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CSM Placement Testing
About Placement Testing
All courses in English and mathematics require that students have completed the appropriate tests for placement prior to enrollment, as do many other courses in a variety of disciplines (for example: chemistry, early childhood education, and information technology services). These requirements are listed under prerequisites in the course description section of the CSM Academic Catalog. For all of these reasons, students should make it a priority to complete the placement tests as early as possible after admission but no later than the point at which they have accumulated nine credits.
Learn About Preparing for Placement Testing
ALEKS PPL Math Placement Testing
College of Southern Maryland requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.
Accuplacer Reading and Writing Placement Test
The purpose of the ACCUPLACER placement test at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is to assess students' entry-level academic skills and to provide options to strengthen them. Students have a better chance for success in college if their basic skills are strong enough to meet the rigors of college-level classes.