CUNY requires that students demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics before having the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses.

Reading, writing and mathematics. You may be exempt from taking exams based on transfer credits or Regents or SAT exams. Detailed CUNY proficiency requirements can be found at http://www2.cuny.edu/academics/testing/

Mathematics – The CAT in Mathematics is an untimed, multiple-choice, computer-based test composed of elementary algebra and, if necessary, college-level math.

You will receive an invitation to sit for the exam.

Yes, you should prepare. Preparing for the tests will give you more accurate course placements.

You can view practice exercises online in all three skill areas using links below. Additional resources can be found at http://www2.cuny.edu/academics/testing

Yes, in-person test preparation is available for incoming students year-round. Please contact 718-289-5760 for more information.

If you are a student with a disability and need accommodations to take the placement test, please call the Disability Office or visit them prior to the test date at Loew Hall, Room 211, 718-289-5874. Please note that you will NOT receive accommodations at the testing center unless you have first registered with the Office of Disability Services.

• Remember, you are not alone. Everyone experiences anxiety to some degree.
• Prepare, prepare, prepare. Use the resources identified above.
• Arrive early and rested to the testing site. Perhaps locate the testing site the day before so you know exactly where to go.
• Locate and use the restroom before the exam.
• Bring a blank piece of note paper and a pen with you. Before the exam begins, write a few comments/sentences about how you’re feeling about taking the exam. This is just for you; write whatever you wish about how you’re feeling at that moment. Put the paper away.
• Take a deep breath. Breathe in very slowly (through your nose only) for five seconds, then breathe out very slowly (through your mouth only) for five seconds. Do this a few times.
• Pace yourself. Read for a few moments before you start answering questions.
• Ignore others taking the test.
• Stay focused.
• Take a short break. Close your eyes for one minute. Picture a favorite scene (flowers, beach, food). Breathe deeply.
• For more insights on test anxiety, go to the Learning Center, Sage Hall [SA], Room 100, for films on the subject. The  Learning Center can be reached at 718-289-5429.

• Detailed CUNY proficiency requirements can be found at <a href=”http://www2.cuny.edu/academics/testing/”>http://www2.cuny.edu/academics/testing/</a>

Reading and Math exams are multiple choice and are scored by a computer. The writing test is a written test that is read and scored by two readers.

Results for exams are made available to students at the time of registration.

For reading and writing, passing results allow students to enroll in credit courses that will count toward your degree.

Non-passing scores on one or more tests require students to take non-credit remedial courses and will not count toward your degree. All remedial classes start with a “zero” such as ENG “02” or MTH “05”

Your advisor will help you register for the correct classes.