Directed Self Placement | Bergen Community College

Directed Self Placement (DSP) is Bergen Community College’s new assessment tool for placing students into the appropriate English courses. It replaces the previous English portion of the Accuplacer Basic Skills Test and gives students more control and support in selecting the right starting point for their academic journey.

Note: DSP applies only to English placement. Students are still required to take the math placement test separately.
ESL students (English language learners) must complete the Accuplacer ESL placement test, not DSP.

What is DSP?

Directed Self Placement is an online assessment tool designed to help students determine which English course best aligns with their current reading and writing skills. Instead of taking a traditional test, students answer a series of reflective questions about their educational background, reading and writing habits, and academic confidence. The assessment tool also includes content based questions.

Based on their responses, students receive a recommendation for which English course to begin with—either a college-level course or a course with built-in support. This assessment tool is free of charge to students.

Who Needs to Complete DSP?

All new full-time and part-time degree-seeking students who do not supply the college with high school transcripts and/or evidence of prior earned credit in College English or appropriate test scores. Visit the Placement Test Waiver Information webpage for more information.
Native English speakers and non-native speakers who meet eligibility for DSP

Note: Students whose first language is not English may be referred to complete the Accuplacer ESL Placement Test instead of DSP.

Is DSP Required?

Before beginning the Directed Self Placement process, students are strongly encouraged to check if they qualify for a placement waiver. You may be exempt based on:

High School transcripts showing cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Previous college-level or high school coursework
Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT)
Advanced Placement (AP) credits
Transfer credits from another institution

If you do not qualify for a waiver, you will be required to complete DSP before registering for classes.

To see if you’re eligible for a waiver, visit the Placement Test Waiver Information webpage.

What to Expect from DSP

A series of guided, reflective questions about your educational experience
A supportive, non-timed, online format—no traditional testing required
Immediate placement guidance for English coursework

How to Complete the DSP

The link to the Directed Self Placement was emailed to you when you were admitted to the College. The link is also available in your student portal. Please note you must log in with your BCC credentials to complete the DSP.

After You Complete DSP

Once you complete DSP, you’ll receive a placement recommendation for an English course. We strongly encourage you to meet with an academic advisor to finalize your course selection and plan your semester schedule.