What You Should Know About the Placement Test
Students may be required to take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) during the enrollment process. Once you have been notified of your acceptance to Suffolk, you will receive an appointment for testing along with specific information about the tests as well as sample questions.

The CPT, which is given at many colleges and universities across the country, will help you to identify your academic strengths and weaknesses so that, in conjunction with a counselor, you can plan an appropriate schedule of courses for your first semester. More specifically, the test will provide information about your skills in reading, English, and mathematics so that we can determine the appropriate level of course work for you to begin your college studies – college-level or non-credit developmental courses.

Although being required to take one or more developmental courses may increase the time it takes to complete a degree, such courses will enable you to improve your basic skills so that you can be successful when you do enroll in college-level courses.

The CPT is administered in a computer lab on a personal computer. You will read the instructions and questions on the computer monitor and select your answers using the computer keyboard or mouse. No computer expertise is required.

After you complete the test, which lasts approximately 2 hours, we will schedule an appointment with a counselor or academic advisor. During this meeting, you will review your test results, discuss your educational and career plans, and plan your courses for your first semester. Following your advising appointment, and assuming the satisfactory completion of your immunization requirements, you will be able to register and pay your bill.

See Tips for Taking the CPT