Proficiency Tests

Proficiency tests are offered as a means of placement for a variety of college courses.
Successful scores on these exams allow students to register for higher level courses within the same discipline sequence.

Note: A proficiency test earns a waiver of the course upon passing. However, a successful proficiency test carries no course credit.

Purpose and Eligibility

  • Waiver Only: Passing scores on an exam allows students to register for the next course in a sequence, but no course credit is awarded.
  • Requirement Review: Students should consult an Academic Counselor or Advisor in the One Stop Center to review specific program requirements.
  • Prerequisites: All prerequisites for the course a student wishes to test out of must be completed prior to scheduling a test appointment.

Note:  Requires a full review of a student’s record by a Testing Services staff member to confirm eligibility.

Scheduling and Fees

  • Appointment Only: Tests are conducted by appointment only and must be scheduled in person at the One Stop Center, Room OS-102 (Pitkin Building, Paramus campus).
  • Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID, BCC student ID, or BCC Digital ID is required for registration and testing.
  • Fees: There is a $30.50 non-refundable fee per exam. Payment methods can be found at bergen.edu/bursar.
  • Blackout Dates: No proficiency tests are scheduled during midterm or final exam periods.

Attendance and Rescheduling

  • Late Policy: There is a 15-minute grace period; arriving later than this will require an additional $30.50 fee to test at a later date.
  • Rescheduling: You may reschedule one time without a new fee if you notify the Testing Services office via email at [email protected] at least 24 business hours in advance. Failure to provide this notice results in another $30.50 charge for a future attempt.

Subject-Specific Policies

Chemistry (CHM-100)

  • Eligibility: Students cannot take the test if they have already taken a CHM-100 class and received a grade.
  • Retakes: Students are not permitted to retake the CHM-100 proficiency exam.
  • Time Limit: Students are allowed 120 minutes for the test.
  • Materials: Students will be provided a non-graphing and non-programmable calculator. A periodic table is provided.
  • Format: Test consists of 50 multiple choice questions.
  • Passing Score: 40 out of 50. Results are available the same day.

Mathematics 

  • Upper-Level Courses: Students seeking to register for MAT-180 (Precalculus) or MAT- 280 (Calculus) should visit OS-102 with a photo ID to discuss testing options.
  • Format: Testing Services currently administers the ALEKS test which consists of 25 questions. Please see more details on _https://bergen.edu/testing/math-placement/.
  • Time Limit: Students are allowed up to a 3-hour time limit.
  • Retakes: Students are allowed a total of 3 attempts, though a home study practice program is required between retakes.
  • Ineligibility: Students that have already used three ALEKS attempts or have previously taken or attempted MAT-157/59 are ineligible for math proficiency testing
  • Materials: Calculators are not permitted. Scrap paper is provided.
  • Passing Score: The ALEKs score range is 0-100. A score of 41 places you into MAT-160 (Intermediate Algebra). A score of 66 places you into MAT-180 (Precalculus). Results are available the same day.

Study Resources

Because of the limited attempts, students are strongly encouraged to study.

Contact

For in person assistance regarding proficiency test, report to the Office of Testing Services/One Stop Center, Room OS-102, Pitkin Building (1st floor), at the College’s main campus in Paramus, NJ.