Placement Testing
Why do I need a placement test?
An important step in laying a solid foundation for college success is to begin your studies at the appropriate levels in math, English (writing), and reading. In order to determine those levels, placement testing is used for all students unless they are exempt** by SAT or ACT scores. Florida statute (s.1008.30) requires that all students must take or exempt from the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test if they are seeking a degree, certificate, or applied technical diploma, or if they want to take general education or other courses for which successful completion of college preparatory courses is a prerequisite. The assessment used at LSCC is commonly called the CPT (Computerized Placement Test), or Accuplacer. Test scores are good for two years.
Who must take the CPT?
- All new First-Time-In-College students seeking any degree, certificate, or applied technical diploma, and prospective Dual Enrollment students (unless exempt*)
- New Transfer, current, and returning students who have not begun one or more of their sequences in math, reading, or English
- Non degree seeking students wanting to take general education courses or other courses for which successful completion of college preparatory courses is a pre-requisite
- All students in the above categories unless LSCC has on record official test scores that are less than 2 years old at the time classes begin
**Who is exempt from the CPT requirement?
Students with the following scores are exempt from taking the CPT, and begin in ENC1101 and MAT1033. If higher math placement is desired, students may request additional testing. Official scores on record must be less than 2 years old.
- ACT - English 17 AND Reading 18 AND Math 19 (must meet all 3 minimum scores)
- SAT - Verbal 440 AND Math 440 (must meet both minimum scores)
How do I go about taking the CPT?
- Obtain and complete a Placement Test Referral Form:
- First Time in College students: obtain a Placement Test Referral Form from the Admissions Office.
- Transfer students: see an Academic Advisor to determine if you need the CPT.
- For retests: request a Placement Test Referral Form from an Academic Advisor.
- Dual Enrollment students: obtain a Dual Enrollment Placement Test Referral Form from your high school Guidance Counselor or from the LSCC Dual Enrollment Manager. Your forms MUST be used within 30 days from the date on the form.
- Placement testing is offered at all three LSCC campuses; each has a different schedule (see below).
- Allow 2 hours when you are taking all tests together (English, reading, and math).
- To be allowed to test, you MUST present your completed and signed Placement Test Referral Form and a photo ID.
DO NOT bring anything else with you to the testing area. For test integrity and the courtesy of others, the following items are not allowed into the test site: calculators; cell phones; any other electronic devices or headphones (unless approved OSD assistive technology devices); food and drinks; alarm watches; gum; books; papers; backpacks or other bags; other items designated at test site.
Where and When can I take the CPT?
Leesburg Campus:
- Where: Testing Lab, located in Student Development/Advising, Student Services Building.
- When: Group testing is available by appointment only during the following days and times:
Leesburg Schedule |
*Tuesdays |
*Wednesdays |
*Thursdays |
9:00 a.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
1:00 p.m. |
1:00 p.m. |
2:30 p.m. |
5:30 p.m. |
5:30 p.m. |
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* Testing must begin by the start time in order to have ample time to complete.
How: To pre-register for a testing appointment, please call 352-365-3574. When you call for an appointment, please identify yourself as either a Prospective Dual Enrollment student, a First Time in College student, or a Transfer student who needs to sit for the placement test. Arrive for check in at least15 minutes prior to start.
- Call (352) 435-5009 for further placement testing information at the Leesburg Campus
South Lake Campus
- Where: Check in at Enrollment Services Front Desk, Bldg 2
- When: Group testing is available by appointment only during the following days and times:
| South Lake Schedule |
| *Tuesday |
*Fridays |
| |
|
|
|
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*6:30 p.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
| |
1:00 p.m. |
| |
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* Testing must begin by the start time in order to have ample time to complete. Students who do not complete in the time period given can schedule another appointment to finish their testing session.
How: To pre-register for a testing appointment, please call 352-243-5722. When you call for an appointment, please identify yourself as either a Prospective Dual Enrollment student, a First Time in College student, or a Transfer student who needs to sit for the placement test. Arrive for check in at least 15 minutes prior to start.
Information: For more information about placement testing at the South lake Campus please call our front desk at call (352) 243-5722
- Call (352) 243-5722. for further placement testing information at the South Lake Campus.
Sumter Campus:
- Where: Front Desk
- When:
Group testing is available by appointment only during the following days and times:
Sumter Schedule |
*Mondays |
*Tuesdays |
*Wednesdays |
*Thursdays |
9:00 a.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
9:00 a.m. |
11:30 a.m. |
11:30 a.m. |
11:30 a.m. |
11:30 a.m. |
2:00 p.m. |
2:00 p.m. |
2:00 p.m. |
2:00 p.m. |
4:30 p.m. |
4:30 p.m. |
4:30 p.m. |
4:30 p.m. |
* Testing must begin by the start time in order to have ample time to complete. Students who do not complete in the time period given can schedule another appointment to finish their testing session.
