General Testing Information
Applications for admission to the Community College of Philadelphia are available online. After your application has been processed, you will receive a letter in 7 to 10 business days with instructions about the next step.
The purpose of the test is to measure your skills and is not a pass/fail test. It is an assessment tool so that you may be placed in classes that are appropriate to your level of skill. Each test includes writing, reading, and mathematics. The test usually takes three hours, although time may vary depending on individual situations.
Please arrive on time for the test. Bring the appointment card and a valid picture ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
The results of your test will be ready in approximately five business days. In order to protect the confidentiality of your records, the Assessment Center staff are unable to give test scores over the phone. You will receive a letter with instructions to schedule a registration session.
Test scores are valid for two years. Students need to be retested in mathematics after a two-year period unless they have successfully completed a mathematics course during this time. Students need to be retested in English after a two- year period unless they have successfully completed an English course during this time.
You are exempt from taking the test if:
- You already have a college degree from an accredited college, and you have requested an official transcript be sent to the college transcript evaluator in BG-6,
- You have passed college-level English composition and mathematics courses with a C or better from an accredited college,
- You are interested in taking courses for which testing is not required i.e., Work Force Development Training Programs,
- You are eligible for the Senior Citizen Program 215-751-8249;
- Within the last 2 years you received a minimum SAT score of 510 in English and 470 in mathematics, or a minimum ACT score of 21 in English and 17 in mathematics.