Placement Testing Guide
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. Learn more at the Placement Testing homepage.
Placement Tests are given to determine your proficiency in the areas of Writing, Reading, Math, and Science so that you are placed in the correct classes for your first semester at Columbus State. Placement Tests in Writing, Reading, and Math are REQUIRED for students who do not have college-ready ACT/SAT scores or official transcripts with qualifying college credit. If you are unsure or we have not received your official documentation of scores or credit, you should take all three tests, Writing, Reading, and Math.
In addition, if you plan to pursue a major with Science requirements, you will need to take the Science Placement Test as well.
If you have questions, please feel free to call the Columbus State College Testing Services at 614-287-2478.
Once you have received your acceptance letter/email and a student ID (CougarID) number, your next steps are to apply for financial aid and complete the placement process.
Specific Student Populations
College Credit Plus
College Credit Plus testing is currently suspended until further notice.
Students Needing Accommodations
If you are a student with a disability and need accommodations for testing beyond extended time, contact Disability Services at 614-287-2570, or go to www.cscc.edu/Disability.
English as a Second Language
If you have less than six years of school in the United States, you must complete the ESL Placement Test. For more information contact College Testing Services at 614-287-2478 or visit ESL Placement.
The Testing Process
Make sure you have submitted all official documentation and transcripts or asked for scores to be sent for ACT or SAT, Transfer Credit from other colleges, AP Credit, or CLEP Scores. For further instructions, go to www.cscc.edu/admissions/placement-testing/need-placement.shtml#obtaining.
Placement Tests are given to determine your proficiency in the areas of Writing, Reading, Math, and Science so that you are placed in the correct classes for your first semester at Columbus State. Placement Tests in Writing, Reading, and Math are REQUIRED for students who do not have college-ready ACT/SAT scores or official transcripts with qualifying college credit. In addition, if you plan to pursue a major with Science requirements, you will need to take the Science Placement Test as well.
Check out: Do I Need a Placement Test? If you are still unsure after reviewing the information, our advice is to take Writing, Reading, and Math Placement Tests.
Please see notice at top of page regarding Placement Testing online.
Register For Classes
When you have completed placement testing, you are ready to register for classes! Watch your Columbus State email for information about your next steps, which may include attending a new student event and/or meeting with an academic advisor.
You can log onto your Columbus State email through CougarWeb (use the white links at the bottom of the page to retrieve your username or password if needed).