National Standardized and Professional Certification Testing

CSM hosts a variety of national standardized testing as well as testing for professional certifications.

Choose a test below to learn more.

Testing Offered

ACT (01685)

The ACT is a national college admission test that consists of subject areas in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. CSM students can potentially use these scores to waive their placement test. 

ACT and SAT Preparation

PEP-8110 (SAT/ACT Preparation Part 1) and PEP-8120 (SAT/ACT Preparation 2) are on-line courses which help students prepare for these entrance exams by reviewing subject material as well as providing practice techniques and approaches using similar exam questions.  Taking both courses in this two-part series is recommended.  There is a course fee and a textbook is required. These non-credit courses are offered through CSM's Community Education program and Ed2go.  Click here for more information.

SAT (21340)

The SAT is a national college admission test that assesses how well you analyze and solve problems in Mathematics and Evidence-based Reading and Writing. CSM students can potentially use these scores to waive their placement test.

ACT and SAT Preparation

PEP-8110 (SAT/ACT Preparation Part 1) and PEP-8120 (SAT/ACT Preparation 2) are on-line courses which help students prepare for these entrance exams by reviewing subject material as well as providing practice techniques and approaches using similar exam questions.  Taking both courses in this two-part series is recommended.  There is a course fee and a textbook is required. These non-credit courses are offered through CSM's Community Education program and Ed2go.  Click here for more information.

TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

Students petitioning for admission to the nursing program will need to take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS).

The TEAS test is a basic aptitude test which is used as a pre-admissions requirement by many nursing programs. This 170 question multiple choice test looks at academic preparedness in reading, English, math, and science.  The test lasts 209 minutes or roughly 3 1/2 hours.  Students need an Individual Total score of 59% in order to petition for the Nursing program.  Students have no limit on the number of attempts; however, students must wait 60 days between each attempt. Test scores will be valid for 3 years and must still be valid on the petition deadline date.

The TEAS is offered at the La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick Testing Centers. Examinees must register, schedule a test date, and pay for the exam through www.atitesting.com.  

ATI TEAS Preparation

 

The GED Test is a four-part exam which measures proficiency in science, mathematics, social studies, and language arts.  The test is administered via computer through Pearson Vue and is available at all campuses of the College of Southern Maryland.   Currently, the State of Maryland is offering a discount rate of $11.25 per test module or $45 for the entire battery of tests. Upon successful completion of the GED test, you will be awarded a Maryland High School Diploma by the State Board of Education. For questions about the GED program in Maryland, contact the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) at 410-767-0538 or go to www.dllr.state.md.us.   

Click here to schedule your GED

GED testers looking for test preparation can find it in a number of places. 

  • GED Preparation at the College of Southern Maryland
    • AAA-6340 (GED Preparation) is an on-line, non-credit course which will help individuals prepare for the GED test.  There is a course fee.  This course is offered through CSM's Community Education program and Ed2go. Click here for more information.
  • The GED Marketplace provides GED Ready, the official practice test as well as study materials for purchase.  It also provides some free practice materials.

Adult Basic Education at the College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland now provides low/no cost Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED Preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for residents of Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's counties. Classes meet two times per week at various locations. These classes are small and learning is individualized to meet the needs of each student.

Attend One of Our FREE Orientations:

  • Receive information about classes held at sites throughout the tri-county area.
  • Speak privately with an advisor about your educational needs and goals.
  • Sign up for classes.

For more information, or to sign up for an orientation, click here, or email adulted@csmd.edu.  You may also call 240-725-5473 in St. Mary's county, 443-550-6149 in Calvert county, or 301-539-4873 in Charles County. 

Pearson Vue delivers professional certification exams for numerous vendors.

For more information on professional certification exams offered at CSM locations and to schedule a test, visit the Pearson Vue website at https://home.pearsonvue.com/. Be aware that some exams are only available through Pearson Professional Centers.

  • The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at the College of Southern Maryland prepares graduates to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (NREMT-P) exams available through Pearson Vue.  For more information about the EMS program click here.

ACE Fitness Certification exams are delivered by Castle WorldWide.  These exams are given on certain Tuesday and Thursdays at the La Plata campus. For more information on ACE fitness certifications, including exam registration, go to www.acefitness.org.

ASE Testing is offered at the La Plata Testing Center on certain Tuesdays and Thursdays. Information about ASE Certification Tests, including information on how to register for an ASE exam, can be found at the Automotive Service Excellence website here. Once registered for an exam, an appointment can be made by calling the La Plata Testing Center at 301-934-7657. 

The NCRC is earned by completing the three WorkKeys Assessments in Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy. This certificate is used by employers as a valid predictor of job performance and the skills needed for workplace success. Examples of what industries that will use NCRC are manufacturing, construction, information technology, and energy.

Students who take the NCRC can be eligible for college credit up to 4 credit. Credit awards is at the discretion of each school. Please check with your higher education institution for credit eligibility.

To pass the NCRC you need to achieve a Level Score of 3 or better on all 3 assessments. After completing and passing the assessments you can find your certificate at www.MyWorkKeys.com. To learn more about NCRC please visit National Career Readiness Certificate - ACT Workkeys | ACT.

To take the WorkKeys Assessments for the National Career Readiness Certificate you will need to schedule an appointment with the Testing Center and pay the $45.00 exam fee. To retake a section of the exam the fee is $20.00 per section.

To prepare for the assessments, sample questions and online practice tests can be found here Preparing for Assessments - ACT Workkeys for Job Seekers | ACT.

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