Placement Testing

North Shore Community College is committed to student success by ensuring that all students are assessed and placed in courses that are appropriate to their academic skills. Students who cannot document proficiency (see Basic Skills Core/Proficiency Requirements) are required to complete Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs) to establish current ability in reading, writing, and math. The results of CPTs are used to determine appropriate course placement. These tests also verify communications and/or math proficiency for courses listing these as prerequisites. Students may drop in for testing at the Center for Alternative Studies and Educational Testing in Lynn, Danvers, or via Zoom. Review materials are available in the Center for Alternative Studies and Educational Testing, in the Student Support and Advising Centers and online.

Results of placement tests may indicate the need for courses in reading, writing, and/or math at the pre-college level. These foundation classes are designed to prepare students for college- level courses required for a degree or certificate program. These courses are developmental, do not count toward a degree or certificate, and are not transferable to another college.

Math ACCUPLACER Policy: Students using ACCUPLACER for Math Placement may use placement test results to determine only their starting math course. Once enrolled in a math course, they are required to take all courses from their Accuplacer placement course, sequentially through their program pathway. The Accuplacer may not be retaken for the purpose of skipping a course required in the sequence. Students may elect to take a course at a lower level than they are placed.

Students whose first language is not English are assessed in the Center for Alternative Studies and Educational Testing to evaluate their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and to determine appropriate placement into ESL classes.