Frequently Asked Questions:Who needs to take the Placement Test?
How is the Placement Test Administered?
Will I need to make an appointment for the test?
How long does the test last? Is it timed?
Does the test cost anything?
What happens after the Placement Test?
Is it mandatory to attend Orientation?
How long does Orientation last?
Who is exempt from the Placement Test?
What if I only need a partial Placement Test? (Ex: Math Only)
When is the Placement Test Administered?
What if I have SAT or ACT scores?
What if I don't plan on attending HCC but I need the CPT for another college?
What if I am a Dual Enrolled Student?
Who needs to take the Placement Test?If you are a new student seeking a degree and you have not completed coursework at another college in the areas of English, Reading, or Mathematics, you are required to take the Placement Test. If you have not taken the SAT or ACT test in the past two years, or if your SAT or ACT scores do not meet the minimum requirement HCC requires. If you are non-degree seeking but want to take courses that require Placement test scores, you will have to take the placement test. Placement Test scores are valid for two(2)years.
How is the Placement Test Administered?The placement test is offered in a computerized format. The computerized format is the standard format the college provides to students. It is untimed, given in small groups and it takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete. No computer experience is necessary. Sorry, no calculators are allowed for the math portion of the exam.
Will I need to make an appointment for the test?At the Dale Mabry Campus only, the answer is No. No appointment is necessary to take the Computer version of the Placement Test. The Test Center has certain "Walk-In" hours in which the student can just walk-in and take the test. To find out what the walk-in hours are please click on the Test Dates link.
How long does the test last? Is it timed?The computerized version is untimed and takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete.
Does the test cost anything?As long as the student has applied to Hillsborough Community College by submitting an application and pay the $20.00 application fee, the placement test does not cost anything. It is important to apply to the college first, because the student will be denied taking the Placement Test without an application on file.
What happens after the Placement Test?After you have completed your Placement Test, you will then be required to attend a "New Student Orientation". The results of your Placement Test are available to you in the orientation you sign-up for. Your results will then be reviewed by a counselor in the orientation. Orientation is by appointment only!
Is it mandatory to attend Orientation?
All new students MUST attend orientation. This means first-time students, non-degree students, students that already have a degree, and transfer students. Transient students, however, do not have to attend an orientation.
How long does the Orientation last?Orientation at the Dale Mabry Campus lasts a
minimum of 2 1/2 hours. So please be prepared to stay for at least this amount of time.
Who is exempt from the Placement Test?Students who have earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution. Official documentation is required. Students who have had scores used for English and mathematics course placement decisions even if the scores are over two years old. Students who have earned a grade of 'C' or higher in both a college-level English course and a college-level algebra course. Students who have previously attended another college or university and are enrolling in courses to transfer to their institution (not seeking a degree at HCC) are exempt unless enrolling in an English or mathematics course. Students who present SAT or ACT scores which meet the States requirements. Scores are valid for two years. Any score that falls below the minimum requirement for exemption, will require the student to take the CPT in that subtest area. Students who present a "college ready" high school diploma from a Florida public school are exempt from basic skills testing for two years following award of diploma.
What if I have SAT or ACT scores?A student who has earned SAT or ACT scores and they are at least two years current and they meet the states minimum requirements will be exempt from taking the CPT test. SAT minimums are: 440=Verbal and 440=Math. ACT minimums are: 18=Reading, 17=English, and 19=Math. You will need to present your scores to the Test Center to have them put into the registration system. Your next step would be to make an appointment for New Student Orientation.
What if I don't plan on attending HCC but I need the CPT for another college?You may take the CPT at Hillsborough Community College, but you must also fill out an application to the College and pay the $20.00 application fee. Scores will be available to the student the next afternoon. Note: Students must come in person with a picture ID to receive test scores. Scores cannot be given over the phone. Also no one but the student can pick up his/her scores.
What if I am a dual enrolled student?It is very important that Dual Enrolled Students let the Testing Staff know that they are Dual Enrolled and what high school they attend. Upon completion of the CPT test, the students scores will be sent to the Dual Enrollment office and from there it will be sent to the students high school guidance counselor. To contact the Dual Enrollment office, call (813)253-7121 or (813)253-7062.
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