Placement Testing

About Placement Testing

As a new student to CCAC, you may need to take several placement assessments before you register for classes. These assessments are not an entrance exam but are designed to help you choose the right classes for your success at CCAC by accurately assessing your current skills.

We currently have the following assessments:

The Reading Placement Test consists of 20 multiple choice questions.

The English Self-Directed Questionnaire consists of 14 multiple choice questions. This assessment should be taken along with the reading test.

Click to take the English Questionnaire test

The English as a Second Language Placement Test (ESL) consists of two sections:

ESL Reading:

Consists of 20 questions

ESL WritePlacer:

Consists of 1 Essay question

Disclaimer: The English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Test should only be taken if English is not your first language and you are not proficient in reading and writing English.
If English is your first language, you will instead complete:

The Reading Placement Test
The English Questionnaire

The Math Placement Test consists of three parts: Algebra, Arithmetic, and Advanced Algebra. The test will begin with the Algebra section, which contains 20 multiple-choice questions.

If you score 9 or lower on the Algebra section, the test will automatically open the Arithmetic section, which also consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
If you score between 10–14 on the Algebra section, the test will end, and your score report will display the math course in which you are eligible to enroll.
If you score 15 or higher on the Algebra section, the test will continue with the Advanced Algebra section, which includes another 20 multiple-choice questions.

This test is optional and not a requirement. If you plan to register for advanced biology classes and have previously studied introductory biology, you may be eligible to skip Biology 110 (Introduction to Biology) by successfully passing this waiver test.

Here are the key details about the test:

It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
You will have a 60-minute time limit to complete it.
A passing score of 70 or above will exempt you from taking the BIO 110 prerequisite, allowing you to enroll directly in advanced biology courses.

There are no practice materials for this test, but this is the open textbook which you can use to review what the course uses: https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e

Placement assessments are completed in person (on campus) with live proctors, offering a quiet and focused environment to help you perform your best. If your schedule doesn't allow for an on-campus visit, remote assessments are available as an alternative.

Placement Testing Steps

Step 1: Send Your Transcripts/Scores to CCAC for testing exemptions

These are the exemptions and the documentation you need for your placement tests: Exemptions. You need to complete this before scheduling your tests.

For the high school transcript: Please send it from your school directly to admissions@ccac.edu.

Note to Seniors in high school: Have your transcript sent ONLY after the first two grading periods or first semester of your senior year. Any transcript sent without those grades and GPA on it cannot be used for placement test exemptions.

Dual enrollment students that are juniors or seniors need only take the placement tests for the prerequisite of the course they are taking at that time. All other dual enrollment students are required to take all three placement tests.

Did you attend another other college before applying to CCAC? Send those official transcripts to transcripts@ccac.edu.

All SAT/ACT test scores must be sent directly to CCAC for those exemptions.

Exemptions

Step 2: Do You Need Accommodations?

Determine if you are eligible for and accommodation for your placement test before you schedule your placement test.

Accommodations

Step 3: Placement Test Practice

Skill levels of students entering college can very. Students that study for an assessment before taking it can make the difference between a positive and a negative result. The most effective means of studying for a placement assessment is working with the practice materials provided by the college. CCAC provides resources to help you prepare for your placement assessments as well as, Accuplacer, our assessment provider. You should practice until you are comfortable with the question formats and content.

Visit the Accuplacer Practice Test site and sign up for a free account to practice using the test simulator. You will be able to practice for the reading, arithmetic, advanced algebra and functions, ESL reading, and ESL listening tests using the simulator.

CCAC also provides testing resources for both the reading and math placement test listed below.

Step 4: Register for your placement tests either at home or on campus

Placement tests are completed in person (on campus) with live proctors, offering a quiet and focused environment to help you perform your best. If your schedule does not allow for an on-campus visit, remote testing is available as an alternative. Please see the instructions to register below. Choose the option that best meets your needs.

Register for Your Placement Test on Campus

To schedule an appointment, log in to Navigate360.

Click “Schedule an Appointment.”
Next, select “Placement Testing & Testing Services” as the Care Unit.
Next, select the location you want to test at from the dropdown.
Next, select the Service, “Placement Testing (Reading, Math, Bio, ESL).”
Next, select the Meeting Type, “In Person Scheduled Appointment.”
In the comments section, indicate what tests you want to schedule.
Now click on the date you want to take your test from the calendar.
The last thing you need to do is click on the Testing Center location and find a time that works best for you on that day.
When done, click “Save Appointment.” You will get a confirmation email with your appointment and next steps.

If you are new to Navigate, please visit the EAB Navigate Guide for Students in the Help Center.

For assistance scheduling your appointment, please contact Placement Testing by phone or email at 412.237.2644 or placementtesting@ccac.edu, do not forget to provide your student ID and birthday so we can access your account.

Register for Your Placement Tests at Home

Click Placement Tests link.
The event registration form will be opened.
- You will need the email address and password you used when creating your CCAC admissions application.
- You can select any placement assessment except for the BIO 110 Waiver.
  - For the BIO 110 Waiver, click BIO 110 link.
Once you have submitted your request, check your personal email inbox for a confirmation email with additional information.
- Be patient, your request will be processed the next business day if taking the assessment at home.
CCAC and Accuplacer use ProctorU Live+ to proctor your tests at home. It is important to note that you must schedule your test at least 72 hours in advance through ProctorU. Otherwise, you will be charged a ON-Demand premium fee at the time of scheduling as follows:
- if you schedule your exams within 25–71 hours, you will be charged $5.00
- if you schedule before the within 24 hours, you will be charged $8

(If you need to take your exams within 72 hours, you can schedule an appointment at any of the testing centers.