How: To pre-register for a testing appointment, please call 352-568-0001. When you call for an appointment, please identify yourself as either a Prospective Dual Enrollment student, a First Time in College student, or a Transfer student who needs to sit for the placement test. Arrive for check in at least 15 minutes prior to start.
- Call (352) 568-0001 for further placement testing information at the Sumter Campus
How do I prepare for the CPT?
You are strongly encouraged to prepare for the placement test by following the web links below and by visiting the Learning Centers located on all three LSCC campuses. Additional practice is available at; http://www.aims.edu/student/assessment/studyguides/index.htm(Accuplacer Study Guides and On-line Tutorials). Click on the web links below to access CPT preparation materials.
- CPT/Accuplacer Online Student Guide
This is the official site for the Accuplacer, the CPT test LSCC uses for initial placement into classes. This 23-page packet has information on the Accuplacer test, such as tips and practice tests which illustrate the content and format of the test questions.
- READING Practice Test 1
This site has a practice CPT reading test with 20 questions. The computer will grade the practice test and tell the student the correct answer. It also provides web links to review materials for missed questions
- READING Practice Test 2
This site has a practice CPT reading test with 20 questions. The computer will grade the practice test and tell the student the correct answer. It also provides web links to review materials for questions that students miss.
- SENTENCE SKILLS Practice Test 1
This site has a practice CPT sentence skills test with 15 questions. The computer will grade the practice test and tell the student the correct answer. It also provides web links to review materials for missed questions
- ALGEBRA Practice Test 1
This site has a practice CPT elementary algebra test with 35 questions. The computer will grade the practice test and tell the student the correct answer. It also provides web links to review materials for missed questions
- ARITHMETIC Practice Test 1
This site has a practice CPT elementary algebra test with 35 questions. The computer will grade the practice test and tell the student the correct answer. It also provides web links to review materials for missed questions
How many times may I take the CPT?
You are allowed only one re-test for each of the three subject areas within a 2-year period, unless you are a prospective Dual Enrollment student. You may obtain a Placement Test Referral Form for a re-test from an Academic Advisor. Prospective Dual Enrollment students are allowed to take the CPT two times during one academic year, defined as July 1-June 30. Contact the LSCC Dual Enrollment Manager at 352-365-3569 or your high school Guidance Counselor for retake information. All scores are valid for two years. Students are not allowed to retest in a subject area (English, reading, or math) once they have begun that sequence, even if they withdraw from the course.
Into which courses do my scores place me?
CPT scores and Corresponding Course Placements
Reading
00 – 59 REA 0001
60 – 82 REA 0002
83 – 100 REA 1105 |
Sentence Skills/English
20 – 70 ENC 0001
71 – 82 ENC 0010
83+ ENC 1101 |
Elementary Algebra/Arithmetic
20 – 36 (AT* 20 - 80) MAT 0012
20 – 36 (AT* 81 - 120) MAT 0024
37 – 71 MAT 0024
72 – 94 MAT 1033
95+ ** MAC 1105 or MGF 1106 or MGF 1107
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* AT = Arithmetic Test
** Students with a 95 or higher may choose to take an Advance Math Placement Test on the Leesburg campus if they wish to place higher. |
What does it mean to place into “college preparatory” level courses?
Based on placement scores, many students will begin in courses that are classified as college preparatory (developmental) level in English (writing), reading and/or mathematics. These courses assist students in developing a solid foundation which will increase their chances for success when they move into the higher level college credit courses. College preparatory courses do count for determining full-time or part-time student status and for financial aid eligibility. Tuition and fees are charged the same as for college credit courses. However, college preparatory courses, those with course numbers beginning with 0 (MAT 0012, 0024; ENC 0001, 0010; REA 0001, 0002), do not count as college credit hours for degrees or certificates.
If you place into one or more college preparatory courses, you must begin your studies at LSCC in those courses. Successful completion of college preparatory courses is required before enrollment in most college level courses is allowed. You are to complete all your college preparatory courses by the time you have earned twelve (12) college level credits.
Students placing into more than one preparatory course will also need to successfully complete SLS1501: Foundations of Success Seminar. This should be done within the student’s first two semesters.
What if I have other questions about placement testing?
Email a Testing Specialist.
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