MCC Answers to Student Guide Questions
What is an Entry-Level Assessment?
At Manatee Community College, entry assessment consists of the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test, also known Computerized Placement Test (CPT) from the College Board or the paper/pencil version of the CPT called the Florida Placement Test (FPT). The tests are sentence skills, reading skills, elementary algebra and college-level mathematics. Students may also present American College Testing (ACT) scores or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores as alternative placement test scores. The State Board of Education (SBE) has set the cutoff scores for placement into college credit level as opposed to college preparatory courses.
What is ACCUPLACER?
- Placement tests for incoming college students
- Nationally normed test customized and delivered by educational institutions
- Fast, accurate determination of whether a student has the skills to take a freshman course or would benefit most from developmental work
- Extensively used by community colleges, four year colleges, and technical schools around the world
Requirements for Entry-Level Assessment
Whether full-time or part-time, a student must complete a
state approved entry assessment as indicated:
- Prior to participating in new student orientation/advisement and registration if he or she is a degree-seeking student.
- Prior to registration for the first session if he or she is an academic enrichment, dual enrollment or early admissions student
- Prior to registration for any course that has a specific entry assessment score as a prerequisite.
- Entry assessment scores must be fewer than two years old.
- For students with disabilities, the CPT is available in altered format.
Who must take the test?
All entering, degree-seeking students at MCC must take a placement test in the skill areas of English, reading and mathematics, in accordance with Florida’s State Board of Education (SBE) regulations, except transfer students with English, math and/or reading courses completed. The SBE requires the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test (CPT) known nationally as ACCUPLACER Online, and has approved Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) test scores to be used as alternatives. For students with disabilities, the CPT is available in altered formats.
Is the CPT required for students with ACT and/or SAT scores?
The CPT establishes the most accurate placement levels, and therefore it is recommended; however, the ACT or SAT scores may be used as alternatives when taken within two years of planned attendance. The CPT is highly recommended for students whose SAT or ACT scores placed them into developmental or college preparatory English, math or reading courses.
Are transfer students required to take the CPT?
Transfer students who have successfully completed an English course in college (developmental or college level) are exempt from the sentence skills test. Likewise, students who have completed a mathematics course, would not take the mathematics test; and students with college level reading (or developmental reading courses taken at another college) would be exempt from the reading test. These students would be placed based on transfer credit rather than test scores, and would work with enrollment services advisors and counselors for placement until transfer credits are evaluated by registrar staff.
If transfer students have not successfully completed an English, math and/or reading course at a previous college, then CPT tests would be required in those respective subjects.
When and where are the tests given?
The CPT is given in the Assessment/Testing Centers on two campuses. The Bradenton Campus Assessment/Testing Center, in the Student Services Center, Building 1, room 201 (second floor), offers a varied schedule of week days and evenings with expanded hours before the beginning of each term. For the current Bradenton schedule, consult the Web site mccfl.edu or call 941-752-5238 or e-mail testing@mccfl.edu .
The Assessment/Testing Center on the Venice Campus, located in the Student Services Center, room 154 of Building 100, also offers week day and evening options, but by appointment only. Please call 941-408-1540 to schedule your appointment in Venice.
Are there any fees for taking the CPT?
For entering students, the fees for the CPT are included as part of your admission application fee, so no additional fee is required. Non-MCC students who are not applying for MCC admission, should contact the Assessment/Testing Center for their CPT testing fees: e-mail testing@mccfl.edu; call 941-752-5238 or 941-408-1540.
Are there special arrangements for students with disabilities?
MCC does special testing accommodations for students who have documented disabilities. Documentation must be provided to the Disability Resource Center prior to the testing date with enough time to determine the appropriate accommodations. Testing accommodations are made on an individual basis. Documentation brought in on the testing day will not be honored. Students with temporary disabilities must also be pre-approved for appropriate testing accommodations.
What should you take with you on the day of the tests?
On the test day you need to bring with you your MCC student ID or temporary ID with the MCC student G number. You will also need a photo ID such as your driver’s license or passport. The testing is on computer, but scratch paper and pencil or pen will be provided if needed to work out your answers.
What are the testing regulations?
Before taking the tests you will present your MCC ID, your photo ID, sign in and receive testing regulations orally. After receiving the verbal testing regulations and test directions, you will then be seated at the computer station to take the tests. Failure to follow the testing regulations or test directions could void your test scores.
What is the confidentiality of the tests?
“Your test scores and the information you provide when taking the tests will only be provided to The College Board, to the college at which you are taking the tests [i.e. MCC], or at which you are enrolled, and the state to meet state information requirements. The information will be used for counseling, advisement and placement purposes and may be used to document whether or not you have met state testing/placing requirements. The College Board may also use it for research and training proposes. Your test information will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your permission. If you have questions about confidentiality, please see your Test Administrator.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)
What is a placement test and how does the CPT work?
The CPT identifies a student’s first English course, math course and reading course, including developmental or college-preparatory courses, according to SBE cut scores. No matter how a student performs on the test, the College has a course to begin the learning sequence in that subject.
The purpose of a placement test is to assess your current skill level so that you begin your college learning at a level that is neither too easy nor over your head.To best assess your current skill level, know what to expect on the test and become comfortable with the keyboard and mouse.
What should I do to prepare for the test?
Use the practice tests on this Web site to give you a clearer idea of how the test works so you can better concentrate on the questions on the real test. Also, some questions may trigger your memory of items that you studied years ago but have forgotten. Do not use the practice tests to learn new information or your placement could be falsely high and result in lost time and frustration. Do use the practice tests to maximize your accurate placement and set you on the path to college success. Successful practice test mastery does not guarantee identical performance on the real test.
Is there a tutorial for how to use the computer keyboard and mouse?
“If you are not comfortable using a computer keyboard or mouse, you may want to take the tutorial available on the Internet at http://www.collegeboard.org. Ask a friend or advisor to help you. If you do not have access to a computer, find out if there is a computer with an Internet connection available on campus or at a library that you can use.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002) Computers with internet access are available to students on all MCC campuses.
How will the computer deliver the testing?
A computer will be used when taking the test. You will use the mouse to enter your answers. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided for the math test. There is no essay part of the test. A Test Proctor will always be present should you have any questions or problems. The Test Proctor has the ability to resolve any difficulties that may occur.
How should I answer multiple choice questions?
“Because you take the CPT (ACCUPLACER) tests on a computer, you do not have to answer as many questions as on traditional paper-and–pencil tests. The number of questions on the tests ranges from 12-25. The questions appear one at a time on the computer screen. Since the questions are multiple choice, all you will need to do is use the mouse to select an answer. When you have completed the question and confirmed your answer, a new screen will appear with your next question.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)
What is adaptive testing?
“Each test is adaptive. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique selects just the right questions to ask without being too easy or too difficult.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)
“Each test is untimed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, once you have selected and confirmed your answer, you cannot return to that question.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)
Is there an essay test on the CPT?
The CPT does not have an essay test.
Should I guess on questions that I don’t know?
“The CPT (ACCUPLACER) is an adaptive test. This means that the questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. You can change your answer to a particular question before moving on to the next question, but you cannot leave a question out or come back to it later to change your answer. Once you go on to the next question you cannot return to the question.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)
“If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick from the remaining choices.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)
What should I do at the end of the test?
At the end of the test you will either see the page for the next tests or a page that you have completed all the tests. The Test Proctor will then give you the test results on the Florida Placement Test Results form indicating which course(s) you should take.
What if I have questions about being placed in certain courses?
See an advisor or counselor in enrollment services for an explanation about placement, the reasons for your being placed into certain courses based on your test scores, and SBE cut off scores.
