fbpx
Contact Us Apply

Placement Testing

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College uses the ACCUPLACER computerized placement testing to determine a student’s academic skill level in reading, English, and math. This is not a college entrance examination; rather, it is an accurate assessment of skills for appropriate course placement.


[accordion_text group=”1″]

Here are some links to help you adequately prepare for the ACCUPLACER test:

ACCUPLACER Practice Questions
Free ACCUPLACER study tools provide official practice tests that can be taken in each subject on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. This simulates real ACCUPLACER tests and you’ll get immediate feedback with answer explanations for both correct and incorrect answers.

You may also download and practice with free sample questions.

Khan Academy
This link provides additional study materials for further preparation.


Exceptions to ACCUPLACER placement testing:

Students may be exempt from testing upon receipt of official scores or based on certain circumstances:

  • SAT
    • Mathematics placement:
      • 500 – 599: MAT110, MAT115, MAT116, MAT117, MAT126, MAT127, MAT131, MAT145, MAT170, MAT200
      • 600+: MAT205, MAT210
    • Critical Reading 500+
    • Writing 500+: Placement in ENG110
  • ACT
    • Mathematics placement:
      • 19 – 21: MAT110, MAT115, MAT116, MAT117, MAT126, MAT127, MAT131
      • 22-24: MAT145, MAT200
      • 25-26: MAT170
      • 27+: MAT210
    • Critical Reading 21+
    • English 18+: Placement in ENG110
  • High school transcript within 5 years showing at least three English courses completed with a grade of C or higher in each and unweighted high school GPA = 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.
  • High school transcript within 5 years showing at least three math courses completed, of which one is Algebra II with a grade of C or higher and unweighted high school GPA = 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.
  • GED™ College Ready designation on the GED™ test. Students must submit a GED™ transcript reflecting a minimum score of 165 in each of these subject areas: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
  • CLEP math or English exam with credit-granting score of 50 and AP® math or English exam with qualifying credit-granting score. Click here to view a full list of accepted exams, their coordinating courses, and minimum exam scores.
  • A grade of C or better in college-level English or math from an accredited college. Official transcripts are required.

Penn Highlands requires the ACT, SAT, CLEP, AP®, or GED™ transcript report, or high school transcripts within 5 years that include ACT or SAT scores. Once received, the College will authorize the student to register.

Additional ACCUPLACER placement testing information:

  • Free of charge for admitted students.
  • Untimed (take your time and do your best).
  • A calculator is provided within the ACCUPLACER math test.
  • Re-testing is available; however, we recommend total preparation for your first test. You have an opportunity for one re-test only after a period of one week from the original test.

College-Preparatory Courses

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers college-preparatory courses in math, reading, and English. Depending on your placement test scores, you will enroll in the college-preparatory course that best suits your needs. These courses are carefully designed to build skills that will lay a foundation for your success. College-preparatory classes are small, allowing more direct involvement with your instructor and your classmates. Each course is offered in a variety of technology-enhanced formats, ranging from a summer program of six weeks to a semester-length of fifteen weeks. Whether you simply need a refresher or a more intensive review, successfully completing your college-prep courses tends to promote your success in your chosen field of study.

The following college-preparatory courses are offered:

ICR 031 (College Reading)
ENG 020 (Introduction to Composition)
MAT 085 Algebra Fundamentals

For a complete description of the college-preparatory courses and their requirements, please refer to the Pennsylvania Highlands College Catalog.