Placement Testing

• The ACCUPLACER consists of three main tests:
  • ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading
  • ACCUPLACER Next Generation Writing
  • ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
• Each test may be taken one time per year free of charge (see retest policy).
• The tests are not timed.  Expect to spend about an hour on each one.
• A personal calculator is not allowed.  A calculator is built into the test for certain math problems.
• If testing in-person, the Testing Center will provide scratch paper and pencils. 
• Test results are available immediately.
• Students are encouraged to use the review materials on our website prior to testing.  

*If you are testing for Dual Enrollment or a Middle College High School, please take the RISE placement test.

The RISE test consists of five different tier levels.

• There are three math tiers and two English tiers.
• The test is not timed. Expect to spend about one hour per tier.
• A score of 70 or higher is needed to advance to the next tier level.
• Each tier must be passed in sequential order.
• A scientific calculator is allowed.  If testing in-person, the Testing Center will supply.  
• There is no fee to take the RISE tests.
• Test results are available immediately.
• Students are encouraged to use the review materials on our website prior to testing. 

*Take this test if testing for Dual Enrollment or a Middle College High School.

If you have a documented disability or received academic accommodations in high school or at another college/university, please visit Disability and Access Services prior to taking your placement test. Disability and Access Services will discuss services available process approval for accommodations. Contact Disability and Access Services at 704.330.6621 or email disability.counselingservices@cpcc.edu if you have questions.

• A valid photo ID (Central Piedmont student ID, driver’s license, military ID, or passport).
• Lockers are provided to store personal belongings at the Central Campus Testing Center.  For other Testing Center locations, please leave personal belongings in your vehicle (out of sight) or ask a Testing Center employee for assistance.  
• The Testing Center will provide scrap paper and pencils.

For the ACCUPLACER placement test:

• Each test may be taken one time per year free of charge.
• If retaking a test within one year of the last test, a retest fee of $10 will apply.  Visit the Testing Center for a Retake Authorization Form.
• You are encouraged to study prior to testing.  Review materials are located on our website.
• Your highest scores will be honored.

For the RISE placement test:

• You are allowed to retake each tier only once.
• There is no fee for retesting.
• You are encouraged to study prior to testing.  Review materials are located on our website.
• Your highest scores will be honored.

• You have graduated from a high school, adult high school, or home school.
• You have earned an associate degree or higher.
• You earned a GED® test score of at least 145 between 2014 and now.
• You earned High School Equivalency Test (HiSET®) scores of at least 8 on each section and of at least 2 on the essay between 2014 and now.

• AP exam course credit guidelines
• IB exam course credit guidelines

CLEP® exam course credit guidelines

• You plan to earn special credit from Central Piedmont for a course that has no prerequisite (e.g., golf, keyboarding).
• You have successfully completed (with a grade of “C-” or higher) a college-level math and/or English course from a regionally accredited institution.
• You have successfully completed developmental-level courses in English and/or math from another North Carolina community college.
• You have earned appropriate North Carolina Diagnostic & Placement (NC DAP) test scores (DMA and DRE).

If you qualify for a waiver, contact Student Records, Academic Advising, or a student success navigator. You will need to provide all appropriate official documentation with your request.

If you have taken any of the following placement tests at another school, have an official copy of your scores mailed, emailed, or faxed to the Central Piedmont Testing Center.
 

• NC DAP placement tests
• ACCUPLACER College-Level Math placement test
• ACCUPLACER Advanced Algebra and Functions test
• ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading test
• ACCUPLACER Next Generation Writing test
• ACCUPLACER Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, & Statistics test

mail: Central Piedmont Testing & Assessment Center, Parr Center, Suite 2000, PO Box 35009, Charlotte, NC 28235

email: testingcenter@cpcc.edu

fax: 704.330.6620

Scores must be sent from the educational institution where test was taken. Please do not fax or mail scores yourself. We cannot accept unofficial scores.

1. Review the "Do I need to take the placement test?" section on this page.
2. Request a waiver if you are eligible.

If you take the RISE placement test, you must create a testing account prior to your testing appointment. Go to cpcctesting.edready.org to create an account. Use your Central Piedmont student email to create your account.

If you need access to a computer, Central Piedmont has open labs for students.

ACCUPLACER Review Materials

• Official ACCUPLACER CollegeBoard study guides (includes Writeplacer)
• Official ACCUPLACER web-based study app
• ACCUPLACER website for students

RISE Practice Tests

• RISE English placement practice test (PDF)
• RISE math placement practice test (PDF)

Other Resources

• ACCUPLACER study guide by Study Guide Zone (PDF)
• EdReady Public Site (choose "Prepare for Common Placement Exams" as your goal)
• Khan Academy
• Purple Math

1. Complete your Central Piedmont admissions application prior to scheduling your placement test.
2. If taking the RISE placement test, create your CPCC EdReady testing account.
3. Schedule your placement test.

Central Piedmont enrollment steps

You can access your placement test scores by logging in to MyCollege with your Central Piedmont login. If you have any questions, please contact the testing center.

You can have an official copy of your placement test scores sent to another educational institution by downloading and completing the placement test release form (PDF). Mail the completed form to the following address:

Central Piedmont Community College
Attn: Testing and Assessment Center, Parr Center, Suite 2000
P.O. Box 35009
Charlotte, NC 28235

You may also email testingcenter@cpcc.edu, fax 704.330.6620, or deliver your request in person to the Central Piedmont Central Campus Testing Center.

Faculty/staff, log in to the employee intranet to view placement test cut scores (PDF).