Proper course placement is an important step to ensure you're taking the right classes for your knowledge and skill level. Measures have been set in place to tell us which courses will be the best starting place for you in several subjects. We provide placement testing for English, English as a Second Language (ESOL), Languages and Cultures and Math. Additionally, several campuses offer TEAS testing.
Placement Measures by Subject Area
Being placed in the correct courses is important for your college success. Placement can be determined through a variety of measures. Learn more by selecting the subject you're interested in from the list below.
English Placement
During the 2024-25 academic year, students should be placed into appropriate English courses based on the following multiple measures. High school (HS) GPA is always the first measure, and the ones that follow should be considered in the order they are provided below. If none of this data is available, students should complete a new challenge essay to determine their placement.
HS GPA Scores (Only use HS GPA for students who have graduated high school, or for students who have completed at least three years of high school. Students who have completed less than three years of high school should be placed by another multiple measure.)
GPA is not a useful measure for the placement of multilingual learners with fewer than three years of high school in the US. All ESOL students should schedule testing at their home campus prior to attending an advising session.
| HIGH SCHOOL GPA | COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
≥ 2.8 |
ENG 1010: Composition |
|
2.3-2.79 |
ENG 1010/ENG 0910: Composition/Composition Workshop |
|
˂ 1.99 |
ENG 0960: Introduction to College English |
Please note that GPA below 2.0 places all students in ENG 0960. However, the multiple measures below may place some of these students in ENG 0930.
| SAT SCORES | COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
≥ 480 |
ENG 1010: Composition |
|
≥ 420 |
ENG 1010/ENG 0910: Composition/Composition Workshop |
|
≥ 360-419 |
ENG 0930: Introduction to College Reading and Writing |
|
< 360 |
ENG 0960: Introduction to College English |
Based on page three for SAT EBRW and ACT English + Reading equivalencies. https://www.bestcolleges.com/test-prep/act/act-sat-conversion/
| ACT SCORES | COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
≥ 34 |
ENG 1010: Composition |
|
28-33 |
ENG 1010/ENG 0910: Composition/Composition Workshop |
|
23-27 |
ENG 0930: Introduction to College Reading and Writing |
|
< 22 |
ENG 0960: Introduction to College English |
Based on the Accuplacer Skills Chart
Please note: Accuplacer will no longer be administered, so this will be used for students who had these scores in the past. If only Reading/Writing combined scores are available, advisors should use the available data to make an equitable placement if a student has no other multiple measures.
| ACCUPLACER SCORES | COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
| ≥ 263 - 300 |
ENG 1010: Composition |
| 250-262 |
ENG 1010/ENG 0910: Composition/Composition Workshop |
| 237-249 |
ENG 0930: Introduction to College Reading and Writing |
| ≤ 236 |
ENG 0960: Introduction to College English |
Reasoning Through Language Arts test, score range is 165 – 174 for placement into ENG*1010. This score was agreed upon by the PA 12-40 Advisory Council and ACME agrees that it should remain the same.
Students who place in ENG 0960 are eligible to challenge their placement. Students who place into ENG 1010/0910 may not challenge. This challenge is optional. Students without placement scores should complete the challenge essay to determine placement. Check local campus procedures.
English as a Second Language (ESOL) Placement
If English is not your first language you may need to take a placement test to determine whether English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses must be taken.
Grade Point Average (GPA) is not a useful measure for the placement of multilingual learners with fewer than three years of high school in the US. All ESOL students should schedule testing at their home campus prior to attending an advising session.
During the placement process for the 2023-24 academic year, self-identified ESOL students will be directed into appropriate ESOL courses based on one or more of the following multiple measures AND an initial advising session with a faculty or staff advisor.
| COMBINED SCORE RANGES | COURSE ELIBILITY |
|---|---|
| 40-117 | Continuing Education Varies depending on location |
|
118-150 |
ESOL 0902: Integrated Skills I: High Beginning |
|
151-174 |
ESOL 1202: Integrated Skills II: Low Intermediate |
|
175-198 |
ESOL 1302: Integrated Skills III: High Intermediate |
|
199-220 |
ESOL 1402: Integrated Skills IV: Low Advanced |
|
221-230 |
ESOL 1502: Integrated Skills V: High Advanced |
|
231-238 |
ESOL 0912/ ENG 1010: ESOL Composition Support |
|
239-240 |
ENG 1010: Composition |
Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) and/or writing sample scores should be considered for placement if they are two or fewer years old. Scores older than two years may not be considered for placement, and students are encouraged to be re-assessed.
