PLACEMENT TEST GUIDE The Placement Test is taken using a computer The test questions appear on a monitor, and students answer the questions using a computer keyboard and mouse Because the placement test utilizes computer adaptive testing techniques, each section has fewer questions than traditional paper and pencil tests The questions will appear one at a time on the computer screen The questions are multiple-choice and all you will need to is use the mouse to select the desired answer When you have completed the question and verified your answer, a new screen will appear with the next question IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TESTING The difficulty of items is adjusted based on your performance on earlier questions Although each student will have the same number of questions in each section, the computer will select which questions to include in the test The selection process is conducted while the test is in progress, and is determined by the student’s answer to the previous question Once the student incorrectly answers a series of questions of a certain difficulty level, the computer will start to present questions of lesser difficulty This technique “zeroes-in” on just the right questions without administering a test that is too easy or difficult The correctness of your answer to the first question is very important Since the computer starts branching to questions of higher or lower difficulty levels immediately after the first question, it is important that you take your time when answering the first question If you can answer the first question correctly you will have a better chance of taking a test that is sufficiently challenging You cannot go back to earlier questions back to earlier questions back to earlier questions Unlike paper and pencil tests, you cannot review your test by going back to previous questions Once you have confirmed your answer to a question, you may not go back later to change your answer Consequently, it is advantageous to take your time as you proceed through the test You may not skip a question Although the computer will allow you to change your answer to a particular question before proceeding, you must answer the question before you will be allowed to move to the next question If you not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices Then pick one of the remaining choices There is no penalty for guessing ACCOMMODATIONS For Accommodations, contact Disability Support Services THE TEST ACCUPLACER is an internet-based, computerized, adaptive, placement testing system developed by College Board The test assesses basic skills in writing (English), reading, and mathematics, as well as more advanced mathematics skills The test is untimed The Reading Comprehension test measures a student’s ability to understand what he or she has read There are 20 questions with four content areas on this test: identifying main ideas, direct statements/secondary ideas, inferences, and applications For more information about proficiency at various scoring levels click here The Writing/Sentence Skills test measures students understanding of sentence structure i.e., how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence complete and clear There are a total of 20 questions administered in three content areas measured on this test: recognizing complete sentences, coordination/subordination, and clear sentence logic For more information about proficiency at various scoring levels click here The Mathematics Placement test is a multiple choice test that evaluates a students’ ability level There are three skill areas within the mathematics test: arithmetic, elementary algebra, and college level math Arithmetic has a total of 17 questions and measures a students’ ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts The Elementary Algebra has a total of 12 questions, which measure a students’ ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts For more information about proficiency at various scoring levels click here The College Level Math has a total of 20 questions and measures a students’ ability to solve problems that involve college-level mathematics concepts For more information about proficiency at various scoring levels click here Due to the adaptive nature of the test program, students will see more or less difficult questions based on the accuracy of their responses The ACCUPLACER test has a built-in calculator for use on specific math problems only Practice Questions are available on the Accuplacer website and on the Student Success Center website here Note: You not have to take all tests at one time Completing the tests with a rest in between can aid student concentration and comfort level Inform the Testing Center Manager if you not want to take all of your tests in the same setting What to Expect When You Take the Placement Test • • • • • • • Valid photo identification (government issued photo ID or CSM student ID card) is required for all testing CSM student identification number is required Appointments are required at Leonardtown & Prince Frederick campuses La Plata operates on a drop-in basis within the scheduled hours of operation, meaning no appointment is necessary for CSM students See Hours of Operation page for additional detail Calculators, pencils and scratch paper will be provided No children are allowed in Testing Centers No cellular phones are allowed in Testing Centers, lockers are available for personal items You will receive your scores directly after your test Student Success Center http://www.csmd.edu/studentsuccess How Long Does The Test Take? The test is not timed Students should take as long as necessary to verify the accuracy of answers before they are submitted This is important, because, once an answer has been selected and confirmed, students cannot return to that question to alter it As such, the total duration of time fluctuates from one to two hours depending on the individual student When Do Scores Expire? Placement Test results are valid for years only Cost of Placement Test There is no cost for students taking the placement test for the College of Southern Maryland at the La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick campuses If taking the test at an approved alternate site, students may incur a cost for the proctor and/or the site There is a fee for retesting WAIVING THE PLACEMENT TEST Work and/or Academic Experience Students who can document work and/or academic experience that would suggest the ability to college-level work can provide such documentation to the appropriate department chair for consideration of a waiver of the placement test in English, reading, and/or math SAT/ACT Scores An automatic waiver is granted for math if a student has a score of 550 or above on the SAT Math and for English and reading with a score of 550 or above on the SAT Verbal or Critical Reading score Waivers are also granted in math with a score of 21 on ACT Math; for English with a score of 21 on the ACT English; and for Reading with a score of 21 on the ACT Reading ACT and SAT test scores are considered valid for placement waivers if they have been taken within the past years Students may have test scores sent directly to the Student Success Center or can come into a Center and print the scores out in front of a SSC official Transfer Students Transfer students who have not taken a college-level English or a college-level mathematics course in the last five years may be required to validate their skills in those areas RETAKING OF THE PLACEMENT TESTS A student who completes an ACCUPLACER placement test may re-test under the following conditions: All students must wait 48 hours before attempting a re-test If the student remediates in the placement test prep program to improve skill areas prior to re-testing, there is no re-test fee A student who does not wish to remediate prior to re-testing must pay a $25 re-test fee for the first retest Student Success Center http://www.csmd.edu/studentsuccess A second attempt to re-test requires proof of remediation in the specific subjects you would like to retest and another 48 hour waiting period After this attempt, a student must meet with an academic advisor before any additional re-tests will be approved You can download a copy of the Test Proctor Fee form and pay at the Bursar's Office when you visit the campus or pre-pay online using a credit card by clicking here SPECIAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAMS Students applying for one of the special admissions programs (i.e Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment, etc.) may not retake the placement tests to gain entrance into one of these programs; however, these students are encouraged to contact one of the Student Success Coordinators (one at each campus) to request remediation in the placement test prep program which is available online and free to College of Southern Maryland applicants SCORES FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS Students who not wish to take or retake the placement test and have placement scores (Compass or Accuplacer) from another institution that are two years old or less can submit scores to the College of Southern Maryland from the initial institution The Student Success Center (SSC) does not have access to all placement tests in general or those for other schools taken at CSM; only the initiating institution of the test can see and release them Therefore, to have placement test scores reviewed, students need to officially request that the school they are coming from send the official score report OR the test scores and test type on school letterhead by email to Testing_Center@csmd.edu, by fax to 301-934-7696 or postal mail The scores, unfortunately, cannot be hand delivered by students and will not be accepted in this format If you are interested in pursuing this option, contact the the SSC Office in advance by calling 301-934-7657 SENDING PLACEMENT TEST SCORES TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION Students who have taken placement tests at the College of Southern Maryland for CSM can request that their placement test scores be sent to another institution by completing the below Student Release Form and presenting the original or submitting a copy of a driver’s license or government issued photo identification card along with your request Student Release Form (Word version) Student Release Form (.pdf version) Student Success Center http://www.csmd.edu/studentsuccess