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.

See if you're exempt

Test Dates & Locations

Once you apply, you’ll get an email to your personal account used on the application 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 can be arranged for students enrolling in one of our virtual programs or in other extenuating circumstances via a third-party proctor.

You can retake each section one time if needed.

Start strong—preparing can save you time and money.

  • A photo ID - driver's license, PA photo identification card, or school-issued ID

No calculators allowed—one will be provided if needed.

 

Placement Test Exemption

You might be exempt if you:

  • Graduated from high school in the last five years with a 3.0+ unweighted 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+ Statistics, Precalculus, or Calculus AB/BC: 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 sent by the student or school prior to graduation are accepted for this process.
If you’re a current high school senior, your transcript or report card must include 3rd nine weeks of grades for potential exemption. Please remember to submit a final, official transcript upon graduation from high school.

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