Placement Testing

Location:

Student Services Center
T Building, Lower Level

Phone: 516.572.7780

Fax: 516.572.9925

Welcome to the Placement Testing office at Nassau Community College. Prior to registering for courses, most students attending Nassau Community College will be required to take a computerized placement test called Accuplacer. This test will be used to determine the appropriate level of course work for you to begin your studies at Nassau Community College. Students may be waived from taking the placement test(s) based on specific criteria. For detailed information, including a list of Placement Test waivers, see the NCC College Catalog.

How do I schedule a placement test?

New students will receive an email from the Admissions office with instructions on scheduling a placement test after all required documents have been submitted.

Transfer students, returning students, and part time students can contact the Placement Testing Office at 516.572.7780 to schedule a placement test.

Request Special Testing Accommodations For The Placement Test

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, please contact the Center for Students with Disabilities for more information. In order to receive accommodations for the placement test you must complete the Accommodations Request Form and send or drop off your documentation of disability to the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). This needs to be done prior to making your placement test appointment. Please contact the CSD office if you have any questions at 516.572.7241.

Can I be waived from a placement test?

Exemptions to the various sections of the placement test are possible if you meet the following criteria.

Placement Test Waiver Criteria

English Placement Test Waiver and enrollment into ENG 100

A NYS English Language Arts Regents Score from 79-84 taken within the last 4 years
Students who present an English grade of D/+/- must register for ENG 100 or a co-requisite ALP course, after consultation with an advisor.

English Placement Test Waiver and enrollment into ENG 101

A NYS English Regents score of 85 or higher taken within 4 years of application to NCC or
A 3 or higher on the AP English Literature and Composition or English Language and Composition (college credit awarded for ENG 101 or ENG 102 depending on test) or
520+ on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing OR SAT Writing Sections will exempt an incoming student from taking the English portion of the placement test or
21+ on the ACT English will exempt a student from the Reading and Writing portions of the placement test or
3+ on the IB English exam (standard or higher level) will exempt a student from the Reading and Writing Portions of the placement exam

Reading Placement Test Waiver

A NYS English Regents score of 79+ or higher taken within 4 years of application to NCC
A 3 or higher on the AP English Literature and Composition or English Language and Composition (college credit awarded for ENG 101 or ENG 102 depending on test) or
A 3 or higher in the International Baccalaureate English Exam in English (higher level) or
21+ on the ACT English will exempt a student from the Reading and Writing portions of the placement test or
500+ on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing will exempt a student from taking the reading portion of the placement exam

Math Placement Test Waiver

An 80 or higher in the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam taken within 4 years of application to NCC or
An SAT Math score of 500 or higher or
A Math ACT score of 21 or higher or
3+ on any AP Calculus or
3+ on the AP Statistics Exams (non-stem) or
3+ or higher on the IB Math exam (standard or higher level)
Students who present a mathematics grade of D/+/- or C-, will be placed into the appropriate mathematics course, after consultation with the Mathematics department. STEM identified students transferring in a liberal arts math course with a grade of C or higher will be required to take the algebra portion of the placement exam.

Certificate Programs

Students applying to certificate programs that do not require coursework in English, Mathematics, or Reading, will not be required to take the placement tests, provided the courses do not have a remedial prerequisite.

Getting to the placement test

NCC Placement Testing is part of the Student Services Center located in the Lower Level of the T (Tower) Building).

Where should I park?
For the closest visitor parking lot, please use this GPS friendly parking address link https://goo.gl/maps/QiWv9VEV1rdsERw66.
What about bus service?
https://www.nicebus.com/Passenger-Information/Nassau-community-college

What do I need to bring with me the day of the test?

There are a few things that you will need on the day of your test. Take a look at the list below that outlines what you will need.

An original PHOTO ID (REQUIRED)
- One form of current and valid Photo ID is required to take the placement test. Sorry, no pictures, photo copies, screenshots or other copy of your ID will be accepted. You must have the original Photo ID with you.
- Accepted forms of valid Photo ID include: Driver’s license, State-approved or federal ID, Military ID, College ID, High school ID, Passport, Tribal ID, Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship. Digital copies of photo identification are NOT accepted.
- If you do not have the required ID with you, you will not be able to take the placement test.
Pen or Pencil
Calculator
- If you are scheduled to take the math placement test then you’ll want to bring a calculator with you to use during the test. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, you can also borrow one when you arrive.
Printed copy of Placement test confirmation email
- If you registered for the placement test online, remember to bring a print out of your confirmation email. If you did not register for the test online or don’t have a printed copy, don’t worry, we can print one for you when you arrive.

What items are prohibited in the testing room?

Mobile Phone
Smart watches (Apple watch, etc.)
Tablets
Food and drink, except water in a clear bottle or container

It is best to leave prohibited items at home or in your car if possible. If it’s not possible, lockers will be provided to store your items while taking the test.

How can I prepare for the placement test?

Students should prepare for the Placement Test (Accuplacer) just as they would any other exam so that they are accurately placed in a class that is appropriate for their academic skills. Please review the links to study guides and sample questions below:

Free Accuplacer App

Accuplacer also offers a free web based study app for your computer, smart phone, or tablet. https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login

Helpful Tips

Relax: your scores will help you and your advisor determine which courses are most appropriate for you.
You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can find the testing area.
Students taking the complete test should expect to spend 2.5 to 3 hours taking the test.
After a student completes the test, the placement results will be sent to the student’s NCC email.
A second email will be sent to the student’s NCC email with information regarding advisement and registration.

ESL Information (English as a Second Language)

If English is not your first language, or you prefer to take the ESL placement test, please contact ESL Placement Testing at esltest@ncc.edu or call 516.573.0172.

International Students

For information on applying, testing and placement testing waivers please see the International Students Admissions page.

What is the Ability To Benefit Test (ATB)?

Students who were home schooled or do not have a certificate of graduation from a recognized school within the United States or have received their high school diploma from a foreign school must take an approved "Ability to Benefit" test and attain a passing score prior to the end of the college's add/drop period to be considered for state aid. If you have any questions contact the Placement Testing Center at placementtesting@ncc.edu or call 516.572.7780.

If you have any questions about Financial Aid or to inquire if you need to take the ATB test, please call the Financial Aid Office at 516.572.7396.

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