead of the college's placement test. Check with the Counseling Office to determine if this can be done.

Retest policy

You may retake the placement test one additional time based upon the recommendations of the counseling office before you begin your initial session's classes. Before you retest, it is strongly recommended that you take time to review the subject matter of the test you are retaking. The placement test cannot be used to exit out of a college preparatory course in which you are enrolled or have been enrolled.

How is the placement test administered?

The placement test is offered in a computerized format. Although the test is not timed, it takes approximately two hours. Testing is available on a walk-in basis during the day and designated evenings. You can take the test at any of several SPC locations.

The placement test also is available on the Internet for distance learners who cannot come to a campus site. However, the online test must still be taken under the supervision of an approved test proctor; that is, someone authorized by SPC to conduct the test.  To locate a proctor in your area, simply follow the step-by-step guidelines for off-site testing.  Be aware that the proctor may charge a fee.  

After you have identified a proctor, fill out the Designate a Test Proctor form as follows:

• Select eCampus from the Program menu on the Student Information screen.

• On the next screen, after you've filled in the proctor's name and address, again select eCampus and then enter "CPT" in all fields in the Course 1 section.  Click "next" and then "submit".

• After you submit the form and it is processed, the eCampus testing coordinator will contact you with further information.

If you need help with these arrangements or have other questions about off-site testing, contact the eCampus testing coordinator.

What areas are covered on the Placement Test?

The placement test includes questions to evaluate your skills in writing, reading comprehension, basic arithmetic and elementary algebra. Additional college-level mathematics skills will be measured if appropriate.

CPT Test Descriptions (opens in a new window)

A practice test is available that provides more detailed descriptions of each area and sample questions to help you better understand the placement test before you take it. The practice test is available on the college's Web site at: http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/admit/place1.htm.

What do my Placement Test scores mean?