Placement Testing

Placement Testing is how we determine which classes you'll start with when you get to Columbus State. We want to ensure you have the best chance to succeed, and you don't have to retake subjects you've already passed.

Columbus State has temporarily suspended in-person placement testing because of the health risks during COVID-19. Instead, the College is using alternative methods to place students in the best-fit courses for their academic success.

Prior to registering for classes, new students should submit their transcripts and ACT/SAT test scores to the College. If you’ve been out of high school for more than 10 years and don’t have documentation, the College has other options for placement. Read more on your specific situation below:

You graduated high school, earned a GED, or completed some college work in the last 10 years

Submit the following documentation prior to registration:
• SAT and/or ACT scores, if available
• High school transcript
• Transcripts from any college you attended
• Scores from placement tests you've recently taken
• GED transcript

Learn how to submit high school transcripts

Learn how to submit college transcripts

Once your documentation has been sent in, continue to your orientation as described in Step 3 of the Get Started Guide.

You have been out of high school for more than 10 years, cannot produce high school, GED or college-level coursework transcript

If the documentation options above are not available to you, register for College Writing (ENGL 0199)/College Composition Workshop (ENGL 1101), where you’ll learn in a small-group environment that will set you up for success through the rest of your college journey. To determine math placement, you will need to take the online math placement test, ALEKS, which you’ll access through CougarWeb once you’ve been given your Columbus State username and password. ALEKS Math Placement Test instructions.

Once your documentation has been sent in, continue to your orientation as described in Step 3 of the Get Started Guide.

English is your second language

If you have less than eight years of K-12 education in the United States (for College Credit Plus, less than six years), you’ll need to complete the ESL Placement Test. We’ll ask you to produce a writing sample during a one-hour online session over WebEx using a webcam. You’ll need a paper and pencil or pen, internet access, and a computer webcam or mobile device with a video camera. To schedule your ESL Placement test, contact Annie Peterson at apeter01@cscc.edu or (614) 287-5400. She can also provide you with more information, including tips on how to prepare and what to expect.

You are a College Credit Plus student

In response to the state's updated College Credit Plus (CCP) program eligibility rules due to COVID-19, we have implemented a simple, alternative process to move students forward in the CCP enrollment process.

High School GPA: If you have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to participate in CCP. After you complete the CCP application, we will contact your high school counselor and ask them to provide your high school GPA to Columbus State.

ACT/SAT scores: Or, if you have taken the ACT and/or SAT within the last two years, you scores may be used to determine your eligibility for College Credit Plus. Please have your official scores sent to Columbus State. ACT scores must be sent directly from the American College Testing database. Visit act.org, click on "Register, view scores and more," and follow the prompts to request that your scores be sent to Columbus State (College Code: 3261). SAT Scores must be sent directly from the College Board. Visit sat.org and click on "Send scores to colleges" and follow the prompts to request that your scores be sent to Columbus State (College Code: 1148).   

Once we receive your scores, we’ll determine if they meet the eligibility score thresholds set by the state of Ohio, and then determine course placement. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, we’ll email with you with your next steps.

If you have questions about CCP placement testing, please contact ccpadvising@cscc.edu.