Please be advised our application will be undergoing maintenance March 22–March 25, we appreciate your patience during this time.

Preparing for Your Accuplacer Exam With ProctorU (Meazure Learning)

Get registered in less than 5 minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are taking a placement test virtually (at home), we will be no longer using Examity as of September 15, 2024. We will be using ProctorU to proctor your assessments. You will need a desktop or laptop computer with a web camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet place to concentrate and take your assessment. It is important that no one else be in the room with you while taking the test virtually.

You are not allowed the use of any electronic devices during your assessment or the use of a calculator during your math assessment unless approved by Disability Resources and Services as an accommodation.

Live+ (Guardian) Instructions for Test-takers

Online Exam Proctoring with ProctorU

For your convenience, this course will utilize the ProctorU platform to proctor your online exams.

What is ProctorU?

ProctorU is a platform that is partnered with your institution to help you take an exam online while ensuring academic integrity is upheld. Using this platform allows you the convenience of testing from home 24/7, 365 days a year.

How Do I Prepare for My ProctorU Exam?

Step 1:

Create a ProctorU account and download the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser.

Step 2:

Schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance.

Login to your ProctorU account and click the "Schedule New Session" button.
Confirm your institution, term, and exam name, then click "Search Sessions."
Use the calendar and clock features on the left to select your desired testing date and time.

Note: If you choose to take your exam on-demand instead of scheduling in advance, you may incur premium fees and wait times.

Step 3:

Test your equipment

Important Note: You will need administrative access of your computer. To view the other minimum requirements, view this article.
Please test your equipment before exam day in an environment that is identical to or close to your actual testing location.

Step 4:

Prepare for exam day

This video will walk you through the exam day experience including any best practices. For additional information, read this article to ensure you are prepared for exam day.

Do you have any testing accommodations?

The ProctorU platform is fully ADA compliant. If you require special testing accommodations, I will need to let ProctorU know. Please work with me prior to your exam to make sure your accommodations are noted in their system.

Does it negatively interfere with my computer?

ProctorU does not permanently impact your computer in any way. You will be able to see everything your proctor is doing while you are connected. Once your exam is over and you have closed out of your chat session and video page with ProctorU, it completely removes the screen sharing client from your computer. You may also uninstall the Guardian Browser after each exam session if you choose to do so.

Does ProctorU breach my privacy rights?

Absolutely not! ProctorU takes your privacy very seriously. They stringently adhere to all Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. No student information can be shared without your direct approval. If you have any privacy concerns, you can visit ProctorU’s Privacy Policy page. For additional information, review ProctorU’s Student Bill of Rights.

Still have questions or concerns?

You can view ProctorU’s test-taker support FAQ page here.

ProctorU wants you to know that they are always available to help! You can always start a live chat by logging into your ProctorU account and clicking the chat icon in the lower right side of your screen, open a support ticket, or call 855.772.8678.

Contact CCAC's Office of Disability Resources and Services to see if you qualify.

Do I qualify for an accommodation?

You may not need to take all placement tests. CCAC offers a number of eligible exemptions.

Do I qualify for an exemption?

If you are a high school senior and are looking to take advantage of the reading/English exemption, you must send your high school transcript only after the first two grading periods or first semester of your senior year to get this exemption. Any transcripts sent without those grades and GPA will not be acceptable.

Dual Enrollment students who are juniors or seniors only need to take a placement test if the course they are taking has a math or English prerequisite or have not taken the SAT/ACT exams. All other Dual Enrollment students not yet juniors or seniors are required to take all three placement tests (reading, math, and English).

The reading and math placement tests are not timed so you can take the time you need to complete it in one sitting. The BIO 110 Waiver is a timed test and you have 60 minutes to complete that test.

If taking the reading and math test together, you should estimate at least 1½ hour depending on your reading and math skills. Longer if you are able to advance to the algebra and advanced algebra sections of the math test.

If you are required to complete the reading test, you will also need to complete the "English Questionnaire".

Placement assessments can be taken a second time with the approval of an advisor. A student may retest for a placement out of a course in which he/she was enrolled after a 4-year period. Once a student has retested after four years and scores into the same course(s) for which he/she was enrolled, there is no further alternative, regardless of the result. The BIO 110 Waiver can only be taken once a year.

Once you complete your placement assessments, Academic Advising can help you explore our programs and register for classes.

Allegheny Campus in room SSC 360 and is located in the Student Services Center at 839 Ridge Ave on the Northside of Pittsburgh.
Boyce Campus Testing Center is in room S563 and is located at 595 Beatty Rd in Monroeville.
North Campus Testing Center is in room 1002 and is located at 8701 Perry Highway in McCandless.
South Campus Testing Center is in room B447 and is located at 1750 Clairton Road in West Mifflin.
Homewood-Brushton Center is in room 213 and is located at 701 N Homewood Ave.

View Locations

Walk-In or Schedule an Appointment With Us

To access Navigate360 via mobile device, download "Navigate360 Student" through Google Play or AppStore, search for "CCAC,” and enter your username and password (same as my.ccac.edu).

To access Navigate360 via desktop, log in here.

New to Navigate360? To get started, visit the EAB Navigate360 Guide for Students in the Help Center.

Navigate360 Login Navigate360 Guide

Contact Testing Services

Hours of Operation

Allegheny Campus

Room SSC 130

Monday: 8:30AM–4:30PM EST
Tuesday: 8:30AM–7:00PM EST
Wednesday: 8:30AM–7:00PM EST
Thursday: 8:30AM–4:30PM EST
Friday: 8:30AM–4:30PM EST
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed