- ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading
- ACCUPLACER Next Generation Writing
- ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
*If you are testing for Dual Enrollment or a Middle College High School, please take the RISE placement test.
What is the RISE Placement Test?
- 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.
Students with Documented Disabilities
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 via email or call 704-330-6621 if you have questions.
What to Bring to Your Test
- 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.
Placement Test Retest Policy
- 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.
Do I Need to Take the Placement Test? Placement Test Waiver Guidelines
You will likely be placed into courses based on your high school GPA. You do not need to take the placement test — and may request a waiver — if you meet any of the following criteria. If you do not meet any of the following waiver criteria, schedule your placement testing appointment.
Degrees Earned
- 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.
SAT or ACT Test Scores
| Test | Minimum Score to Waive English Sections | Minimum Math Score to Waive Math Sections |
|---|---|---|
| SAT taken March 2016–present | 480 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 530 |
| SAT taken prior to March 2016 | 500 on Critical Reading or Writing | 500 |
| ACT taken Sept. 2013–present | 22 on Reading or 18 on English | 22 |
| 20–21 on Reading or 16–17 on English (will be required to take co-requisite course when enrolled) | 20–21 (will be required to take co-requisite course when enrolled) | |
| ACT taken prior to Sept. 2013 | 21 on Reading or 18 on English |
Advanced Placement® (AP) or International Baccalaureate® (IB) Exams
- AP exam course credit guidelines
- IB exam course credit guidelines
College Level Exam Program (CLEP®) Exams
Other Waiver Eligibility
- 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).
Request a Waiver
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.
| Waiver Method | Documentation to Submit (Must be Official) |
|---|---|
| Graduation from high school | high school transcript |
| Associate degree or higher | college-issued transcript |
| GED® test scores | GED transcript (no older than 2014) |
| HiSET® scores | HiSET transcript (no older than 2014) |
| SAT or ACT scores | SAT or ACT transcript |
| You are seeking special credit or are not seeking a degree | approval by campus registrar, advisor, or student success navigator |
| Completion of a college-level math and/or English course | college-issued transcript |
| Completion of developmental-level courses in English and/or math from another NC community college | college-issued transcript |
| AP, IB, CLEP®, or NC DAP (DMA and DRE) placement test scores | scores previously received remain valid |
- 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
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.
Steps to Schedule and Take Your Placement Test
Please read and complete each of the following steps to schedule and take your placement test.
Step 1: Check if You Qualify For a Placement Test Waiver, Request Waiver
- Review the "Do I need to take the placement test?" section on this page.
- Request a waiver if you are eligible.
Step 2: If Taking the RISE Placement Test, Create Your RISE Testing Account
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.
Step 3: Study and Practice
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
Step 4: Schedule Placement Test
- Complete your Central Piedmont admissions application prior to scheduling your placement test.
- If taking the RISE placement test, create your EdReady testing account.
- Schedule your placement test.
Step 5: Finish the Steps to Enroll at Central Piedmont
Scores
View Your Placement Test Scores
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.
Send Your Scores to a Different School
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 send us an email, fax 704-330-6620, or deliver your request in person to the Central Piedmont Central Campus Testing Center.
Faculty/Staff: Placement Test Cut Scores
Faculty/staff, use your Central Piedmont credentials to review the placement test cut scores (PDF).Contact the Testing and Assessment Centers
Testing and Assessment Center P 704-330-4847 E testingcenter@cpcc.edu Cato I Building, Room 134B Testing by appointment
Testing and Assessment Center P 704-330-6886 E testingcenter@cpcc.edu Parr Center, Level 2, Suite 2000
Testing and Assessment Center P 704-330-2722, ext. 7494 E testingcenter@cpcc.edu Harper IV Building, Room 224A Testing by appointment
Testing and Assessment Center P 704-330-4644 E testingcenter@cpcc.edu Placement testing only, by appointment
Testing and Assessment Center P 704-330-4265 E testingcenter@cpcc.edu Levine II Building, Room 2310 Testing by appointment
Testing and Assessment Center P 704-330-4106 E testingcenter@cpcc.edu Claytor Building, Room 1180 Testing by appointment
