Placement Testing

PLACEMENT TESTING

Most degree and certificate seeking applicants to Nassau Community College are required to take a placement test prior to registering for courses.  An entering student must demonstrate readiness to learn the course material successfully and that's why you're asked to take the ACCUPLACER (or Placement Test) test at NCC. For detailed information regarding Placement Test requirements please see our current College Catalog.

When English is not a student's primary language, then an ESL test is given.  For more information regarding the ESL Placement Testing, please call 516.573.0172 or 0171 e-mail your questions to esltest@ncc.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Placement Test

What is a Placement Test?Prior to registering for courses, an entering student must demonstrate readiness to learn the course material successfully. That's why you are being asked to take the ACCUPLACER test at NCC. An ESL test is given to students when English is not their primary language. Please call 516.573.0172 for more information or email your questions to esltest@ncc.edu.How Does it Work?The Placement Test has two components.The first is an essay. The second is an Accuplacer test. You take the ACCUPLACER test on a computer. The test instructions are easy to understand. A test administrator will always be present to help you. Although the test is administered on a computer, no previous experience with computers is necessary. However, it is advisable that you familiarize yourself with using a computer and keyboard.Special testing is available for students with disabilities. If you have a learning, physical, psychological, hearing, visual and/or medical disability and need special assistance or accommodations, we urge you to contact the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). The CSD office can be reached at 516.572.7241.Should I study for the test?You cannot "pass" or "fail" the Placement Test. However, to make sure that test scores accurately represent your skill levels, you may wish to review basic concepts in reading, grammar, arithmetic and algebra before taking the Placement Test. You may also try reviewing a GED or SAT review book, available at local bookstores and public libraries, to refresh your basic skills. Also check out our Sample Tests on the website!

How do I schedule an appointment to take the test?First you must submit an application for admission to the College, pay the $40.00 application fee, submit a copy of your health immunizations and a copy of your high school or college transcripts. Once all documents have been received you will be able to use our online placement testing registration process to schedule a placement test. In early February you can visit www.ncc.edu/MyNCC to schedule a test if all documents have been received. Information about testing will arrive through your NCC email account. Please check your NCC email account frequently.

What happens after the Placement Test?Placement Test scores serve as a beginning step in the advisement and registration process. After you complete your test, you will receive information indicating where and when you should go for your advisement and registration process.

What should I bring with me to the test?You will need to bring a photo ID, a pen,  and  your admission letter. You may also bring a paper dictionary and/or a thesaurus (these can only be used for the essay only). Please note you will not be permitted to take the test without a photo ID.If English is not my first language, what placement test should I take?An ESL test is conducted for students whose native language is not English. Please call 516.573.0172 for more information.