Placement Test FAQs

What does the test cost?

The placement test is free.

How long is the test?

The length of the test varies depending on individual situations. Typically, the entire process takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

Who must take the placement test?

You are exempt from taking placement tests if you are interested in taking courses for which testing is not required, such as noncredit Professional Development programs.

OR

By submitting one of the following:

  • 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, taken within the last two years.
  • A score of 4 or 5 on the AP English Lit/Com Exam, or a score of 4 or 5 on the Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam, taken within the last two years.
  • A minimum IBT (internet based TOEFL) score of 77 overall and a 20 in writing, taken within the last two years.
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a 6.0 in writing, taken within the last two years.
  • An official transcript indicating you have earned a U.S. college degree or have passed college-level English or math with a grade of “C” or higher at an accredited U.S. college or university.

All documents (transcripts and test scores) submitted for placement should be emailed or mailed to:

Community College of Philadelphia
1700 Spring Garden Street
Transfer Credit and Placement Office, MG-17
Philadelphia, PA 19130

If you are not exempt, you must take a reading, writing and mathematics test to determine which classes will best meet your needs before your enroll in classes.

Test scores are valid for two years. Students must be retested after a two-year period unless they have successfully completed an English and/or mathematics course (received a grade of "P03," "C," or above). Admissions tests for select programs and placement tests for specific courses are also administered.

How am I scheduled for the test?

After submitting a completed application, you will receive a letter with instructions to schedule the test through MyCCP.  Or you may attend a drop-in placement test in Room BG-14, in the Bonnell Building on the Main Campus on Tuesday or Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  If you have to reschedule your appointment, please call 215.751.8010.

When do I receive the results of the test?

Your placement test results will be ready in approximately two business days. In order to maintain the confidentiality of student records, placement results cannot be given to you over the phone. When you come in for your registration session, you will be given your placement scores.

Are there special tests for English as a Second Language (ESL) students?

If your primary spoken language is other than English, you may be asked to take the ESL part of the test (instead of the English part), which includes ESL Listening, ESL Writing, and ESL Reading Skills sections.  

For more information about the ESL test, visit the ACCUPLACER Tests website.

For more information about our ESL program services, please visit the ESL Program and the English Department websites.

For pre-college level ESL course information, please visit the ESL Institute website.

Can students with disabilities arrange to have special accommodations during the placement test?

You may contact the Center on Disability at 215.751.8050 in order to make arrangements for special testing accommodations.