Erie Community College, State University of New York

About the Placement Test

Placement testing is required of all entering matriculated students and those entering a Certificate program, both full-time and part-time, unless they have been waived from the placement test. The purpose of the ACCUPLACER test is to provide you with useful information about your academic skills in math, reading and writing. The results of the assessment in conjunction with your academic background, goals and interests are used by an academic advisor and/or counselor to determine your course selection. You cannot “pass” or “fail” the placement tests, but it is very important that you do your very best on these tests so that you will have an accurate measure of your academic skills.

Placement Testing Offices
Administrative Office: (716) 270-5124
45 Oak Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

The following Placement Tests are available at ECC:

ACCUPLACER
This is a nationwide computerized placement test consisting of questions in reading comprehension, writing skills, arithmetic and elementary algebra skills. ACCUPLACER is not timed. There is however, a timed thirty (30) minute essay writing portion on the test. The essays are evaluated and rated by members of the English faculty at ECC. Many students complete the test in two hours. Although ACCUPLACER is computerized, no prior computer experience is required. To request testing at a location other than an Erie Community College Campus, please submit the “Remote Testing Request”. Testing must take place at an approved test center at an academic institution.

To request testing at a location other than an Erie Community College Campus, please submit the "Remote Testing Request". Testing must take place at an approved test center at an academic institution. THE STUDENT MUST MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS AT AN APPROVED TEST CENTER THROUGH ACADEMIC INSTITUTION IN THEIR LOCAL AREA.

COMPANION Test to ACCUPLACER (by appointment only)
Please contact the placement office on the campus you wish to test. This test provides a paper-and-pencil version of the ACCUPLACER tests, consisting of reading comprehension, writing skills, arithmetic and elementary algebra skills. This is a timed test that is utilized for students who are not comfortable with the computerized test or lack confidence and/or skill level with a keyboard when writing an essay.

ABILITY TO BENEFIT (ATB)
One of the requirements for eligibility for federal financial aid is that all applicants must have received a high school diploma or a GED. Students who have not earned one of those documents have the option of being tested to show an ability to benefit from a college education. This test will consist of questions in reading comprehension, writing and numeric skills. Both the computerized test and paper-and-pencil tests are available. Students wishing to take an ATB test may attend any scheduled ACCUPLACER test; however, they must identify themselves to the proctor so that the correct test can be administered.

ACCOMODATED PLACEMENT TESTS
Students with Disabilities (Individuals with IEP’s or IEP Diplomas) If a student has a disability that requires testing accommodations, she/he must schedule an intake interview with the Campus Counselor for Students with Disabilities. The student must provide documentation that indicates the need for accommodations or modifications. During the interview the counselor determines what accommodations, if any, are appropriate. Only those students who have been interviewed by the Counselor for Students with Disabilities will be permitted to take an accommodated test. Dates and times for accommodated tests vary from campus to campus.  For additional information please contact the Disabled Student Services office at the campus you plan to attend.

Disabled Student Services Offices

BILINGUAL PLACEMENT TEST
This test is for individuals who are dominant in a language other than English. A prospective student from this group who does not have a high school diploma may also take this test, which meets the Ability to Benefit (ATB) requirements.