Bunker Hill Community College

Assessment/Placement

The Assessment Center administers placement tests for new students to best determine the most appropriate level at which students should begin their studies. Any student who wishes to earn a certificate or degree through Bunker Hill Community College is required to take the Accuplacer Computerized Placement Test in mathematics, English and reading, or English as a Second Language, before being allowed to register. Additionally, any non-degree or non-certificate-seeking student who wishes to take a math, English or ESL course, or a course for which math, English or reading is a prerequisite, must also take these placement exams. Students for whom English is not their native language are required to take the ESL tests in reading, vocabulary, and writing. No one fails these tests. The results are used solely to determine the best level for the student to begin English, math and reading coursework, as well as placement into ESL courses. Please note that developmental courses do not fulfill the requirements for degree and certificate programs; they are intended to prepare students for such academic coursework.

• Students who test below the tenth grade reading level on the placement examination will be required to enroll in an appropriate level reading course.
• Students may not register for English or mathematics courses at a higher level than that indicated by their performance on the placement tests.
• Results for English and reading tests are valid for two years; mathematics results are valid for one year.  Students may retest once within any one-year period.

Transfer students who meet math and English requirements at the time of admission do not need to take these placement exams if their transcripts have been received and evaluated by the Enrollment Services Center.

Please note: High school students who have met the course requirements for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but who have not passed the MCAS test nor received a GED may apply for admission to a BHCC degree-granting program (matriculation) through the Ability to Benefit policy.

Students should call to get information about these free placement tests.

Assessment Center
Room B118, Charlestown Campus
Monday - Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday - 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:00 - 1:00 (closed on holiday weekends and Saturdays during June and July)
Phone: 617-228-2468

Chelsea Campus
Hours vary; please call to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 617-228-2101
Fax: 617-228-2106