Assessment

Placement (Assessment) Testing

 

The Placement Testing Policy:

You must be a Bucks Student with a Bucks Student Number before you take Placement Tests. 

As of the 2007 Spring Semester Placement Testing is required of all incoming students at Bucks (students enrolling at Bucks for the first time).  Students who were enrolled at Bucks prior to the 2007 Spring Semester are still under the previous rules, with Placement Testing required of all full-time students, and part-time students before registering for their 16th credit.

What Are The Different Placement Tests?

  • Writing Sample:  The writing sample is used to determine English course placement and is required of all students who are planning to register for English Composition I (COMP110) or Business Letter and Report Writing (OADM110). Placement results are available generally within one to two weeks after completing the test. Instructions for accessing those results on-line are provided at the time of testing.
  • Mathematics: A computerized test (Accuplacer) is be used to determine the level at which the student is prepared to begin the study of mathematics at Bucks. Placement results are reported immediately upon completion of the test.
  • Reading: Also computerized, the Reading Test measures vocabulary and comprehension. Placement results are reported immediately upon completion of the test.
  • Chemistry: The Chemistry Placement Exam is only required for students planning to enroll in CHEM121.  The exam measures comprehensive, basic chemical vocabulary and math applications. In order to enroll in CHEM121, students must take and pass the Chemistry placement exam irrespective of any prior courses they have taken or degrees they have completed. A scientific calculator and a copy of the Periodic Table is provided by the Testing Center at the time of testing. Test results are available within a week after completing the test.
  • American English as a Second Language: Students for whom English is their second language may be asked to take an American English as a Second Language (AESL or ESL) assessment which consists of a writing sample, a grammar test, a reading test, and an oral interview.  After testing, students must contact Sherry Eichert, at 215-968-8018, to review their test results and be advised on course selection.

Why Are There Placement Tests?

The College offers Placement Testing because it believes that appropriate assessment will serve to place students in courses most suited to their skills and thus enhance their chances for success in college. The expectation that students will be advised at the start of their college career and at specified times until the their goals at Bucks are achieved.

Placement Testing will assess each student's level of learning and skills to be used for placement in the appropriate level courses. If test results do not meet the standards of college-level courses, students are required to register in courses which help them to improve their skills and increase their opportunity to succeed in college work.

When Can I Take Placement Tests?

Placement Tests are given on regularly-scheduled days and at other times when demand is adequate.  Use the link at the top of this page to access the Schedule for Taking Placement Tests.  Placement Tests may not be taken a second time without permission from the academic department. 

What Happens to My Placement Test Results?

Placement scores are entered on transcripts for Bucks only.  They are removed from transcripts sent to off-campus locations, such as other colleges or employers.

Placement Test scores are valid for placement purposes for three years.  If a student is planning to register for a course that has a Placement score requirement, and his/her Placement scores are more than three years old, the Placement Test(s) will need to be taken again.

What Do I Need to Bring to Test?

You must present a government-issued photo ID, for example, a Driver's License, a Passport, or a Non-Drivers State ID Card.  Student ID cards are acceptable for Placement Testing but cannot be used to take any other tests.  Underage students, who cannot obtain a government-issued photo ID should contact the Director of Testing at 215-968-8466.

You will also need to bring your Bucks User Name or your Bucks student number, which is provided in your acceptance letter from Bucks.  You can use the following link to find out how to access your Bucks User Name:  student_logins