Placement Testing
Placement Testing is required of all incoming students at Bucks (students enrolling at Bucks for the first time), except for those who receive testing waivers.
The placement tests are designed to determine what material students already know to ensure they start in classes that are neither too easy nor too hard. Please be assured that one cannot fail the placement tests. The tests place students into levels that determine what classes they can start in. If test results do not meet the standards of college-level courses, students are required to register for courses that help them to improve their learning and skills and increase their opportunity to succeed in college work.
Placement tests include:
- The Reading Placement Test is used to determine if a student needs to take a Reading course. It is a 1-hour timed test. It consists of reading passages and multiple-choice questions on those passages.
- The Writing Placement Test is used to determine Composition course placement. It is a 50-minute essay. Students receive a single essay prompt and are asked to respond to it. Essays are encouraged to be 300-500 words; no outside sources or research are permitted.
- The Mathematics Placement Test is used to determine the level at which a student is best prepared to begin the study of mathematics. It is an untimed test consisting of up-to 30 questions. The topics on the Math test will vary; the test will then give different questions on different topics and adapt. The program has built-in study resources and retest opportunities.
- The Chemistry Placement Test measures comprehensive, basic chemical vocabulary, and math applications. The Chemistry Placement Exam is only required for students planning to enroll in CHEM-121.
- American English as a Second Language Students for whom English is their second language should take the American English as a Second Language (AESL) placement test. This consists of a reading test that assesses language use and reading skills and a writing sample. An oral interview may also be required. Students must contact the AESL Coordinator, at 215-968-8018, for information on testing, advising, and registering for classes.
- The Non-Credit AESL Placement Test is for students planning to enroll in ESL classes through the Continuing Education Department.
Most placement tests are available remotely or on a walk-in basis in Newtown. For additional Placement Testing information and to view the schedule, please visit Placement Testing Schedule.
If English is your second language, your placement tests must be taken at our Testing Center. Please refer to the schedule for available hours.
Retest Policy
- Most placement tests may not be taken a second time unless permission is granted by the Academic Department.
- There are built-in retest opportunities for Math
- Chemistry may be retaken after a set waiting period.
Test scores are entered on transcripts for College use but are removed from those transcripts sent to off-campus locations, such as other colleges or employers.
Who Must Be Tested
- All applicants and reapplicants for full-time or part-time status;
- Students with a degree or course work from a foreign country's college or university;
- All students planning to enroll in reading, writing, or math courses, or CHEM121.
- Current High School Students - Students in the High School Enrichment Program must take the Reading, Writing, and Math Placement Tests.
- Summer Study Students taking summer courses if the course(s) they will be taking require a Placement Test score as a prerequisite.
Exemptions from Testing (Waivers)
Individuals qualifying for an exemption from Placement Testing must complete the Form available through the following link: Waiver or Evaluation Form
Students may be exempt from placement if they meet any of the criteria below:
- Previous Success in the College Level Course:
- Students who have taken English composition and/or mathematics courses from a regionally accredited college within the United States, and earned a grade of C or better in these courses, are exempt from Placement Testing for that course. In order to be eligible for this exemption, please contact your previous college(s) and request that they mail an official copy of your transcript to Bucks County Community College's Office of Admissions.
- Already Earned a Bachelors Degree:
- Students who have already earned a Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college within the United States are exempt from Placement Testing. In order to be eligible for this exemption, please contact your previous college(s) and request that they mail an official copy of your transcript to Bucks County Community College's Office of Admissions.
- Senior Citizens:
- Students 65 years of age or older are exempt from the Math and Reading Placement Tests but must take the Writing Placement Test to register for COMP110.
- Personal Enrichment:
- Students who at the time of application indicated they are enrolling at Bucks solely for personal enrichment (not seeking a degree or certificate program, or taking a course to transfer credit) are not required to take Placement Tests, unless they are enrolling as a full-time student or in courses that specifically require Placement Tests.
Questions regarding exemptions from Placement Testing can be directed to the Office of Admissions, at 215-968-8100, admissions@bucks.edu.
Testing Accommodations
Students with a physical or learning disability may qualify for testing accommodations. Student must work with the Accessibility Office (TAO) before test. TAO can be reached at 215-968-8182 or at accessibility@bucks.edu.
Test Results
Placement testing places students into levels. These levels are used to determine what classes a student can start in. Scores can be viewed in your Workday Student account.
To see placement levels and what classes are available, please visit Placement Testing Scores/Results.