Most first-time students are required to take placement tests in English and/or Math, unless they qualify for exemption (see below). Placement testing assesses your readiness for college-level courses. After testing, you will meet with an Admissions Counselor or advisor to review your placement results.

PLACEMENT TESTING HOURS FOR NEW STUDENTS

Placement testing is available on a walk-in basis during the following hours:   

Placement Testing Checklist

• Call the Admissions office at 410-386-8430 before you arrive to verify times. Walk-in placement testing hours are subject to change during holidays, heavy testing and exam times. There is no fee for your initial placement test. 
• Complete your enrollment application at least 48 hours prior to testing.
• Contact Disability Support Services at 410-386-8327 or 410-386-8329 for disability-related test accommodations prior to testing.
• Homeschool students cannot place with GPA. 
• Provide a photo ID (driver's license preferred) at the time of testing. 
• Click here to prepare for Placement Testing.
  
• Arrive 15 minutes prior to preferred test time and check in with Admissions. Allow 1 to 2 hours to complete the tests. They are untimed for everyone.

Do I need to take a placement test?

There are many ways to place directly into college-level courses without testing. Standardized test scores are only valid for placement for two years. Please review the exemptions below:

If you meet any one of the below criteria you are eligible to take English 101 without testing. Eligibility for English 101 is the pre-requisite for most college-level classes.

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480+ 
• ACT English 21+
• PARCC English 11 4+
• AP Language score of 3
• 3.0 unweighted high school grade point average (high school juniors and seniors and graduates within the last 5 years)
• 12+ college-level credits from another school
• GED Reasoning through Language Arts 165+ 
  

If you meet any one of the below criteria, you are eligible to take entry-level general education Math classes (non-Calculus based): 

• SAT Math 530+
• ACT Math 21+ 
• HS Accuplacer college-level Math 45+ or PARCC Algebra II 4+
• AP Calculus AB or BC score of 3
• AP Stat score of 3
• 3.0 unweighted high school grade point average (high school juniors and seniors and graduates within the last 5 years)
• College-level Math from another college
• GED Math Reasoning 165+ 
  

If you meet any one of the below criteria, you are eligible to take Pre-Calculus Math:

• SAT Math 570+
  
• ACT Math 24+
  
• HS Accuplacer college-level Math 55+ or PARCC Algebra II 4+
  
• AP Calculus AB or BC score of 3
• A qualifying pre-requisite math class from another College may place you (course/transcript evaluation required)  
  

If you meet any of the following, you are eligible to take Calculus:

• AP Calculus AB or BC score of 3

If you meet any of the following, you are eligible to take Dual Enrollment at Carroll County Public Schools:

• All SAT, ACT, AP, Accuplacer, and PARCC scores above
• English 101: 2.5 unweighted grade point average for juniors and seniors
• Math: 3.0 unweighted and a C or higher in Algebra II 
  

If you qualify for exemption, bring a copy of your unofficial transcripts and/or test scores with you when you come in to register. Standardized test scores are only valid for placement for two years.