Placement and Assessment provides services for placement testing, placement testing waivers, some accommodated testing, credit by examination (CLEP), and Prior Learning Assessment for all RCC students to support them in the achievement of their educational goals.
How to Schedule Your Placement Test
- Apply to the College
Your application must be completed and processed before taking a placement test. - Submit your transcripts and test scores to Admissions
See exemptions here - Admissions will notify you if placement testing is required.
- Schedule your test
If you are requesting extra time and/or a calculator for the test, you must contact Accessibility Services at 845-574-4541 before testing. This must be completed prior to scheduling your placement test. - Prepare and take the test
Placement practice and tips are here to help
| Date | Time | Status |
|---|---|---|
| February 25 | 10 am | Full |
| March 4 | 10 am | Full |
| March 18 | 10 am | Available |
| March 25 | 10 am | Available |
Placement Testing Exemptions
Rockland Community College uses Multiple Measures to determine students English and math placement. Incoming students will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Math Placement
- Math placements will be determined based on one of the following:
- High School Math Scores
- Regents Scores
- ACT/SAT Scores
- Math Accuplacer Scores
- Students educated in a foreign country may be required to submit a course syllabus to determine if the math courses can be used for placement.
- If placement cannot be determined, students are placed into MAT 10010/10010 Support Module or MAT 10110/10110 Support Module OR they can take the Accuplacer Placement Test.
** STEM and Business MAT 10110/10110 Support Module, Non-STEM MAT 10010/10010 Support Module**
| Math Course | RCC Accuplacer Quantitative Reasoning | RCC Accuplacer Advanced Algebra | ACT Math Exam | SAT Math Exam | Math GED Exam | TASC Math Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 10010 | Below 23 | Below 570 | Below 165 | Below 560 | ||
| MAT 10110 | Below 23 | Below 570 | Below 165 | Below 560 | ||
| MAT 10300 | 242 – 300 | 200 – 242 | 23 | 570 | 165 | 560 |
| MAT 10810 | 242 – 300 | 200 – 242 | 23 | 570 | 165 | 560 |
| MAT 12500 | 242 – 300 | 200 – 242 | 23 | 570 | 165 | 560 |
| MAT 13400 | 242 – 300 | 200 – 242 | 23 | 570 | 165 | 560 |
| MAT 13500 | 242 – 300 | 243 – 260 | 23 | 570 | ||
| MAT 20300 | 242 – 300 | 261 – 300 | 23 | 570 |
| Math Course | HS Geometry Course Grade | HS Geometry Regents Exam | HS Algebra II Course Grade | HS Algebra II Regents Exam | HS Pre-calculus Course Grade | HS Calculus Course Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 10010 | Below 75 | Below 75 | Below 65 | Below 65 | Below 65 | Below 75 |
| MAT 10110 | Below 75 | Below 75 | Below 65 | Below 65 | Below 65 | Below 75 |
| MAT 10300 | 75 | 75 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| MAT 10810 | 75 | 75 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| MAT 12500 | 75 | 75 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| MAT 13400 | 75 | 75 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| MAT 13500 | 75 | 75 | 65 | 75 | ||
| MAT 20300 | 75 | 75 |
English Placement
US High School Graduates:
Students who graduate from a Department of Education approved U.S. High School, (including high schools from U.S. territories such as, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa) will be placed into the proper English and Math courses based on their academic history as outlined is the placement charts. Students who are not satisfied with their placement may request to take the College’s Accuplacer test to determine a higher placement.
| English Course (College Writing I) | RCC Accuplacer Reading | RCC Accuplacer Essay | ACT English Exam | SAT Critical Reading Exam | SAT Evidence-based Reading / Writing Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 10000 | 234 – 240 | 4 | 14 – 17 | 440 – 459 | 440 – 459 |
| ENG 10100 (with Support Module) | 241 – 300 | 5 | 18 | 460 – 479 | 460 – 479 |
| ENG 10110 (without Support Module) | 241 – 300 | 6, 7, 8 | 20 | 480 | 480 |
| English Course (College Writing I) | HS English Regents Exam | English GED Exam | TASC Reading Exam | TASC Writing Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 10000 | 55 – 64 | 155 – 164 | 469 – 569 | 469 – 549 |
| ENG 10100 (with Support Module) | 65 – 74 | 165 – 173 | 570 – 579 | 550 – 559 |
| ENG 10110 (without Support Module) | 75 | 174 | 580 | 560 |
Foreign Educated Students from an English-Speaking Country (F1 and non-F1):
Foreign Educated students who were educated in an approved English-speaking country will be placed into English 10100 with a support module if they have not submitted any approved scores for English placement. Students who are not satisfied with their placement may request to take the College’s Accuplacer test to determine a higher placement.
List of Approved English-Speaking Countries and Territories
Foreign Educated Students from a Non-English-Speaking Country:
Foreign educated students who were educated in a country not included on the approved list of English-speaking countries must sit for the Accuplacer English test or submit an approved English proficiency exam such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo, etc. The exams must be no more than 2 years old. Students must place into at least ESL 080 to enroll in a degree program at the College.
