CSM assesses students' skills in order to determine reading, English and math levels. Test results are used by advisors to  recommend appropriate course placement. 

	Who Must Take A Placement Test?
	How Do You Schedule A Placement Test?
	Testing Accommodations for Students with Documented Disabilities
	Preparing for Placement Exams
	The Day of the Testing

Full-time students who have fewer than 12 credit hours of prior successful college credit must take the college's Placement Test in reading, English and mathematics before attending orientation or registering for classes for the first time.

Part-time students are required to take the mathematics or English Placement Test before taking a first course in either of those disciplines. It is recommended that all part-time students take the Placement Test in reading, English and math during their first semester. Part-time students who earn 12 credits are expected to complete all Placement Tests.

International students must take the Placement Tests in reading, English and mathematics before registering for their first class.

Transfer students who have not taken a previous college level English or mathematics course must take the English or mathematics Placement Test before registering for a first course in either discipline.

Students without a high school diploma or GED must take all Placement Tests before registering for their first class.

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La Plata Campus: Students who wish to take their Placement Test at the La Plata campus must call the Testing Center at (301) 934-7657 to make an appointment.

Upcoming Testing Dates:

• Monday, May 12, at 3:00pm***This date is currently full***

• Thursday, May 15, at 3:00pm***This date is currently full***

• Tuesday, May 20, at 3:00pm***This date currently has under 5 seats left***

• Friday, May 23, at 10:00am

• Tuesday, May 27, at 2:00pm

• Thursday, May 29, at 3:00pm

***For June, July, August, and September dates, please call***

Leonardtown Campus: Students who wish to take their Placement Test at the Leonardtown campus may call (240) 725-5340 to make an appointment.

Prince Frederick Campus: Students who wish to take their Placement Test at the Prince Frederick Campus must call (443) 550-6040 to make an appointment.

Waldorf Center: Placement Tests for the College of Southern Maryland are now administered at the Waldorf Center. Please call (301) 632-2900 to schedule an appointment at the Waldorf Center for one of the following dates:

Upcoming Testing Dates:

• Monday, May 12, at 5:00pm

• Monday, June 9, at 5:00pm

• Wednesday, June 25, at 5:00pm

• Monday, July 14, at 5:00pm

• Wednesday, July 30, at 5:00pm

SPECIAL PLACEMENT TEST ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a disability and need special Placement Test accommodations, you must make an appointment with Glennis Daniels-Bacchus (301-934- 7614) at least two weeks before you take the Placement Test.

Call for an appointment:

	(301) 934-2251, ext. 7614
	(301) 934-2124, ext. 7614
	(301) 870-3008, ext. 7614
	(240) 725-5499, ext. 7614

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HOW TO PREPARE

	You are advised to get sufficient rest prior to taking the tests. The scores you earn will determine your eligibility for certain courses and/or programs.
	Be ready to commit some concentrated time and energy to the testing.
	It is best to review skills before you take the Placement Tests. However, it is not advisable to try to learn material you have not previously learned.
	Take the tests seriously. Placement Tests may not be retaken.
	Remember: you cannot fail these tests. They simply give the college information about your reading, English, and mathematics skills. Just relax and do your best work.
	RELAX!

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THE DAY OF TESTING

	If you have not applied for admission to the college, fill out an Application for Admission form and take it to the Admissions Office (AD 109) at the La Plata Campus, La Plata or Main Office at Prince Frederick or Leonardtown, or main administrative office at the Waldorf Center.
	No fee is required for taking the test.
	Placement Tests will last approximately 2-2 ½ hours for the full survey. Plan your schedule and travel time accordingly. Please be on time.
	Bring at least two #2 pencils.
	Bring your driver’s license or a picture identification.
	Calculators are permitted on the test. Please refer to the Guidelines for Calculator use on the COMPASS website.
	Know your CSM Student ID number.
	Do not bring children with you. The testing staff cannot be responsible for the safety of children. Make arrangements before coming to the Testing Center.

Additional information about the test and practice questions can be found on the COMPASS Test website.

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