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Frequently Asked 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?

The FPT or CPT is required for all entering students seeking to earn a degree from Manatee Community College or for those students who want to take English, mathematics or reading courses, or other courses that have placement test scores as prerequisites. 

To evaluate the level of preparation and to place students in appropriate courses, the College requires entry assessment in the skill areas of English, reading and mathematics.  To satisfy entry assessment requirements, a student needs to take the CPT/FPT, unless ACT and/or SAT scores place one in college level course work.  Tests used for placement must be taken within two years of planned attendance.

Students who have taken the ACT and/or SAT and have scores that place them into college level coursework in English, reading and/or mathematics may use these scores as an alternative to the corresponding sections of FPT/CPT. 

Proof of completion of the ACT or SAT test, taken within the last two years, and scores also are acceptable. 

Are there any fees for taking the CPT?

Application to Manatee Community College is required before assessment and there is no additional charge for the CPT. The assessment/testing centers at Manatee Community College are open test sites.  Based on agreements with other institutions, Manatee Community College students who are not applying for MCC admission, should contact the Assessment/Testing Center for their testing fees: e-mail testing@mccfl.edu; call 941-752-5238 or 941-408-1540.

How Are Entry-Level Assessment Scores Used?

Entry assessment scores will be used for course level placement.  Each of the three skill areas of English, reading and mathematics are independent of each other.  A student may place at the college level in one or more areas and at college preparatory level in other areas.  If skills are below the levels defined by the state as required for successful performance in a college credit program, the College may limit a student to college preparatory courses and any other instruction for which he or she may be prepared.

When and where are the tests given?

The CPT is given at the Assessment/Testing Centers on two campus locations.

The Bradenton Campus Assessment/Testing Center is located in the Student Services Center, second floor of Building 1 in room 201 with testing on a first come - first served basis available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and on Thursday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.

For further information, consult the Web site at www.mccfl.edu or call 941-752-5238 or e-mail testing@mccfl.edu.

The Venice Campus Assessment/Testing Center located in the Student Services Center, Building 100 in room 154 offers weekday and early evening testing by appointment only.  Please call 941-408-1540 to schedule your appointment in Venice.

Are transfer students required to take the CPT? 

Test scores are not required for transfer or readmission students who have satisfactorily completed college-level English, mathematics and/or reading courses.  For exceptions to requirements for taking the Florida Placement Test, students should contact a counselor/advisor.

What should I do to prepare for the test?

Students are encouraged to prepare for the CPT by reviewing the Student Guide to the Computerized Placement Tests provided by ACCUPLACER at www.mccfl.edu/Testing.  This guide provides sample questions and an overview of how the test works and outlines the skills necessary for success on this test. 

An on-line practice test is available at www.mccfl.edu/practicetest.  Further resources are available at www.mccfl.edu/Title3.

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 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 that you can use.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)

Computers with Internet access are available to students on all MCC campuses.

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. 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)

How do I answer questions on the test?

“Because you take the 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 eight tests ranges from 12-25. The questions appear one at a time on the computer screen. Since most questions are multiple choice, all you will need to do is use the Enter key or 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)

Should I guess on questions that I don’t know?

“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.  If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more or the choices. Then pick from the remaining choices.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)

How will the computer deliver the testing?

“You will take the tests using a computer. You will use either the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers, write your essay, and supply other information. A Test Administrator will always be present should you have any questions or problems. The Test Administrator has the ability to resolve any difficulties that may occur.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)

What should I do at the end of the test?

At the end of your testing session, an ACCUPLACER – Student Report will appear on the monitor.  The testing technician will print out the test results to transfer this information to the MCC’s Florida Placement Test Results form indicating your class placement. 

What if I have questions about my class placement?

Enrollment services offices on each campus are staffed with professional advisors and counselors who interpret test scores in individual conferences with the students.

How often can I take the placement test?

MCC allows students to take the FCELPT one time per term.  A term is defined as Fall, Spring or Summer per the official academic calendar.

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 or at which you are enrolled, and to the state to meet state information requirements. The information may be used for counseling, advisement and placement purposes and may be used to document whether or not you have met state testing requirements. The College Board may also use it for research and training purposes. Your test information will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your permission. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please see your Test Administrator.” (The ACCUPLACER Online Student Guide, 2002)