Testing Center

Testing Center

The Testing Center administers tests and provides proctoring for South Puget Sound Community College Students, as well as limited servicing to other colleges and communities in the greater area.

The main tests that we provide are:

• The College Placement Test (CPT)
• The General Education Development Test (GED)
• Correspondence Testing (online & correspodence classess)
• Disability Support Services
• College Level Exam Program (CLEP)

We also do the entry testing for basic skills classes:

• GED Preparation
• Adult Basic Education
• English as a Second Language

What’s a CPT?

The Accuplacer CPT is a computerized college placement test used to assess basic skills and measure skill levels in reading, English, and math. The College Board develops placement tests with help from college professors, and determines what skill levels are required for success in a college environment. The CPT also offers optional Algebra tests for a higher math placement. Results of this test will indicate the most appropriate level of course to enroll in. Low test scores will not keep anyone from enrolling or entering the college. However, low test scores may require that you take one or more quarters of basic skills classes before entering the program of your choice.

Students are allowed one more opportunity to re-test prior to enrolling into English, reading or math course. A third re-test in any subsequent quarter may be permitted if the student obtains approval from an advisor, counselor or Testing Center Staff.

Placement Testing is done on a walk-in basis. We offer the ACCUPLACER Test on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday evenings, during the quarter, at the Hawks Prairie campus from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Exceptions: No CPT Testing at Hawks Prairie Campus during quarter breaks and during the summer.)

What’s a GED?

A GED (General Education Development) certificate of equivalency is earned by successfully passing the following timed examinations:

1. Language Arts - Reading (65 minutes)
2. Language Arts - Writing (2 parts - 120 minutes total)
3. Mathematics (2 parts, 45 minutes each)
4. Science (80 minutes)
5. Social Studies (70 minutes)

You must attend an orientation before you begin GED testing. Orientation take place every Wednesday at 8:00 am and Thursdays at 5:00 pm. Once you have completed our mandatory GED orientation you can often begin testing immediately, if you’ve followed the steps below. We have walk-in testing each week. On Wednesdays we test from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and on Thursdays we test from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, with a short break between 5:00 – 6:00 for orientation.

If you are under 19 and at least 16 you will need an approval to test form or notarized home school letter, before you can start testing. Photo ID is required for all testing.

How does the Correspondence/WAOL testing work?

Testing for WAOL students (Washington On-Line) and Correspondence classes are coordinated through the individual instructor or the originating campus for the class. Correspondence/WAOL testing occurs on the times listed on your individual class syllabi.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP)

The College Level Exam Program allows students to show proficiency in certain subject matter. We offer the on-line version of the CLEP exams, there are 34 tests available. College credits are awarded if you get a minimum score on the test. Please check with your institution to see what they will accept and what the minimum score is that they will accept.

The CLEP test is offered on a walk-in basis, during regular CPT testing times. The College Board charges $77 for the CLEP exam and the testing center charges $35 for administering the test.

Where are we located?

Student and Administrative Services - Building 25, Room 126
Testing Center (360) 596-5770