Placement Testing
Placement Testing
Your first step to success at BC3 is finding the right starting point in reading, writing, and math. Most new students take placement tests so we can help place you in the best courses for your goals.
Do You Need to Take the Test?
Some students may be exempt based on recent test scores, GPA, or previous college coursework.
Test Dates & Locations
Once you apply, you’ll get an email to your myBC3 account with your next steps for placement testing.
Testing starts based on when you plan to enroll:
- Summer start: Testing begins in February
- Fall start: Testing begins in April
- Spring start: Testing begins in October
You can test in-person at any BC3 location.
- Test Type: Next-Generation Accuplacer
- Time: The test is untimed but usually takes about 2.5 hours
- Cost: Free
- Subjects Covered: Reading, writing, and math
- Locations: On-campus at any BC3 site
- Virtual placement testing via Accuplacer/ProctorU is available only for students enrolled in our fully online program or in other extenuating circumstances.
You can retake each section one time if needed.
Start strong—preparing can save you time and money.
- Review test content and sample questions
- Use the free Accuplacer Study App
- Avoid last-minute cramming—pace your prep!
- A photo ID
- Your student letter with your BC3 ID number
No calculators allowed—one will be provided if needed.
Understanding Your Results
Your scores help determine which classes you can start with. After testing, you'll meet with an advisor to talk about your next steps.
Interpreting Your Test Results
Placement Test Exemption
You might be exempt if you:
- Graduated from high school in the last 5 years with a 3.0+ GPA
- Scored high enough on SAT, ACT, AP, or CLEP exams
- Took college-level English or math with a grade of “C” or better
- Already took Accuplacer in the last 5 years
- Are enrolling in a non-degree program (e.g., Guest)
| Test Type | English Exemption | Math Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 500 | Math: 500 (MATH 100), 550 (MATH 101), 570 (MATH 102 or higher) |
| ACT | English: 21 | Math: 23 |
| CLEP | College Composition: 50 or higher | Precalculus or Calculus: 50 or higher |
| AP (Advanced Placement) | English Language & Composition: 3+ | Calculus AB/BC or Statistics: 3+ |
Your test scores are official if they come to BC3 in one of these ways:
- Direct from the testing company
Sent by College Board (SAT, AP, CLEP) or ACT when you request it—either at the time of registration or later (for a fee). - Direct from your high school
Sent by your school’s guidance office. In some cases, scores may also appear on your transcript. - Verified during advising
You can log in to your College Board or ACT account during your advising session. Be sure to bring your username and password.
Note: To avoid delays, request your scores early and make sure they’re sent directly to BC3 Admissions.
High School Transcript Review
If you graduated from high school within the past five years with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, you may be exempt from placement testing.
Unofficial transcripts are accepted for this process.
If you’re a current high school senior, your transcript must include your mid-year
grades.
Send transcripts to Admissions by mail or email:
Mailing Address:
Admissions Office
Butler County Community College
P.O. Box 1203
Butler, PA 16003
Email: admissions@bc3.edu