Who takes the test?

• All new applicants will be tested in reading, writing, and math skills prior to enrollment
• All students who desire to enroll in an English or mathematics course or in a course which has an English or math prerequisite
• Students whose second language is English will take English as a Second Language (ESL) test before taking any other placement tests

Who is exempt from testing?

• Students who submit, before taking placement tests, a satisfactory score from the SAT (480 or above on the SAT Reading) or ACT (18 or higher on the ACT Reading) may be exempt from the Reading placement test
• Students who present evidence of successful completion of prerequisite, college-level courses or the equivalent
• Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education will be exempt from reading, writing, but not math, placement testing.
• Students who enroll only in courses without English or math prerequisites
• ESL students will be exempt from ESL test if they present acceptable TOEFL scores

Is it possible to prepare for the placement test?

• Students may want to review adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, decimals, and fractions prior to taking the mathematics test.  Students who have completed algebra courses may want to review basic algebra. A review of basic English grammar and usage may be helpful.  For additional information, click here
• Special consideration for math placement test:  Math placement testing scores are valid for three years.
• Before taking your placement test, you can brush up on their skills and become familiar with the content of questions asked on the ACCUPLACER test by downloading the iPhone application.  For more information on purchasing the application, click here

• Learn more about placement testing (video)
  
  

How long will it take to complete the test?

• Plan on at least two hours

What are the next steps?

• After receiving an admissions letter, schedule an appointment at any of the campuses
• • Gettysburg Campus  717-337-3855
  • Harrisburg Campus  717-780-1105
  • Lancaster Campus  717-358-2966
  • Lebanon Campus  717-270-4222
  • York Campus  717-718-0328
• Identification: A photo I.D., such as a driver's license, passport, work or school identification, is required.
• Children are not permitted in the test center.

After Testing
After completing placement testing, schedule your advising and registration session.  During your session an advisor will interpret your scores to assist in choosing courses that are a best fit for you.

What is the Retesting Policy?
All students are allowed to retake the Placement Test.  After the original placement test, it is recommended that any student choosing to retest wait at least two weeks after the initial test.  Students must wait a minimum of six months after the initial retest before scheduling an additional retest.  A nonrefundable fee of $25 is assessed for retesting. Click here for more information about retesting.

Ability to Benefit
Financial Aid applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED, fall under the federal "ability to benefit" requirements and must complete in one test session testing for reading, arithmetic, and sentence skills.  Please make sure to request this testing when scheduling placement tests.

Students with Disabilities:
 A student with a documented disability who requires special assistance with testing should contact the appropriate campus to schedule testing:

• Gettysburg Campus 717-337-3855
• Harrisburg Campus 717-780-2614
• Lancaster Campus 717-358-2972
• Lebanon Campus 717-270-6333
• York Campus 717-718-0328