Placement Testing
At CLTCC, we are committed to helping you start strong by placing you in courses that match your current skills and knowledge. If you are pursuing a credential—such as a Technical Competency Area (TCA), Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS), Technical Diploma (TD), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree—you’ll need to submit valid placement test scores or take the ACCUPLACER exam at one of our campus locations.
CLTCC is an open admissions institution, meaning all students are welcome to enroll. However, placement testing is an important step to ensure your academic success. Your scores help us determine the best starting point for your coursework, especially in areas like math and English.
Please Note:
Placement scores are required for admission to competitive programs such as Nursing and Allied Health. You must meet minimum score requirements to be considered for acceptance into these programs.
Why Placement Testing Matters
Placement testing serves several important purposes:
- Helps determine which English and math courses are right for you
- Required for admission to competitive programs like Nursing and Allied Health
- Identifies whether co-requisite support courses would benefit your learning
- Ensures you're set up for academic success from day one
Placement Testing Guide for Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC)
English Placement Guidelines
| Next Generation ACCUPLACER Writing | Next Generation WritePlacer | ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills | ACT English | Compass Writing | Course Placement |
| ≤ 249 | ≤ 5 | ≤ 85 | ≤ 17 | ≤ 69 | ENGL 1095/1096 Co-req English Composition I |
| ≥ 250 | 5-7 | 86-120 | ≥ 18 | ≥ 70 | ENGL 1010 English Composition I |
Mathematics Placement Guidelines
|
Next Generation ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning
|
ACCUPLACER College Level Math Test
|
ACT Math
|
Compass Algebra
|
Course Placement
|
|
≤ 249
|
≤ 19
|
≤18
|
≤ 39
|
MATH 1195/1196 Co-req
College Algebra
Lecture/Lab
|
|
≥ 250
|
20-44
|
≥19
|
≥ 40
|
MATH 1300
Contemporary Math
|
|
≥ 250
|
45-120
|
≥19
|
≥ 40
|
MATH 1100
College Algebra
|
Understanding Co-Requisite Courses
As directed by the Louisiana Board of Regents, CLTCC has replaced traditional remedial courses with co-requisite courses. If your test scores fall below certain thresholds, you'll be placed in these co-requisite options:
- ENGL 1095/1096: Co-requisite English Composition I (provides additional support alongside college-level English)
- MATH 1195/1196: Co-requisite College Algebra Lecture/Lab (provides additional support alongside college-level math)
These co-requisite courses are designed to help you succeed in college-level coursework while receiving the extra support you need.
Nursing and Allied Health Program Requirements
Practical Nursing Program (REQUIRED)
- Reading: 250
- English/Writing: 241
- Math (QRAS): 243 OR Math (Arithmetic): 260
- Reading: 20
- Writing: 17
- Math: 18
Patient Care Technician (SUGGESTED)
- Reading: 230
- English/Writing: 225
- Math (QRAS): 225 OR Math (Arithmetic): 230
- Reading: 13
- Writing: 13
- Math: 14
Pharmacy Technician (SUGGESTED)
- Reading: 245
- English/Writing: 235
- Math (QRAS): 235 OR Math (Arithmetic): 245
- Reading: 17
- Writing: 15
- Math: 17
When would I need test scores?
You'll need qualifying test scores for:
- Admission to Nursing and Allied Health programs (required for Practical Nursing, suggested for PCT and Pharmacy Tech)
- Determining whether you need co-requisite support for English and math courses
- Placement in appropriate level courses
What happens if I don't meet the test score requirements for Nursing or Allied Health programs?
- You may need to retake the placement test after additional preparation, or complete prerequisite courses to build your skills before reapplying to these competitive programs.
What happens if I don't meet the test score requirements for college-level courses?
- If your scores fall below the thresholds for direct placement into college-level courses, you'll be enrolled in co-requisite courses that provide extra support alongside your college-level classes. This approach replaces the traditional remedial model as directed by the Louisiana Board of Regents.
