Course Placement
The computerized placement assessment, in combination with prior high school and college experience or other test scores, will determine what classes you begin with at Great Bay Community College, so you want to do your very best.
The assessment consists of:
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics (two sections)
- Writing Sample
- Computer Skills (for some majors)
If you are a student with a documented disability, please contact Accessibility Services and submit documentation before you register for the assessment.
English Language Learners should contact Siri Dumont, ELL and International Student Support Coordinator, before registering for the assessment.
- Determine which sections you will need through the placement waiver chart (see Placement Waivers section below), certificate placement chart, or contact Admissions
- Learn about the Accuplacer and/or the Computer Skills Placement
- Do some review (see Accuplacer Placement Preparation section below). A little bit goes a long way and can save you time and money!
- Schedule the ACCUPLACER assessment via Navigate here. Email [email protected] if you need a different time or to setup remote testing.
If you would like to do the Accuplacer remotely, check your system requirements at Accuplacer and Zoom. Please use the option to join with video. - Bring a photo ID (such as a state issued driver’s license) to the assessment.
There are several ways to waive sections of the placement assessment, and you may not need all sections for your major. If you are non-matriculated, but plan to take a course that requires English, Math, or Technology skills, some testing will be required.
Contact Admissions for more information.
| SECTION | NEW SAT/ACT/HiSET | PRIOR ACCUPLACER SCORES | ADVANCED HIGH SCHOOL WORK | COLLEGE COURSEWORK |
| Math | SAT/ACT/HiSET scores within 7 years | Prior Accuplacer scores within 3 years | Algebra II or higher in HS with appropriate grade | College equivalency through AP, Running Start, Early College, CLEP, or other credits |
| Reading | SAT/ACT/HiSET scores within 7 years | Prior Accuplacer within 3 years | College Prep class in Sr. year or Honors level class in Jr./Sr. year of HS with appropriate grade | College equivalency through AP, Running Start, Early College, CLEP, or other credits |
| Writing | SAT/ACT/HiSET scores within 7 years | Prior Accuplacer scores within 3 years | College Prep class in Sr. year or Honors level class in Jr./Sr. year of HS with appropriate grade | College equivalency through AP, Running Start, Early College, CLEP, or other credits |
| Computer | – | Prior CSP/Northstar scores within 3 years | Appropriate level HS computer applications or programming class | College equivalency through Running Start, Early College, or other credits |
The goal of the placement assessment is to determine the appropriate level for your classes. Many students start in developmental classes, but the Accuplacer is a way to show you have the skills to start higher! It’s a really good idea to do some review before the test. If you’ve already tested but believe you can do better, these are great resources to use before you retest.
There are a variety of ways to prepare for the Accuplacer:
- On your own – Great websites include:
- CollegeBoard
- Khan Academy
- Microsoft (click on desired application)
- Online tools – in addition to the websites above, there are several online programs to help you prepare, with varying costs:
- Accuplacer Study apps practice right on your mobile device or computer in the areas of math and reading, and view sample essays and scoring information. Access is free.
- Face-to-face options – there are several ways to get in-person help with your review:
- Adult Education – centers in your area offer free and low cost classes to build academic and other skills for transition to college. Contact CAPS for more information.
- The Business and Training Center offers non-credit courses at a reduced price to GBCC students.
- IF YOU HAVE TIME TO DO ONLY ONE THING, go to the sample questions to get a feel for Accuplacer. Follow the links below to find sample questions.
