Montgomery County Community College

Placement Testing

Student applicants to the College are required to take placement tests before registering for classes. These tests measure skills in three basic areas—reading, English, and math—to determine readiness for college-level course work. Prior to taking the tests, students must have a student ID number. After completing an application for enrollment to the College, students will receive a student ID number in the mail a few days.

There is no fee charged to students taking a class at MCCC.

You may be exempt from taking one or more tests if you have earned certain grades in college courses or have a sufficient score on your PSSA or SAT test.

• Students who earn a score of 500 or more on SAT Critical Reading are exempt from the Reading placement Test.
• Students who earn a score of 520 or more on SAT Math are exempt from the Math placement test. They may begin a Math course from MAT100 to MAT115.
• Students who earn a score of 500 or more on SAT Writing are exempt from the English Placement Test and may take English 101.
• Students with a MATH PSSA score of 1400 or above are exempt from the Math placement test. They may begin a Math course under MAT116.

To be exempt from a test, please provide the College with your most recent high school or college transcript for evaluation at the time of application or testing.

The College offers ACCUPLACER placement tests for students who are not taking classes at MCCC for a fee.

Fee based ACCUPLACER placement exams.

Checklist of Items to Bring to theTesting Center

• Montgomery County Community College Student ID number
• Photo ID
• Pencils
• SAT scores (if you have them)
• Previous college transcripts (if you have them)

Items Banned from Testing Center

• Calculators or electronic devices with calculator mode (scratch paper is available in the Testing Center)
• Food, beverages, gum, candy
• Cell phones (must be turned off )
• Outerwear such as hats, gloves, coats, jackets, vests, etc.

Placement Results

Placement results fall into two categories: college level and developmental. College-level courses carry college credit. Developmental courses do not carry college credit; however, their completion is necessary before going on to college level work.

If you are dissatisfied with your test results, you may retest ONCE in any or all of the three subject areas—English, math, or reading. The retest must be completed BEFORE the student begins a class in that subject area. The retest is different from the initial placement testing; it is written and timed. The same rules apply to the retests as apply to the initial test. The student does not necessarily need to make appointment for the retest. The Testing Centers process walk-ins weekdays during regular placement testing hours and by appointment on Saturdays.

General Test Taking Strategies

• Get enough sleep the night before.
• Eat breakfast.
• Don’t rush; think clearly.
• Use your scratch paper as much as possible.
• Even if you think the first answer choice is correct, read the rest to make sure. It never hurts to double check.
• Relax—if you prepare and use the help offered on this website, you will be fine.

Sample Tests

It’s a good idea to take a practice test, before the actual test day to know what to expect and to help you prepare. Listed below for you to view are three practice tests, one condensed review, and information on how the test works.

• Reading Comprehension
• English/Sentence Skills
• Math
• Condensed Review
• How the Test Works

Special Accommodations

The ACCUPLACER placement test is untimed for all students. Students with disabilities who need accommodations on ACCUPLACER, other than extended-time, should contact the Director of Disability Services at the Central Campus Disability Services Center at (215) 641-6575 or the Coordinator of Disability Services at the West Campus Student Success Center at (610) 718-1853. For all accommodations (including extended-time) for retesting, please contact the Director or Coordinator. Students with hidden disabilities may need to submit documentation to verify their eligibility for accommodations.

Testing Center Locations and Hours

Revised 07/10, 05/10, 04/10, 01/10, 11/09, 10/09, 05/09, 03/09, 09/08, 06/08, 09/06