What tests are accepted for placement?
CLTCC accepts scores from:
- ACT
- ACCUPLACER (both Classic and Next Generation)
- Compass (for existing scores)
How long are test scores valid?
- Most test scores are valid for 3-5 years. Check with the Admissions Office for specific details.
Can I retake placement tests?
- Yes, you can retake placement tests after a designated waiting period if you wish to improve your scores.
Next Steps
- Submit any existing test scores (ACT, Compass, ACCUPLACER) to the Admissions Office
- If you don't have current scores, schedule a placement assessment
- Meet with an academic advisor to discuss your scores and course options
- If interested in Nursing or Allied Health programs, confirm you meet the minimum required or suggested scores
- Register for appropriate courses based on your placement results
Remember, placement testing is designed to help you succeed. By starting in the right courses with the appropriate level of support, you'll build a strong foundation for your college career at CLTCC.
ACCUPLACER TEST
What is ACCUPLACER?
ACCUPLACER is a comprehensive, computerized skills survey system that measures your:
- Reading Skills
- Writing Skills
- Mathematics Skills
ACCUPLACER is not a pass/fail test. ACCUPLACER is adaptive; most students will see test questions become more or less difficult based on previously answered questions.
What are ACCUPLACER scores used for?
ACCUPLACER scores determine your place in:
- College level courses
- Developmental courses
Practice tests are available on the internet at:
- http://www.accuplacerpractice.com
- http://www.accuplacerpracticetest.com
- https://www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm
See Accuplacer Tutoring (available at some CLTCC campuses!)
Can I use a calculator on the test?
No, a calculator can not be used while taking the test.
Is the ACCUPLACER test timed?
ACCUPLACER takes approximately three-and-a-half hours to complete (all three surveys). You should arrive 30 minutes early to ensure adequate time to test. Below are some important facts to remember:
- Take your time!
- Read all directions carefully and completely.
- Ask the proctor if you have any questions.
- Pay close attention to details.
- Wait for the computer to respond.
- Do not click or press enter more than once on the computer.
- Eat a healthy breakfast the day of the test.
When will I get my test results?
Test results are provided at the end of the testing session. Nursing students must schedule an appointment with an advisor after taking the ACCUPLACER test.
How much does ACCUPLACER Cost?
Accuplacer Testing Fee: (Reading, Writing, Mathematics)
- Applicant- $30 for initial test session and $10 per component for retests
- Non-Applicant-$50 first test session and $50 per section retests
If you have any questions contact Student Services 1-800-278-9855, ext. 1129.
How much does ACCUPLACER Cost?
Accuplacer Testing Fee: (Reading, Writing, Mathematics)
- Applicant- $30 for initial test session and $10 per component for retests
- Non-Applicant-$50 first test session and $50 per section retests
How to Schedule the Accuplacer Test at CLTCC Locations
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose your preferred CLTCC campus from the locations listed below
- Contact the campus via the provided email address
- Request an Accuplacer test appointment for one of the available testing days
- Arrive early on your scheduled testing day with a valid photo ID
CLTCC Testing Locations and Schedule
- Email: [email protected]
- Testing Day: Thursdays at 1:00 PM
- Lab Capacity: 24 students
- Email: [email protected]
- Testing Days:
- Tuesdays at 9:00 AM
- Thursdays at 2:00 PM
- Lab Capacity: 16 students
- Email: [email protected]
- Testing Day: First Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM
- Lab Capacity: 19 students
- Email: [email protected]
- Testing Day: Wednesdays at 9:00 AM
- Lab Capacity: 20 students
- Email: [email protected]
- Testing Day: Tuesdays at 9:00 AM
- Lab Capacity: 20 students
Additional Information
- Be sure to bring a valid photo ID on your testing day
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled testing time
- For any additional questions about the Accuplacer test, please contact your preferred campus directly using the email addresses provided above