Running Start - College Placement Testing
Why do I have to take the Accuplacer College Placement Test (CPT)?
The number one priority of Grays Harbor College is student success. For students just starting at GHC we want to do everything we can to make sure you get off to a great start and the CPT helps in that endeavor by measuring your current knowledge and skill in reading, English and math.
Placement scores are used to determine whether a student can enroll in college level courses or whether pre-college classes must be taken first. Therefore we strongly encourage you to review and prepare for the test so your placement can be as accurate as possible, potentially saving you time and money.
Does everyone need to take it?
The test is required of all students planning to register for a course that has a reading, English or math prerequisite, with the following exceptions:
Follow this three step process to successful placement testing:
For more information, please contact the Student Support Center at: (360) 538-4099 or e-mail [email protected]Prepare for ACCUPLACER®To ensure that test scores accurately represent your skill levels, you may wish to review basic concepts in reading, grammar, arithmetic, trigonometry and algebra before taking ACCUPLACER, especially if you have been away from school for more than a year.
For detailed review information and examples of questions start with this CPT Information and Study Guide.
Go here for Learning Lessons
The number one priority of Grays Harbor College is student success. For students just starting at GHC we want to do everything we can to make sure you get off to a great start and the CPT helps in that endeavor by measuring your current knowledge and skill in reading, English and math.
Placement scores are used to determine whether a student can enroll in college level courses or whether pre-college classes must be taken first. Therefore we strongly encourage you to review and prepare for the test so your placement can be as accurate as possible, potentially saving you time and money.
Does everyone need to take it?
The test is required of all students planning to register for a course that has a reading, English or math prerequisite, with the following exceptions:
- Students who have taken the Smarter Balanced test through their high schools within one year and can demonstrate that they have met the required scores for the courses they wish to take;
- Students who have taken a college placement test or had their placement determined by another means at another Washington community or technical college;
- Students who are transferring into GHC and have passing grades in English and math courses listed on their transfer transcript (they may still need to take the reading test);
- Students who recently attended Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano or Elma high schools may be able to use their high school math grades to determine math placement.
Follow this three step process to successful placement testing:
- Prepare!
You want to do your best on the placement test so the scores provide an accurate assessment of your current skills and abilities. Remember this information will be used to help determine whether you need to take pre-college or college level courses. Use the online resources listed below, take advantage of the learning center and/or do your own review before testing. - Pay
Grays Harbor College charges a $15.00 CPT fee. If you take part of the CPT the charge will be $5.00 per section. Retakes will be $5.00 per section with a maximum of $15.00. To make payment you will need your student ID number and you can pay in person at the GHC Cashier’s Window or by calling (360) 538-4040. The fee will need to be paid before taking the test. - Complete the test
The Student Support Center conducts computerized placement testing on a drop-in basis. Testing hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 2:00pm, except during the summer when the college is closed on Fridays.
You must bring a photo ID with you. The test is untimed but may take you approximately 1 1/2 hours to complete. You may not use calculators, dictionaries, notebooks or other papers except scrap paper provided by the Testing Center.
For more information, please contact the Student Support Center at: (360) 538-4099 or e-mail [email protected]Prepare for ACCUPLACER®To ensure that test scores accurately represent your skill levels, you may wish to review basic concepts in reading, grammar, arithmetic, trigonometry and algebra before taking ACCUPLACER, especially if you have been away from school for more than a year.
For detailed review information and examples of questions start with this CPT Information and Study Guide.
Go here for Learning Lessons