| RUBRIC SCORES | Course Title |
|---|---|
|
0-50 |
Continuing Education/Non-Credit ESOL |
|
51-90 |
ESOL 0902: Integrated Skills I: High Beginning |
|
91-130 |
ESOL 1202: Integrated Skills II: Low Intermediate |
|
131-180 |
ESOL 1302: Integrated Skills III: High Intermediate |
|
181-220 |
ESOL 1402: Integrated Skills IV: Low Advanced |
|
221-270 |
ESOL 1502: Integrated Skills V: High Advanced |
|
271-290 |
ESOL 0912/ ENG 1010: ESOL Composition Support |
|
291-300 |
ENG 1010: Composition |
Level-specific placement codes will be entered into Banner and available to all GPAs, faculty, and other advisors.
Languages and Culture Placement
CT State provides several opportunities to pursue language study in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian and Spanish. During the placement process, you'll be directed into appropriate language and culture courses based on the completion of the Languages and Cultures questionnaire, a placement test (if applicable) AND an initial advising session with a faculty or staff advisor.
Please note that before enrolling in a course, you must be advised and may have to take our Languages and Cultures placement exam. Find your campus to access and fill out the questionnaire connecting you with a Language and Cultures faculty or Guided Pathways advisor. Once submitted, you will receive an email indicating your next steps. If you have any additional questions, please contact your campus faculty or advisor.
The Languages and Cultures placement process is comprised of an online brief survey and a series of multiple-choice questions that take about twenty minutes to complete. The Emmersion Test is used to determine proficiency level in a language other than English and is only for course placement. The scores and language background data will be used to place you into appropriate level of language study you wish to pursue an appropriate course level. This test is not intended for, nor does it award college credit.
Please Note:
Placement in Arabic, Japanese and Polish must be determined by other measures. See the "Alternative Measures" section below or contact the campus offering the course for additional information.
Chinese
|
SCORE RANGES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
1-199 |
CHNS 1011: Elementary Chinese I |
| 200+ | CHNS 1012: Elementary Chinese II |
French
|
SCORE RANGES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
| 1-229 | FREN 1011: Elementary French I |
| 230-400 | FREN 1012: Elementary French II or FREN 1021: Beginning French Conversation II |
| 401-599 | FREN 2011: Intermediate French I |
| 600-799 | FREN 2012: Intermediate French II |
| 800-1000 | FREN 2030: Intermediate French Composition I |
German
|
SCORE RANGES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
1-249 |
GERM 1011: Elementary German I |
| 250-400 | GERM 1012: Elementary German II |
| 401-649 | GERM 2011: Intermediate German I |
| 650-1000 | GERM 2012: Intermediate German II |
Italian
|
SCORE RANGES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
1-229 |
ITAL 1011: Elementary Italian I |
| 230-400 | ITAL 1012: Elementary Italian II or ITAL 1021: Beginning Conversation II |
| 401-599 | ITAL 2011: Intermediate Italian I |
| 600-799 | ITAL 2012: Intermediate Italian II |
| 800-1000 | ITAL 2030: Intermediate Italian Composition I |
Russian
|
SCORE RANGES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
1-199 |
RUSN 1011: Elementary Russian I |
| 200+ | RUSN 1012: Elementary Russian II |
Spanish
|
SCORE RANGES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
| 1-229 | SPAN 1011: Elementary Spanish I or SPAN 1013: Elementary Spanish I-II |
| 230-400 | SPAN 1012: Elementary Spanish II or SPAN 1014: Spanish for Health Personnel or SPAN 1021: Beginning Spanish Conversation II |
| 401-599 | SPAN 2010: Spanish for Heritage Speakers or SPAN 2011: Intermediate Spanish I or SPAN 2013: Intermediate Spanish I-II |
| 600-799 | SPAN 2012: Intermediate Spanish II |
|
800-950 |
SPAN 2030: Intermediate Spanish Composition I or SPAN 2111: Advanced Spanish I |
| 951+ | SPAN 2112 Advanced Spanish II |
Students interested in Arabic or Japanese may be directed to complete alternative measures such as a writing sample and/or an oral interview.
