Basic Skills Placement Test

Bergen Community College administers the Basic Skills Accuplacer examination to determine a student’s levels in English, Mathematics, and Algebra.
The results of this test determine a student’s required entry level courses in both English and mathematics.

Accuplacer Entrance Exam Checklist

  • Apply to Bergen Community College
  • Receive Bergen Community College Student ID#
  • Check for Waivers
  • Check website for In-person testing schedule and Remote online options
  • Study
  • Need a Valid Physical Picture Identification ID

Who Must Take a Basic Skills Placement Test?

  • All full-time and part-time students in a degree or certificate program are required to test before registering for all courses.
  • All full-time and part-time non-degree seeking students who wish to enroll in English or mathematics courses.
  • All full-time and part-time non-degree seeking students who have accumulated eleven (11) attempted credits (based on completed courses earning one of the following grades: A, B, C, CNP, CP, D, E, R, W, AU, Q,M, N, or INC.

What conditions can waive the placement test requirement?

For the placement test waiver criteria, please visit the “Placement Test Waiver Information” Web page for details.

What is on the Basic Skills Placement test?

The Next Generation Accuplacer Basic Skills Test includes:

  • Arithmetic (20 untimed multiple-choice questions);
  • Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (20 untimed multiple-choice questions);
  • Reading (20 untimed multiple-choice questions);
  • 80-minute timed essay.

How to prepare for the Basic Skills Placement test?

Students are strongly encouraged to study for the placement exam.
You may find available study guides on the Accuplacer Study Guides Web page.

Is there a fee for the Basic Skills Placement test?

Remote online testing is offered through Meazure Learning ProctorU platform for a $28 fee.

Placement Testing Options for the Basic Skills Test

Option 1: In-person testing

  • In person testing is available on a walk-in basis between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • To take an in-person test/exam, report to the Office of Testing Services/One Stop Center, Room OS-102, Pitkin Education Center at the College’s main campus in Paramus, NJ.
  • Bring a valid physical picture ID. Pictures of ID cards on electronic devices (e.g., cellphone, tablet, camera...) are not accepted as proof of identity.
  • There is no fee.

Option 2: Remote testing

  • Students that do not qualify for a waiver and are interested in taking the Accuplacer entrance exam online should email [email protected] for further information and instructions.

Notes:
1. No test will be administered without proper identification.
2. Students are not permitted to use a cellphone to take the placement test.

How to Read Placement Test Results

The required courses resulting from the test scores are listed at the end of the Accuplacer score report, which the student receives at the completion of the test.

Placement Test Results

  • Upon completing the Bergen Community College (BCC) Basic Skills Test, you will receive the placement test results that will be used to place you in the appropriate coursework at BCC.

Notes: You may wish to challenge these results by retaking any portion of the examinations later.  It is strongly recommended that you study for the Challenge exam. Only one challenge exam will be permitted per day.

Placement Test Results Interpretation Referrals

What to do after taking the Placement Test?

It is strongly recommended to work with an academic advisor before registering for classes once the placement testing has been satisfied.
For help with selecting classes, feel free to visit the New Student Advising Web page for details.
You may also email [email protected] with general questions.

Contact Information

  • For questions or further information, please contact The Office of Testing Services at (201) 447-7203 or email us at [email protected]

  • Placement Test Results Release/Disclosure Statement

    1. The Office of Testing Services cannot answer specific questions over the phone about a student or the student’s placement test results.
    2. All students must come to the Office of Testing Services/One Stop Center, Room OS-102, with government issued photo identification to receive specific information about their student record.
    3. Third parties never receive specific information about a student as per The Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For more information about FERPA at BCC – click here.

  • Note to Guidance Counselors, Testing Center Staff, and other School Officials

    1. Please have the students upload the actual waiver request, along with their supporting documents.
    2. The status of the student’s waiver request goes directly back to the student’s current email address on file.