FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Why do I have to be assessed?
A. The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education mandates that all students entering state colleges must complete an assessment in order to determine basic skills levels for course placement. Based on assessment, a student may be required to initially enroll in one or more Developmental or ESL courses in order to prepare for college level course work.
Q. What type of test method is used?
A. Reading, math, writing and sentence skills assessments are administered with Accuplacer, which is a web-based assessment and placement system. Writing Assessments are administered through a type written essay on an assigned topic. Students who apply for enrollment in English Language courses will be assessed with specialized tests for reading, writing, grammar and communication.
Q. What if I have a diagnosed disability and need testing accommodations?
A. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Learning Accommodations Center to arrange for special accommodations well in advance of their assessment date.
Students with documented disabilities:
Call (978) 556-3654
Individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing:
Call 866-321-2823 (VP/Voice)
Q. How long will the assessment testing take?
A. The reading, math and sentence skills tests are un-timed and the writing test is a 50 minute timed test. Plan on approximately three hours.
Q. What does it cost to be assessed?
A. There is no fee.
Q. What should I bring on the date of my scheduled assessment appointment?
A. A photo id. You will also need to know your social security number. Calculators, dictionaries, and text books of any kind are not allowed to be used during testing.
Q. Should I study for the assessment?
A. It is beneficial to study. Access resources by clicking here to view Study Guides.
Q. When do my assessment results expire?
A. Reading, writing, and math course placements are valid for three years. However, it is strongly advised that students complete their first math course during their first year of enrollment. Call the Assessment Center at 978-556-3872 to ensure that your placements are up to date or to inquire about using CPT Accuplacer scores from another college.
Q. What if I have already taken the CPT Accuplacer assessment at NECC or another college?
A. If you have tested within the past three years, you should not need to retest. Call the Assessment Center at 978-556-3872 to ensure that your placements are up to date or to inquire about using CPT Accuplacer scores from another college.
Q. Do I still need to test if I have taken college courses before?
A. Students with prior college credits or SAT scores may be eligible for a partial or full waiver of the Assessment. Waivers are granted based on review of transcripts. Contact the Assessment Office, at 978-556-3872 to inquire about the waiver process.
Q. What if English is not my first language?
A. If you have applied to the English as a Second Language Program, you will not take the general CPT Accuplacer testing. Instead, you will be tested in reading, writing, grammar and communication with other tests. Appointments for ESL testing may be scheduled by calling the Assessment Center at either Haverhill or Lawrence.
Q. When will my assessment results be available?
A. Your results will be available within 7-10 days from the date of your assessment.
Q. How will I get my assessment results?
A. You can get your results from an advisor when you register for classes. Note: Your assessment placements WILL NOT be mailed.
Q. When can I register for classes?
A. You will receive a letter or phone call instructing you when to attend registration or you can call the Advising Center at 978-556-3440 after 7-10 days from the date of your assessment.
Q. What if I am a returning student/or I am not in a major?
A. You will not receive any notification, so 7-10 days after your assessment, you may call the assessment center /or come into the One Stop Center on the Haverhill campus or the CPAC Center on the Lawrence campus.
