Placement Tests: A Tool for Community College Success
When you enroll in college, you may be asked to take several placement tests. These
measure specific academic skills that are essential for your success in college and cover
reading, writing, math and sometimes other subjects. The writing test may require you to
write an essay.
What Are the Tests Used For?
Some students enroll in college without the skills they need to succeed in college courses.
Placement test results help determine which students would benefit from remedial, or catchup, classes. They are also called developmental or basic skills courses. These classes help
prepare students for the pace and complexity of college-level work.
After you complete the tests, you’ll meet with an adviser to decide which courses you
should begin with. Your first-semester schedule is based both on the results of these tests
and on your interests.
What Are the Tests Like?
Colleges use several common placement tests, including one developed by the College
Board, ACCUPLACER®. If you take an ACCUPLACER test, you’ll use a computer. The test
responds to your answers by giving you harder or easier questions. Scores are available
immediately.
Other common placement tests work in a similar way. Several states and individual colleges
have developed their own customized tests.
How Can I Prepare?
Talk with your English and math teachers about ways to prepare for placement tests. Or
contact the community college test or assessment center and ask what you should do to get
ready. You might also want to consult the college website.
If you’ll be taking an ACCUPLACER exam, you can practice online with sample
questions. You can refresh your overall math and grammar skills using free and lowcost SAT® practice materials.
As in any testing situation, you can do your best by following a few basic tips:
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Try to schedule your test at a time of day when you’re at your peak — mentally and physically.
Get enough rest the night before your test.
Allow plenty of time to arrive and settle in at the test center.
Pace yourself during the exam.
Bergen Community College Testing Information
To access Testing Services, visit www.bergen.edu
Using the “Quick Links” drop-down menu, select “Testing Services”
The mission of the Office of Testing Services is to maintain an atmosphere conducive to
providing a constructive testing environment when administering both computer-based
and paper and pencil tests. We strive to consistently assist and provide accommodations
needed for group and individual settings when administering placement, proficiency,
make-up, online, credit by examination, and GED testing. For more information about
Testing Services, please see the TestingServices FAQ.
Office Location and Hours of Operation
 The Office of Testing Services is located in Room S-127 in the Pitkin Education
Center, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ.
 When classes are in session, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday,
plus some evenings and Saturdays.
 When the College is open but no classes are in session, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
 The office is closed on Sundays throughout the year and on Fridays, Saturdays
and Sundays during the summer (June, July and the first half of August).
 Please call 201-447-7202 for current hours of operation. For any other inquiries
email us at testingoffice@bergen.edu
IMPORTANT ACCUPLACER TESTING INFORMATION
The Accuplacer placement tests for Basic Skills and ESL are given on a walk-in basis.
BEFORE coming in to take the test you MUST meet the following requirements:
1. Completed application to Bergen Community College. This means you have an active
record on the BCC system and a student I.D. number has been issued to you.
2. If you are eligible for a waiver, read and fill out the waiver form
http://www.bergen.edu/pages1/pages/1190.aspx and mail it or fax it to (201)
447-2693.
3. You are strongly urged to study for the placement test. For test information go to:
http://www.bergen.edu/pages1/pages/1194.aspx
If you meet the requirements listed above and are not eligible for a waiver you may test on
any of the dates which are updated weekly on the BCC website. PLEASE REPORT FOR
TESTING TO ROOM S-127 AT THE PITKIN EDUCATION CENTER, PARAMUS CAMPUS.
Bring a photo i.d., a pen and know your Social Security number. NO test will be
administered without proper identification.
Please note: This information is current as of 1/2/13. For updated information, be sure to consult the BCC
Testing Services website.