ALP/ESL Placement Test and Waiver

The ESL/ALP Accuplacer test must be taken in-person on the Paramus Campus in the One Stop Center.

Bergen Community College administers the Accuplacer/English as a Second Language (ESL) examination to non-native English speakers to determine a student’s proficiency in reading, writing, and listening skills.

The key points regarding the placement and testing requirements are:

  • Placement: Students who score below the required proficiency level are placed into one of the four levels of  the ALP/ESL program.
  • Program Completion: Students must complete the ALP/ESL program (or test out of it) before registering for courses in their chosen major.
  • Next Step (Mathematics): Once the ALP/ESL requirement is satisfied, students are then required to take the mathematics placement test.

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
  • Study

Who should take the Accuplacer ESL Examination?

  • Non-native English speakers
  • International students on F-1 visas, depending on country of origin and previous education
  • U.S. high school graduates with no more than 2 years in a U.S. high school
  • Non-native English speakers who passed the General Educational Development Examination (GED) or High School Equivalency Examination (HSE) in a language other than English.
  • Non-native speakers who wish to strengthen their English skills, i.e. reading, writing, speaking.

What conditions can waive the placement test requirement?

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

Placement Testing Schedule

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, please report to 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 (i.e. passport, driver’s license etc.)
  • Pictures of ID cards on electronic devices (e.g., cellphone, tablet, camera...) are not accepted as proof of identity.
  • There is no fee.

Notes:

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

ESL/ALP Placement Test Content

The ESL/American Language Program Accuplacer test includes:

    • Listening Exam;
    • Language Usage;
    • Reading Skills;
    • Writing Skills (50-minute timed essay).

Notes: The first three sections contain up to 25 untimed multiple- choice questions.

Placement Test Preparation

Placement Test Results Interpretation

If you have taken the Accuplacer ESL examination and have a placement in ALP/ESL, review the “ESL/ALP Program Details” information accessible at ESL Program Information Web page.
Question or help with selecting classes? Visit the New Student Advising/One Stop Center for assistance.

Contact Information

For questions or further information about ALP/ESL placement test, please contact the Office of Testing Services:

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, Pitkin Education Center, 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, please visit the “FERPA / Release of Student Information” Web page.