What is the Computerized Placement Test (CPT)
CPT exams help determine:
- Which course placements are appropriate for college students.
- If further developmental courses are needed before beginning college-credit classes.
- The student's progress in courses and degree programs.
The CPT assesses skills in:
- Reading comprehension
- Sentence structure
- Mathematics
Why is the CPT important?
Florida requires students to take admissions or placement tests before entering College programs. You should take the CPT if you:
- Are entering a college credit program (working toward an A.A. or A.S. degree).
- Have not taken the ACT or SAT tests.
- You have taken the ACT or SAT test, but would like to place into a higher level course.
Who is required to take the CPT?
- All degree-seeking first-time-in-college students and all college credit certificate-seeking students who plan to register for more than 12 credits in a semester (a full-time course load).
- All students who plan to register for any English or mathematics course.
- All students seeking dual enrollment.
- All students who took a placement exam more than two years ago, but who have not yet passed a course in the corresponding subject area. Students who placed into the lowest levels (REA 0001C, ENC 0002C, or MAT 0012C) need not re-test in the corresponding subject area.
- All students who cannot provide ACT, SAT, or CPT official scores or scores on an official transcript by the date of their orientation.
Please note: Students may not register for any credit course at SCC until they have a set of complete scores on file. This includes students who hold only a vocational credit certificate.
Who is exempted fromt the CPT test?
Students are exempt from taking the CPT, unless needed as a prerequisite for a specific course, if they provide written documentation for one of the following:
- Official ACT or SAT scores less than two years old that place the student into college-level coursework at SCC.
- SAT scores of 440 or above on verbal/critical reading or 440 or above on math for placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
- ACT scores of 18 or above on the reading; 17 or above on English; or 19 or above on math for placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
- If multiple test results are on record, the highest subtest scores are used.
- Any score presented, which is below that needed for exemption, will require the student to be tested on the appropriate CPT subtests(s).
- Students who have already registered in a mathematics course (and are past the 100 percent refund deadline) are not eligible to take the CPT mathematics subtest.
- Attended a regionally-accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction and have completed college level or the highest college preparatory level coursework, as evaluated by SCC, in English and/or mathematics with a grade of C or higher.
- Have an A.A., bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction and have submitted official transcripts to SCC for review.
- Official SCC record indicates that the student is enrolled in another college or university and has applied to SCC as a transient student.
- Official SCC record indicates that the student is enrolled for teacher re-certification.
- Official SCC record indicates that the student is enrolled for a vocational program, Adult High School, ABE/GED, a community education course or a continuing education course.
How do I prepare for the CPT?
How can I get more information about the CPT?
For more information about the CPT:
I've already taken the CPT. How do I make sure SCC receives my scores?
You are responsible for making sure SCC has your CPT records.
- If you took the CPT while in high school, speak with your high school guidance counselor. Some schools will include your scores with your high school transcripts.
- Speak with the institution at which you took the CPT exam. You may be able to have them send your scores to SCC.
- Speak with the SCC Admissions Office. They may be able to tell you whom to contact to get your SAT records.
- Contact the Assessment and Testing Center at 407.708.2020.
Important Reminders
- College preparatory courses have a first digit of zero. They do not count toward a degree. However, these courses do count toward eligibility for VA benefits, financial aid, and intercollegiate athletics.
- Rule 6A-10.315 also requires students to begin college prep courses during their first 12 hours at SCC. This rule does not provide SCC the authority to make exceptions to this requirement.
- Rule 6A- 10.315 limits students to three attempts to pass each college prep course, including original grades, repeat grades, and withdrawals. Upon the third attempt, the student is assessed the full cost of instruction, is not permitted to withdraw and receives a grade for the course. The student may petition to waive the full cost of instruction due to extenuating circumstances or financial hardship by requesting a "Petition for Administrative Record Change" (non-refundable) form at the registration/records counter in the Student Services Office (building A) on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.
English Placement Scores
Reading Score
- 20 - 41 = TABE for reading placement
- 42 - 52 = REA 0001C or LOEP for EAP placement
- 53 - 82 = REA 0002C or LOEP for EAP placement
- > 83 = No prep reading required
Sentence Skills
- 20 - 82 = ENC 0001C or LOEP for EAP placement
- > 83 = No prep writing required
Reading Score and Sentence Skills
Preparatory English and Reading must be completed prior to entering English I and/or any Gordon Rule Course.
Mathematics Placement Scores
Elementary Algebra Score
- 20 - 46 = Use arithmetic score below. If no arithmetic score, then MAT 0012C.
- 47 - 71 = MAT 0024C: Basic Algebra or MAT 0020C: Integrated Math.
- 72 - 120 = Use College Level Math (CLM) score below. If no CLM, then MAT 1033: Intermediate Algebra.
Arithmetic Score
- 20 - 24 = ABE Math
- 25 - 74 = MAT 0012C: Fund. & Algebra or MAT 0020C: Integrated Math
- 75 - 120 = MAT 0024C: Basic Algebra
College Level Math (CLM) Score
- 20 - 39 = MAT 1033: Intermediate Algebra
- 40 - 62 = MAC 1105: College Algebra or MGF 1106: College Mathematics or MGF 1107: Liberal Arts Math or STA 2023: Statistics
- 63 - 96 = MAC 1140*: Pre-Calc Algebra or MAC 1114*: Trigonometry or MAC 2233*: Concepts of Calculus
- 97 - 120 = MAC 2311*: Calculus I
* These courses are rigorous and all students registering for them are encouraged to meet with the math department chair, Lane Vosbury, 407.708.2252, prior to beginning class.
