Cape Fear Community College

Please see the Placement Test Schedule.

All applicants to degree, diploma, and certain certificate programs must take a placement examination (assessment) or qualify for a waiver as indicated below. The assessment is not an entrance examination. The primary purpose of placement examinations is to determine the individual's skill level and readiness. Assessment results will be used to determine the need, if any, for developmental placement. Faculty advisors will also use the results in planning students' programs and classes.

Placement assessments are administered in the following areas: Writing/Sentence Skills, Reading and Mathematical skills. All placement scores are valid at CFCC for five years from date of examination.

CFCC will accept official copies of placement tests taken at other colleges (ASSET, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER). SAT scores (CFCC College Code 5094) directly from the College Board, or ACT scores (CFCC College Code 3185) are also accepted by CFCC. Official high school transcripts that post SAT or ACT results are also accepted. Students enrolling in programs that have placement testing requirements are required to have placement test scores on file prior to being accepted at CFCC. The placement test may not be necessary if the applicant meets one or more of the following requirements:

• Successfully completed comparable writing and reading and/or math developmental courses at other North Carolina Community Colleges.
• Achieved CFCC's cut-off scores for desired curriculum programs by submitting official ASSET, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER (CPT) scores taken at other institutions within the last five years.
• Achieved the following minimum scores within the last five years: SAT Verbal or Reading & Writing – 470; ACT English/Reading – 19; SAT Math 500 or ACT Math – 20; and has submitted an official copy to the Admissions Office.
• Satisfactorily completed a college level English Composition and/or Mathematics course above the developmental level at an accredited college or university.

Information about the SAT

Information about the ACT

The parts of the test consist of Writing (Sentence Skills), Reading, Numerical (Arithmetic), and Algebra. The parts you take depend on your program of study.

CFCC's Learning Lab, located in the Health Science and Learning Resource Center (L-218; 910-362-7137), offers computerized instruction to assist you. Copies of the workbook, "Yes! You Can Improve Your Placement Test Scores" are available at the Learning Lab. You may also obtain a copy from the Career and Testing Services offices located at both the North Campus and Main Campus downtown. A copy of the Accuplacer Student Guide is located online at http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/student/testing/accuplacer/accuplacer-sample.pdf

Additional preparation materials may be found at Test Prep Review.

No. Testing is provided on a first come –first serve basis.

No. There is no charge to take the placement test.

You need to bring a #2 pencil, a photo ID (such as a driver license), and know your social security number and your CFCC program of study. CFCC Student Development requires you to have an application on file in the Admissions Office before testing.

The length of time for testing depends on how many parts of the test you need. Each part takes approximately twenty-five minutes. For example, if someone needs four parts of the test, it takes about 2-1/2 hours (with paperwork/instructions).

Score results are generated as soon as you finish testing.

For a more detailed explanation on the results of your scores, see the Placement Test Advising Guide or the CFCC catalog.

Most definitely! Your scores determine whether you are proficient in English and math. If you are proficient in these areas, you can register for the first level English/math for your course/program. If you are not proficient, you must take the developmental course(s) listed on your advising report.

Applicants/students can take the placement test only twice in (12) twelve consecutive months. Prior to taking a placement test the second time, it is recommended that you visit CFCC's Learning Lab for individual instruction. It is also recommended that a student retest after completing a developmental course in the subject area.

Yes. If alternative accommodations are necessary because of a disability, requests for approval, assistance, and scheduling should be arranged through the CFCC's Coordinator of Disability Services at (910) 362-7012.

Yes. For advising purposes, it may be helpful to have your report with you when you register for classes.