|
Frequently Asked Questions
History of Course Readiness Assessment
ACCUPLACER for CCP Students
ACCUPLACER Practice Test Items
ACCUPLACER Practice Test Videos
The Nash Community College placement test has been replaced by a Course Readiness Assessment. The Course Readiness Assessment is a more diagnostic approach to course placement for those that do not meet the multiple measures requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to do anything before I take the Course Readiness Assessment?
Yes, you will need to apply to Nash Community College to create a unique student identification number. You will need to submit the college admissions application before you can take the course readiness assessment. High school students must submit a completed side A Career and College Promise enrollment application before testing. You will also need some form of pictured government identification card (driver’s license, learner’s permit, high school or college ID, etc.)
Where do I need to go for the assessment?
Report to Student and Enrollment Services, Building A for a referral form to take the assessment. Assessments are done in the Library, Building A. For a map and directions click here.
When can I take the assessment?
The Course Readiness Assessment is available on a walk-in basis every weekday. Hours are Monday-Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm and Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm (The CRA is not given on Fridays in the summer from May 17 through August 16, 2013). Testing is only available for students planning to attend or currently attending Nash Community College. *Testing will be offered at extended hours during times of registration.
Do I need to make an appointment for testing?
No appointment is necessary if you arrive before 4 pm (12 pm on Fridays).
What does it cost to take the Course Readiness Assessment?
Testing is free to Nash Community College applicants and students currently enrolled at NCC.
What do I need to bring to the testing room?
You will need to bring a picture ID. Career and College Promise students need to bring side A of NCC’s Career and College Promise Application.
How long will it take to receive results of the course readiness assessment?
Assessment results are available immediately. Following the assessment in the Library you will be referred back to Student and Enrollment Services to meet with a counselor who will interpret the results.
Do my Course Readiness Assessment scores really matter?
Most definitely! Your scores determine whether you are proficient in reading, writing and math and whether you will be able to register for college level coursework. If your scores place you below college level in any areas, you must take the course(s) to help you become proficient.
Can I take the Course Readiness Assessment more than once?
Students may take the Course Readiness Assessment twice within a calendar year. Prior to taking the assessment for a second time, it is recommended that students study independently to upgrade deficiencies. Students may review sample assessment questions below.
Can I use a calculator or a dictionary?
No, for the math portion of the assessment there are certain questions that allow the use of a calculator and some that do not. For those questions that do allow the use of a calculator, a small calculator icon will appear on the screen for you to use. You cannot use any external help sources, paper or electronic; i.e. calculator, dictionary, or phone.
The History of the Course Readiness Assessment
Effective July 1993, the NC General Assembly enacted a special provision in SL 1993-321 requiring the State Board of Community Colleges to determine appropriate tests and proficiency levels to place students into developmental courses. In 1994 and in 1999 the State Board adopted polices to fulfill the requirements of the special provision.
In 2006, the State Board of Community Colleges adopted an NCCCS Placement Testing Policy directing community colleges to use one or more of the following tests for student placement into developmental education courses: ASSET, COMPASS, CPT, and/or ACCUPLACER . The policy also set cut scores for placement.
In 2010, the NCCCS’ Developmental Education Initiative State Policy Team began its work to redesign developmental math, reading, and English courses. To support proper student placement in courses, reduce student time and financial aid resources allocated to developmental education, and help students move into their curriculum courses more quickly, the statewide policy team recommended the development of a new diagnostic instrument that directly aligns with the new NC developmental courses.
Course Readiness Assessment - Applicants who do not meet the criteria for enrollment into gateway courses can take approved Course Readiness Assessments. Applicants will be assessed in writing, reading, arithmetic, and algebra. Sample test questions and assessment schedules are available below. NCC uses ACCUPLACER for assessments into gateway courses. Assessment scores are valid for 5 years.
Course Readiness Assessments are offered daily. If an individual feels he/she is unable to take the assessments under standard procedures, a counselor must be notified in advance to determine alternate accommodations. Prior to testing, applicants should complete an admissions application and have it reviewed by an admissions counselor. Individuals must bring a governmentally-approved photo ID to the assessment session.
Mathematics – The diagnostic math portion of the Course Readiness Assessment consists of 96 questions that determine whether a student is proficient in certain areas of math. Students who do not meet the established criteria must enroll in DMA 010, 020, 030, 040, 050, 060, 070, and/or 080 to remove academic deficiencies.
Reading/Writing - Students are placed into fundamental education courses based on the Course Readiness Assessment (CRA). All degree seeking students taking the CRA must meet the minimum score required to enroll into gateway programs. The following combined reading/writing scores provide placement guidance until the diagnostic assessment for DRE courses is available in spring 2014:
Basic Skills 40-71 (Refresh Skills)
DRE 096 72-91
DRE 097 92-128
DRE 098 129-165
ENG 111 > 166
ACCUPLACER for CCP Students
The regular ACCUPLACER test will be giving to all high school students wishing to enroll in the Career and College Promise Pathway. Students will need to fill out side A of the Nash Community College Career and College Promise Application and some form of pictured government identification card (drivers license, learners permit, high school or college ID, etc.)
Students must score > 55 on ACCUPLACER Arithmetic and > 75 on Elementary Algebra to enroll in MAT 171. Students must score >80 on ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension and >86 on ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills.
ACCUPLACER Practice Test Videos
ACCUPLACER Video Review – Courtesy of Central Piedmont Community College
ACCUPLACER Reading and Sentence Skills
ACCUPLACER Practice Test Items
No Cost (Courtesy of Dallas County Community College)
Purchase the official ACCUPLACER study app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. |
