Standardized Test and
Skill Preparation
Fall Semester 2012

BOR policy requirement for all degree seeking students
in the Regental system
The CAAP test: The Collegiate Assessment of Academic
Proficiency
Developed by ACT
32/48 credit requirement for A.S. and Bachelors respectively

Increases the strength of academics received at state
institutions

Allows comparison of students nationwide and
statewide

Requires faculty to build on strengths and to identify
weaknesses
 Friday,
November 2, 2012
1:00 pm—5:00 p.m.
University Center
Rooms 247, 250 and 253 (FADM)
 Saturday,
November 3, 2012
9:00 am—1:00 p.m.
University Center
Rooms 247, 250 and 253 (FADM)
 Tuesday,
October 23, 2012
Start Time: 5:00 pm
University Center, Avera Hall (FADM)
 Wednesday,
October 24, 2012
Start Time: 9:00 am
University Center, Room 149 (FADM)
**Note: You will be allowed to leave after you have completed the test(s)
you are retaking.
 Thursday,
October 25, 2012
Start time: 9:00 am
University Center, Room 149 (FADM)
**Note: You will be allowed to leave after you have completed the test(s)
you are retaking.
You must register for the exam:
Online
 Access the registration site through University Center’s website:
www.sduniversitycenter.org/proficiency

Bring the following items:
Valid driver’s license or valid picture ID
3 sharpened #2 pencils
Eraser
Wristwatch (if preferred)
Calculator
 Not necessary to perform the functions on the exam, but it is allowed.

We will request all electronic devices be turned off and
put away or left at home
 Do not bring magazines, books, newspapers
 You are not allowed to read during testing time even
if you are finished early

Comprised of 4 sections
Writing Skills
 72 questions at 40 minutes
Math
 35 questions at 40 minutes
15 minute break (MUST be back on time!)
Reading
 36 questions at 40 minutes
Science Reasoning
 45 questions at 40 minutes

72 item test consists of six prose passages, each of
which is accompanied by a set of twelve multiplechoice questions.

Approximate time for each question: 30 seconds

The test will cover the following aspects of writing:
Grammar
Punctuation (ownership, semicolon, etc.)
Subject/verb agreement
Verb tense
Wording
Moving a phrase
Content (tone, developing, adding and deleting, main idea)

The 35 item content areas tested include Pre-Algebra,
Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry.

Two subscores - Basic Algebra and College Algebra are
reported along with a total score.

36 item test

4 passages

Test on referring skills and reasoning skills

45 item test

Scientific reasoning

Pace yourself
Find the best compromise between speed and accuracy

Answer Sheet Management
Make sure you are in the correct section when you start the test

Guessing
Not penalized on the CAAP
Attempt to eliminate wrong choices
Do not leave any blank as any questions not answered will be
counted as wrong

Resources
 DSU website:
http://www.dsu.edu/academics/assessment/testing-services/proficiencytesting.aspx
SDSU website:
http://sdstate.edu/aea/proficiency-exams/index.cfm
USD website:
http://www.usd.edu/academics/academic-affairs/evaluation-andassessment.cfm

Resources
CAAP website:
www.act.org/caap/index.html (website)
http://www.act.org/caap/sampletest (sample test booklets)
Math help
www.math.com

Online English Tutorial
http://eslus.com/LESSONS/READING/READ.HTM

If you have a disability that may cause you some
difficulty in accomplishing the exam, please contact
UC’s Student Services Coordinator, Jennifer Schelske,
right away to ensure proper services for your needs.
Jennifer Schelske
Student Services Coordinator
605-367-8465
jennifer.schelske@SDUniversitycenter.org

Results
Arrive in 4 to 6 weeks
Scores will be posted in Web Advisor under test summary

If some of the sections are not passing:
Development plans
Re-testing
Alternative certification