Arabic
Prof. Driss Mellouk
dmellouk@housatonic.edu
Japanese
Prof. Yumi McCarthy
ymccarthy@norwalk.edu
Math Placement
All numeric placement measures for mathematics (GPA, SAT, ACT, ALEKS, PPL, GED) must have been completed after January 2021 but within a 3-year timeframe of being placed. In all instances, it's recommended that students be placed by multiple measures in order to validate the appropriate placement level
Please note: While all students should be placed by multiple measures, placement into co-requisite College Algebra (MATH 1600/0906) or above requires at least one official numeric placement measure in addition to GPA or GEDM, such as SAT, ACT, or ALEKS PPL. If you place into the lowest level in both English and math, English should be taken first.
|
HIGH SCHOOL GPA |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
< 2.8** |
MATH 0988: Elementary Algebra Intensive MATH 0989: Elementary Algebra Foundations MATH 1000: Mathematics of Finance MATH 1001: Quantitative Literacy MATH 1002: Math for Science and Technology MATH 1003 Elementary Statistics |
|
2.8-3.09 |
MATH 1004: Math for Elementary Education Alg./Number Sys MATH 1010: Intermediate Algebra MATH 1001: Applied Algebra with Modeling MATH 1012: Trigonometry with Embedded Algebra |
|
2.8-3.09 |
MATH 1100/MATH 0901: QR Support & Quantitative Reasoning MATH 1200/MATH 0902: Statistics Support & Statistics I |
|
≥ 3.1 |
MATH 1100: Quantitative Reasoning MATH 1200: Statistics I MATH 1201: Statistics I with Computer Applications |
**Student placing into this placement band are strongly encouraged to speak with their campus advisor to determine the most appropriate course for their academic goals.
ALEKS PPL offers students a no-cost option to:
- validate placement
- gain access to learning modules for remediation
- retest for elevating placement
Students should register for the appropriate math course prior to engaging with the ALEKS PPL software when validating placement or retesting for placement. Students should be encouraged to test, remediate, and then retake the test in a proctored setting to place into goal course.
After the first attempt, any additional attempts to use ALEKS PPL for placement, and students who wish to move up to Precalculus, College Algebra, or higher must take ALEKS PPL in a proctored on-campus environment. Students may use a calculator in both un-proctored and proctored environments.
Students with no measures can use proctored ALEKS PPL score for initial placement.
If you decide that taking the ALEKS PPL test is needed, please speak with your Guided Pathways Advisor or home campus Test Administrator to obtain the current test code.
| ALEKS PPL SCORES | COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
0-13 |
MATH 0988: Elementary Algebra Intensive |
|
14-25** |
MATH 0989: Elementary Algebra Foundations MATH 1000: Mathematics of Finance MATH 1001: Quantitative Literacy MATH 1002: Math for Science and Technology MATH 1003: Elementary Statistics |
|
26-35 |
MATH 1004: Math for Elementary Education Alg./Number Sys MATH 1010: Intermediate Algebra MATH 1011: Applied Algebra with Modeling MATH 1012: Trigonometry with Embedded Algebra |
|
26-35 |
MATH 1100/MATH 0901: Quantitative Reasoning & QR Support MATH 1200/MATH 0902: Statistics I & Statistics Support |
|
36-45 |
MATH 1100: Quantitative Reasoning MATH 1200: Statistics I MATH 1201: Statistics I with Computer Applications MATH 1500: Applied Business Mathematics MATH 1600/MATH 0906: Pathway to Calculus and College Algebra with Support To test into this course or a higher course, a student must have completed a proctored assessment with a Test Administrator. |
|
46-60 |
MATH 1600: Pathway to Calculus: College Algebra MATH 2500: Calculus for Business & Social Sciences |
|
61-75 |
MATH 1610: Precalculus |
|
76-100 |
MATH 2600: Calculus I |
**Student placing into this placement band are strongly encouraged to speak with their campus advisor to determine the most appropriate course for their academic goals.
