The Computerized Placement Test (CPT)
The CPT helps determine:
- Which course placements are appropriate for college students
- If further developmental courses are needed before beginning college-credit classes
- Students' progress in courses and degree programs
The CPT assesses skills in:
- Reading comprehension
- Sentence structure
- Mathematics
Why is the CPT Important?
Florida requires students to take admissions or placement tests before entering college programs. You should take the CPT if you:
- Are entering a college-credit program (working toward an A.A. or A.S. degree)
- Have not taken the ACT or SAT
- Have taken the ACT or SAT but would like to place into a higher-level course
Who is Required to Take the CPT?
- All degree-seeking first-time-in-college students and all college-credit certificate-seeking students who plan to register for more than 12 credits per term (a full-time course load).
- All students who plan to register for any English or mathematics course.
- All students seeking early college/dual enrollment.
- All students who took a placement exam more than two years ago but have not yet passed a course in the corresponding subject area. Students who placed into the lowest levels (REA 0001C, ENC 0002C or MAT 0012C) do not need to retest in the corresponding subject area.
- All students who cannot provide ACT, SAT or CPT official scores or scores on an official transcript by the date of their orientation.
Note: Students may not register for any college-credit course at Seminole State until they have a complete set of scores on file. This includes students who hold only a vocational-credit certificate.
Who is Exempt from Taking the CPT?
Unless it is needed as a prerequisite for a specific course, students are exempt from taking the CPT if they provide written documentation for one of the following:
- Official ACT or SAT scores are less than two years old and place the student into college-level coursework at Seminole State.
- The student earned SAT scores of 440 or higher on verbal/critical reading, or 440 or above on math for placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
- The student earned ACT scores of 18 or higher on reading; 17 or higher on English; or 19 or higher on math for placement into Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
- The student attended a regionally accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction and has completed college- or the highest college preparatory-level coursework, as evaluated by Seminole State, in English and/or mathematics, and earned a grade of "C" or higher.
- The student has an A.A., bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in which English was the language of instruction and has submitted official transcripts to Seminole State for review.
- Official Seminole State records indicate that the student is enrolled in another college or university and has applied to Seminole State as a transient student.
- Official Seminole State records indicate that the student is enrolled for teacher recertification.
- Official Seminole State records indicate that the student is enrolled for a vocational program, Adult High School, ABE/GED or a community education or continuing education course.
Score Requirements for CPT Exemption
|
|---|
| Assessment Test | Score | Course Placement |
| ACT - English | 17 | ENC 1101* |
| ACT - Reading | 18 | ENC 1101* |
| ACT - Math | 19 | MAT 1033 |
| CPT - Sentence Skills | 83 | ENC 1101* |
| CPT - Reading | 83 | ENC 1101* |
| CPT - Elementary Algebra | 72 | MAT 1033 |
| SAT - Verbal/Critical Reading | 440 | ENC 1101* |
| SAT - Math | 440 | MAT 1033 |
*Enrollment in ENC 1101 requires college-level placement scores in both English and reading.
Notes:
- If multiple test results are on record, the highest subtest scores are used.
- Any score presented that is below the required exemption score will require the student to be tested on the appropriate CPT subtests.
- Students who have already registered in a mathematics course and are past the tuition refund deadline are not eligible to take the CPT mathematics subtest.
How Do I Prepare for the CPT?
How Can I Learn More about the CPT?
For more information on the CPT:
How Can I Ensure that Seminole State Receives My CPT Scores?
You are responsible for ensuring that Seminole State has your CPT records. If you took the CPT while you were in high school, speak with your high school guidance counselor. Some schools will include your scores with your high school transcripts. Otherwise:
- Speak with the institution at which you took the CPT. You may be able to have them send your scores to Seminole State.
- Speak with the Seminole State Admissions Office at 407.708.2050. They may be able to tell you whom to contact to get your SAT records.
When is the CPT Offered?
Please click your preferred testing location below for exam hours:
If you are retaking all or part of the CPT, you must purchase the appropriate refresh booklet(s) from the Seminole State Bookstore. You must show your work in the booklets and present your work book to the Assessment and Testing Office before you can retake the test.
Visit the CPT Refresh page for more information about CPT retakes.
Is There a Fee to Take the CPT?
- First-time Testing for Seminole State Students: Free!*
- Test Retakes for Seminole State Students (partial or complete tests): $10*
- All Tests for Non-Seminole State Students: $25*
* Prices are subject to change.
Important Reminders
- College-preparatory courses have a first digit of zero and do not count toward a degree. However, these courses do count toward eligibility for VA benefits, financial aid and intercollegiate athletics.
- Rule 6A-10.315 also requires students to begin college-preparatory courses during their first 12 hours at Seminole State. Seminole State does not have the authority to make exceptions to this requirement.
- Rule 6A-10.315 limits students to three attempts to pass each college-preparatory course, including original grades, repeat grades and withdrawals. After their third attempt, students are assessed the full cost of instruction, are not permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for the course. Students may petition to waive the full cost of instruction due to extenuating circumstances or financial hardship by requesting a "Petition for Administrative Record Change" (non-refundable) form from the registration/records counter in the Student Services Office (building A) on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.
English Placement Scores
Reading Score
- 20-41 = TABE for reading placement
- 42-52 = REA 0001C or LOEP for EAP placement
- 53-82 = REA 0002C or LOEP for EAP placement
- > 83 = No prep reading required
Sentence Skills
- 20-82 = ENC 0001C or LOEP for EAP placement
- > 83 = No prep writing required
Reading Score and Sentence Skills
Preparatory English and reading must be completed prior to entering English I or any other Gordon Rule Course.
Mathematics Placement Scores
Elementary Algebra Score
- 20-46 = Use arithmetic score below. If no arithmetic score, then MAT 0012C.
- 47-71 = Basic Algebra (MAT 0024C) or Integrated Math (MAT 0020C)
- 72-120 = Use College-level Math (CLM) score below. If no CLM, then Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033).
Arithmetic Score
- 20-24 = ABE Math
- 25-74 = Fundamentals and Algebra (MAT 0012C) or Integrated Math (MAT 0020C)
- 75-120 = Basic Algebra (MAT 0024C)
College-Level Math (CLM) Score
- 20-39 = Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033)
- 40-62 = College Algebra (MAC 1105), College Mathematics (MGF 1106), Liberal Arts Math (MGF 1107) or Statistics (STA 2023)
- 63-96 = Pre-calculus Algebra* (MAC 1140), Trigonometry* (MAC 1114) or Concepts of Calculus* (MAC 2233)
- 97-120 = Calculus I (MAC 2311)
* These courses are rigorous, and all students registering for them are encouraged to meet with Lane Vosbury, Math Department chair, by calling 407.708.2252 prior to beginning the class(es).
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