Most first-time students admitted to HCC are required to take a placement test. Administered on a computer, the Accuplacer placement exam is an assessment of basic English, reading and math skills. This information assists students and the college in making decisions about the appropriate level of course placement based on the student's academic skills. Test scores remain valid for two years without the student needing to be retested. For further information on the Accuplacer placement test and a list of internet sites to help you prepare for the test, visit the HCC website at housatonic.edu.
The following students are required to take the test:
-
All first-time students enrolled in a degree or certificate program;
-
Any student who does not initially seek a degree or certificate but who registers for a course that would result in the accumulation of 12 or more credits;
-
Any transfer student who has not successfully completed a college-level English composition or math course (transcripts required);
-
Any student electing to take an English writing course or a mathematics course;
-
Any student electing to take English as a Second Language courses.
When the Test is Given
Placement testing is regularly scheduled throughout the year. Call 203-332-5019 to schedule an appointment. Please note: you must apply for admission to the college and have a student Banner ID number in order to take the test.
Test Waivers
Placement testing may be waived for students under the following conditions:
-
Students who have completed a college-level English and/or math course with a grade of "C" or better (official documentation is required).
-
Students who have an Associates Degree or higher may be exempt from testing. Official transcripts must be provided; however, unofficial transcripts may be used for advising and placement purposes.
-
Students with SAT scores of 500 in Math or 450 in Critical Reading or Writing can request a Placement Test Waiver Form from the Admissions Office. SAT scores are valid for two years from the day of the test.
-
Students with ACT scores of 18 -21 on the ACT Math test, and scores of 21 or higher on the ACT English portion or a score of 47 or higher on the ACT English and Reading portions can request a Placement Test Waiver Form** from the Admissions Office. ACT scores are valid for two years from the day of the test.
**Waiver forms are available in the Admissions office (all waiver forms must be signed by the Admissions Office and include a copy of current SAT or ACT scores)
iMATH – A Refresher Math Program
Students who take the Accuplacer test and place into pre-college level math (Math 075 or 095) may be eligible for iMATH. This program is specifically designed for students who have had upper level math in the past and need a refresher. Students can earn the opportunity to retake the math section of their Accuplacer exam and possibly advance their math placement. For information about iMATH contact the iMATH coordinator at sharris@hcc.commnet.edu or in the Self-Paced Studies Lab, Room LH-A227 in Lafayette Hall.
Lab Hours:
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Educational experiences gained outside of the traditional college setting through employment, military, volunteer work or independent study activities may be valid towards completing degree requirements. Students who have enrolled in a degree or certificate program at HCC may be granted credit and advanced standing for such experiences, if applicable.
If you wish to earn credit for experiential learning, you must complete either a Challenge Exam Form or a Portfolio Assessment Form from the Admissions Office and submit it to the appropriate academic department for approval. Upon approval, arrangements will be made for completing either a standardized or departmental test or other assessment procedure for determining if credit will be granted. The Academic Advising Center will notify you of credit awards. As per Board Policy, no more than fifty percent of an approved program may be awarded for prior experiential learning. All work must be completed within one year from the initial date of the request.
CLEP/DSST Examinations
CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DSST exams are widely accepted credit-by-examination programs which allow students to earn college credit by demonstrating college-level knowledge gained through prior academic study, independent study, or professional experience.
Exams are 1½ to 2 hours in length and cover a wide range of academic subjects. Upon successful completion, students are granted credit for equivalent courses as determined by the college. The awarded credits will appear on a student's college transcript but will not be used in calculating grade point average (GPA) or eligibility for Academic Honors at graduation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Pat Costeines (LH-B119) at 203-332-5217.