| SAT SCORES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
< 510** |
MATH 0988: Elementary Algebra Intensive MATH 0989: Elementary Algebra Foundations MATH 1000: Mathematics of Finance MATH 1001: Quantitative Literacy MATH 1002: Math for Science and Technology MATH 1003: Elementary Statistics |
|
510-529 |
MATH 1004: Math for Elementary Education Algebra/Number Systems MATH 1010: Intermediate Algebra MATH 1011: Applied Algebra with Modeling MATH 1012: Trigonometry with Embedded Algebra |
|
510-529 |
MATH 1100/MATH 0901: Quantitative Reasoning & QR Support MATH 1200/MATH 0902: Statistics I & Statistics Support |
|
≥ 530 |
MATH 1200: Statistics I MATH 1201: Statistics I with Computer Applications MATH 1100: Quantitative Reasoning |
|
530-569 |
MATH 1600/MATH 0906: Pathway to Calculus: College Algebra & College Algebra Support MATH 1500: Applied Business Mathematics |
|
570-611 |
MATH 1600: Pathway to Calculus: College Algebra MATH 2500: Calculus for Business & Social Sciences |
|
612-654 |
MATH 1610: Precalculus |
|
≥ 655 |
MATH 2600: Calculus I |
**Student placing into this placement band are strongly encouraged to speak with their campus advisor to determine the most appropriate course for their academic goals.
| ACT SCORES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
< 17** |
MATH 0988: Elementary Algebra Intensive MATH 0989: Elementary Algebra Foundations MATH 1000: Mathematics of Finance MATH 1001: Quantitative Literacy MATH 1002: Math for Science and Technology MATH 1003: Elementary Statistics |
|
17-19 |
MATH 1004: Math for Elementary Education Algebra/Number Systems MATH 1010: Intermediate Algebra MATH 1011: Applied Algebra with Modeling MATH 1012: Trigonometry with Embedded Algebra |
|
17-19 |
MATH 1100/MATH 0901: Quantitative Reasoning & QR Support MATH 1200/MATH 0902:Statistics I & Statistics Support |
|
≥ 20 |
MATH 1100: Quantitative Reasoning MATH 1200: Statistics I MATH 1201: Statistics I with Computer Applications MATH 1500: Applied Business Mathematics |
|
19-21 |
MATH 1600/MATH 0906:College Algebra & College Algebra Support |
|
22-23 |
MATH 1600: Pathway to Calculus: College Algebra MATH 2500: Calculus for Business & Social Sciences |
|
24 |
MATH 1610: Precalculus |
|
≥ 25 |
MATH 2600: Calculus I |
**Student placing into this placement band are strongly encouraged to speak with their campus advisor to determine the most appropriate course for their academic goals.
Mathematical Reasoning score range is 165 – 174 for placement into several college level courses, please review the chart below for a list of eligible courses.
|
GED SCORES |
COURSE ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|
|
< 165 |
MATH 0988: Elementary Algebra Intensive |
|
< 165 |
MATH 0989: Elementary Algebra Foundations |
|
≥ 165** |
MATH 1000: Mathematics of Finance MATH 1001: Quantitative Literacy MATH 1002: Math for Science and Technology MATH 1003: Elementary Statistics MATH 1004: Math for Elementary Education Alg./Number Sys MATH 1010: Intermediate Algebra MATH 1011: Applied Algebra with Modeling MATH 1012: Trigonometry with Embedded Algebra |
|
≥ 165 |
MATH 1100/MATH 0901: Quantitative Reasoning & QR Support MATH 1200/MATH 0902: Statistics I & Statistics Support |
There are two self-appraisals available for your use. One is for students who need MATH1600+, and one for students who do not need any courses in the Pathway to Calculus. They can be administered orally or in paper-printed format. The self-appraisal cannot be used as a stand-alone placement metric but in tandem with other multiple measures. It is tool to be used to guide advising discussion and recommend placements.
Testing By Campus
- Intro
- Asnuntuck
- Capital
- Gateway
- Housatonic
- Manchester
- Middlesex
- Naugatuck Valley
- Northwestern
- Norwalk
- Quinebaug Valley
- Three Rivers
- Tunxis
Each of our campuses offers placement testing. Find your local center by choosing from the buttons above and learn more about who to contact to schedule your test and what to expect on the day of your test.