Foreign Educated Students from a Non-English-Speaking Country (F1 Student Visa):
F1 International students who were educated in a country not included on the approved list of English-Speaking countries must submit proof of English proficiency to be admitted to the College. The minimum scores can be found on the international website. All test scores must be no more than two years old to be accepted.
| ESL / ENG Courses | RCC Accuplacer Reading | RCC Accuplacer Essay | TOEFL iBT Overall | TOEFL iBT Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESA / BOCES | 0 – 221 | 1 | 0 – 71 | W 0 – 16 |
| ESL 08000 [*I-20/F1 Visa Sponsor] | 221 – 233 | 3 | 72 | W 17 |
| ESL 09900 | 234 – 240 | 3 | 80 | W 20 |
| ENG 10000N | 234 – 240 | 4 | 85 | 22 |
| ENG 10100N with Support Module | 241 – 300 | 5 | 90 | W 24 |
| ENG 10110N | 241 – 300 | 6 | 95 | W 29 |
| ESL / ENG Courses | IELTS | DET (Duolingo) | NEW TOEIC | CEFR/EF International Language Prep Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESA / BOCES | 0 – 4.5 | 0 – 79 | 0 – 699 | A1, A2, B1 0 – 50 |
| ESL 08000 [*I-20/F1 Visa Sponsor] | 5 | 80 | 700 | B2 51 – 60 |
| ESL 09900 | 5.5 | 90 | 800 | C1 61 – 63 |
| ENG 10000N | 6 | 92 | 850 | C1 64 – 65 |
| ENG 10100N with Support Module | 6.5 | 95 | 900 | C1 66 – 70 |
| ENG 10110N | 7.0 | 105 | 945 | C2 71 – 100 |
Students with College, AP or CLEP Credits
Students who have earned a C or better in a college-level English or math course or who have AP or CLEP credits in math or English may submit an official college transcript or AP/CLEP score report for consideration to Records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the placement test?
Admissions will review your application, transcripts, and any test scores you submit. You will be notified if placement testing is required.
Which placement test do I need to take?
Early Admit Students
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic,
- Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
- Advanced Algebra and Functions (only if score is 242 or higher on QAS)
- WritePlacer Essay (One hour timed)
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB): Early Admit Students
- Required for Early Admit students
Foreign High School Graduates
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic
- Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
- Advanced Algebra and Functions (only if QAS score is 242 or higher)
- ESL WritePlacer Essay
24-Credit Hour (HSE) Program Students
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, QAS
- Advanced Algebra and Functions (only if QAS score is 242 or higher)
- WritePlacer Essay (One hour timed)
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) – 24-Credit Program
- Required for entrance into the 24-Credit GED Program
High School Graduates
- English: Next-Generation Reading + WritePlacer Essay
- Math:
- Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (if score is 242 or higher) → Advanced Algebra and Functions
- Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (if score is below 242) → Next-Generation Arithmetic
Please note: Students may be exempt from certain placement tests based on specific scores on transcripts, college transfer credits, or accepted test scores (GED/TASC, SAT,ACT, AP, CLEP, TOEFL IBT, IELTS, DET (Duolingo), and CEFR/International language Prep Courses). See exemptions here.
How long is the ATB placement test?
Most ATB placement tests take approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the sections you are required to complete. Some students may finish sooner. The second section math and essay are approximately an additional 2 hours. A total of 4 – 5 hours for the entire test depending on your status.
Am I required to take the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test?
If you are applying for federal or state financial aid, you may be required to take the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test, even if you are otherwise exempt from placement testing. The ATB test includes three untimed sections: Next-Generation Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic.
This test is separate from the regular placement test and may be required in addition to it.
You must take the ATB test if you are:
- A foreign high school graduate
- Applying to the 24-Credit Hour HSE (formerly GED) Program
- Applying to the Early Admit Program and financial aid
If you do not have a high school diploma or HSE, you must pass the ATB test to be accepted to RCC. The test is administered using ACCUPLACER, a computer-based assessment.
You must pass all three sections in the same testing session.
Early Admit students not applying for financial aid may be eligible for exemptions.
What are ATB scores and how are they used?
ATB (Ability to Benefit) scores are used to determine eligibility and placement for certain students. This test is separate and, in some cases, in addition to the College Placement test, you may or may not have already taken. You must take the ATB Test if you are in any of the following categories:
- Have a foreign high school diploma
- Applying for the 24 Credit-Hour HSE (formerly GED) Program
- Applying for Early Admit Program and financial aid
For the ATB, what scores do I need?
| ACCUPLACER Section | Minimum Passing Score |
|---|---|
| Essay | No minimum score required |
| Reading | 233 |
| Writing | 235 |
| Arithmetic | 230 |
| Elementary Algebra | No minimum score required |
| College-Level Mathematics | No minimum score required |
All Next-Generation ACCUPLACER exams are scored on a 200–300 scale.
Can I schedule and take the placement test on the same day?
No. Same-day placement testing is not available. All placement tests must be scheduled in advance.
What should I bring on test day?
Bring a physical photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, or RCC Student ID). No test will be administered without proper identification. No digital IDs are accepted. If you cannot provide a Driver’s License or State ID, contact 845-574-4288 or 845-574-4555.
Limit personal belongings. No watches, cell phones, calculators, or electronic devices are allowed.
You may bring a #2 pencil only. No pens or mechanical pencils.
Do I need to prepare for the placement test?
Yes. Preparing is strongly recommended. Practice resources and study tools are available to help you become familiar with the test format and question types.
Can I retest?
ATB Exams:
Yes. If you do not meet the minimum score in Reading, Writing, or Arithmetic, you will not qualify for state aid and must retest. ATB retests may occur 15 days after the previous test administration. If all three required ATB scores are not met, students will retest only in the section(s) not passed.
Placement Exams (Non-ATB):
Students may retake English and/or Math placement tests once per semester. Recommended wait time is two weeks, but retesting may occur after a minimum of 48 hours. All retests must occur before the semester’s last day to add classes. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare using placement practice resources before retesting.
Where do I schedule my placement test?
Once Admissions confirms that placement testing is required, you can schedule your placement test here.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about placement testing or scheduling, contact the Placement and Assessment office at [email protected] or call at 845-574-4288 or 4555 for assistance.