Bunker Hill Community College

About the CPT

To enroll in classes at Bunker Hill Community College all incoming students are required to take the CPT. Preparing for the CPT is one of the most important steps you can take. Here is some information that we hope will help you understand the process:

What is the CPT?

BHCC utilizes a test called Accuplacer, which we refer to as the College Placement Test or CPT. The CPT has three sections: math, reading comprehension, and sentence skills (grammar).   These tests are administered on a computer. Students answer a series of multiple choice questions. The use of calculators, dictionaries, notes, textbooks or other resources is strictly prohibited during the testing. There is no time limit; students may take as much time as they need on the CPT. Students generally take between 2 to 3 hours to complete the test so please plan accordingly.

Do I need to take the CPT?

All students are required to take the CPT upon entering the college unless they have completed college level math and/or English courses at another accredited college or university. Students who have taken college-level courses at another college or university must bring transcripts with them to the Enrollment Services Desk to be exempted from the CPT by an Admissions Transfer Counselor. Students applying to selective programs may be required to take placement testing regardless of prior educational experience.

Why do I need to take the CPT?

The test is very important, as it determines your English, math and reading course placements and may exempt you from certain classes. By assessing a student’s level of proficiency in English, reading and mathematics, the CPT helps students plan an appropriate schedule of course work. In addition to our college-level courses, the college has a series of developmental courses for students who need some additional foundational work in English, math or reading. The CPT will place students either into college-level courses or developmental courses or a combination of the two.

What are developmental courses?

Developmental courses prepare you for the rigors of college level course work, must be taken if you place into them, cost the same per credit as college-level courses and qualify for financial aid. However, developmental courses do not transfer to other colleges and universities and they do not count toward graduation requirements at BHCC.

 How can I prepare for the CPT?

You can prepare for the test by reviewing these subjects and completing practice questions. This test is unlike the MCAS; therefore, reviewing sample test questions to become familiar with the test will help you perform better. The following are several internet resources which may be helpful.

Accuplacer Tests are broken down into these specific content areas:

Test	Percentage of Test (approximation)
Reading Comprehension
Identifying Main Ideas	12-25
Direct Statements/ Secondary Ideas	12-40
Inferences	12-40
Applications	12-25
Sentence Relationships	24-29
Sentence Skills
Recognizing Complete Sentences	30-40
Coordination/Subordination	30-40
Clear Sentence Logic	30-40
Arithmetic
Whole Numbers and Fractions	31-44
Decimals and Percents	31-38
Applications and Problem Solving	25-31
Elementary Algebra
Signed Numbers and Rationals	8-17
Algebraic Expressions	42-67
Equations, Inequalities, and Word Problems	17-50
College-Level Mathematics
Algebraic Operations	20
Solutions of equations and Inequalities	15
Coordinate Geometry	15
Functions	20
Trigonometry	20
Applications and Other Algebra Topics

What if English is not my first language and I may need to work on my English language skills?

English as Second Language (ESL) students who require ESL classes will be given the LOEP (Levels of English Proficiency) test to determine their placement in ESL classes. After completing the ESL sequence students will be eligible to take the math portion of the placement test, register for ENG095 and will be exempt from the college reading requirement.  

What if I have a documented disability?

Any student with a documented disability who would like accommodations made for testing should speak with the Coordinator of Disability Support Services located in D106A on the Charlestown Campus or by calling 617-228-3415. Students with a temporary disability who will not be able to test under standard conditions should call 617-228-2377 and speak with the Assessment Center Coordinator.  

What if I did not pass the MCAS?

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. Please make sure to let the Assessment staff know of this situation. 

What does it cost to take the CPT?

The CPT is offered to you free of charge.

Can I retest?

For the CPT, you are allowed to retest once per semester. Students who have completed a writing sample, may not retest in English. For the LOEP, you can only retest with permission from the Coordinator of the Assessment Center.

Where and when do I take the CPT?

As soon as you feel prepared, you can come in and take the CPT. The test takes between 2 to 3 hours to complete.