Asnuntuck Campus
Testing Center Location:
170 Elm Street, Enfield, CT 06082
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Dean Blumberg
Email: dean.blumberg@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-253-3169
Languages and Cultures Placement
Emily Santaniello, M.Ed, Campus Advising Lead
Email: emily.santaniello@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-253-3092
Capital Campus
Testing Center Location:
950 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: LaTanya Sumlin
Email: latanya.sumlin@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-906-5089
Languages and Cultures Placement
LaTanya Sumlin, Placement Testing Specialist
Email: latanya.sumlin@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-906-5089
Location: Room 219
Schedule an Appointment
James Rodriguez, ESL Administrator
Email: james.rodriguez@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-906-5203
Location: Room 406
Schedule an Appointment
Gateway Campus
Testing Center Location:
20 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Natasha Jackson
Email: natasha.jackson@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-285-2218
Languages and Cultures Placement
Claudia Bedoya, Spanish and ESOL Professor
Email: claudia.bedoya@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-285-2163
Laura Moncada, Guided Pathways Advisor
Email: laura.moncada@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-285-2485
Housatonic Campus
Testing Center Location:
900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Vickie Fabrizio
Email: vickie.fabrizio@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-332-5217
Languages and Cultures Placement
Jamilet Ortiz, Professor of Spanish
Email: jamilet.ortiz@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-332-5141
Manchester Campus
Testing Center Location:
60 Bidwell Street, Manchester, CT 06040
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Georgette Hyman
Email: georgette.hyman@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-512-3596
Heidi Campbell, Testing Specialist
Email: Heidi.campbell@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-512-3595
Languages and Cultures Placement
Heidi Campbell, Testing Specialist
Email: heidi.campbell@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-512-3595
Middlesex Campus
Testing Center Location:
Academic Success Center (Chapman Hall, inside library)
100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Lisa Knapp-Wilson
Email: lisa.knappwilson@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-343-5798
Languages and Cultures Placement
Angelo Glaviano, Professor of Spanish, Italian, and French, Foreign Languages Department Chair
Email: angelo.glaviano@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-343-5807
Evelyn Garcia, Guided Pathways Advisor
Email: evelyn.garcia@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-343-6940
Naugatuck Valley Campus
Testing Center Location:
750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Sarah Gager
Email: sarah.gager@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-575-8086
Languages and Cultures Placement
Dr. Angela Skyers, Guided Pathways Advisor
Email: angela.skyers@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-596-8649
Northwestern Campus
Testing Center Location:
4 Park Place East, Winsted, CT 06098
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Laura McCarthy
Email: laura.mccarthy@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-738-6351
Languages and Cultures Placement
Rick J. Boger-Hawkins, Guided Pathways Advisor
Email: rick.bogerhawkins@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-738-6307
Norwalk Campus
Testing Center Location:
188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Thalia Moshoyannis
Email: thalia.moshoyannis@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-857-7077
Languages and Cultures Placement
Andres Aluma-Cazorla, Professor of Spanish
Director of Foreign Languages
Email: andres.alumacazorla@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-857-7362
Genesis Mosquera, Guided Pathways Advisor
Email: genesis.mosquera@ctstate.edu
Phone: 203-857-7156
Quinebaug Valley Campus
Testing Center Location:
742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson, CT 06239
Testing Center Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. -6:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Erica Michalski
Email: erica.michalski@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-932-4051
The Testing Center administers course placement for math and ESOL (English for Students of Other Languages), as needed.
Languages and Cultures Placement
Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, Professor of Spanish and ESOL
ESOL Program Coordinator
Email: elkin.espitialoaiza@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-932-4155 and/or 860-336-0914
Additional Information
CLEP testing is provided through an outside service and is fee-based. CLEP provides transferable college credit if completed with a passing score. Appointments are required. Use the link above to schedule your appointment or call 860-932-4051 for more deatils.
All testing requires a photo ID to be shown upon arrival. Students who do not have a photo ID with them will not be permitted to test until a valid photo ID is produced.
Three Rivers Campus
Testing Center Location:
574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Carolyn Prunier
Phone: 860-215-9601
Email: carolyn.prunier@ctstate.edu
Languages and Cultures Placement
Celeste Arrieta, Professor of Foreign Languages
Email: celeste.arrieta@ctstate.edu
Carolyn Prunier, Testing Coordinator
Email: carolyn.prunier@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-215-9601
Tunxis Campus
Testing Center Location:
271 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032
English, ESOL and Math Placement
Test Administrator: Emily Melzen
Email: emily.melzen@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-773-1535
Languages and Cultures Placement
Joseph Brockway, Spanish Professor
Email: joseph.brockway@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-773-1641
Emily Melzen, Placement Testing Specialist
Email: emily.melzen@ctstate.edu
Phone: 860-773-1535
