English, Math and Foreign Language Placement Testing

Placement Testing is required of most new freshman students and those transfer students who have not successfully completed college level English or math courses; it is also required of all new students who have taken more than one year of French or Spanish. In order to enroll in any English, Math, French or Spanish course, the placement test process must be completed prior to registration. The placement examinations are intended to assess a student’s level of proficiency in the written use of English, as well as a student’s mathematical competency level. The French and Spanish placement examinations test reading skill, vocabulary and grammar. The objective is to place a student into courses commensurate with the student’s level of competency. Students are required to register for the course level in which they are placed. In some cases, further testing may be required.

English and Math Placement

Most freshman students are required take the placement test prior to registering for an English course or Math course. Students who have taken the Advanced Placement Program Exam and received College Board AP credit should consult with an academic advisor. Mandatory placement is in effect for all mathematics courses numbered MTH 115 through 127, 151, and 167 through 181.Students become eligible to take one of these courses by achieving a suitable score on the Math Placement Examination, or by passing the prerequisite course at Cleveland State University OR another university or community college.

Transfer Students who have completed and received transfer credit for at least one three-credit hour course in Freshman English, or college level math courses will not be required to take Placement Examinations. They should consult with their academic advisor to select appropriate coursework based on transfer credit applicability.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students whose first language is not English are required to take the ESL Placement Test.

Foreign Language Placement

The courses needed to meet the CSU Foreign Language Entrance Requirement and the Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirement depend on how many years were completed in High School and when these were taken. Students who delay their study beyond the first 60 hours risk having to register for courses on an audit basis to make up for lapsed knowledge.

Freshman and transfer students with more than one year or its equivalent study and fewer than 3 years or their equivalent study in French or Spanish are required to take the placement test. Students with 3 years or more of study in French or Spanish who want to continue their work in the language must take the placement test to assist in placement. Students who have studied other languages in high school should consult with the Modern Language Department directly to continue their work in these languages.  Faculty in the foreign languages normally conducts informal placement interviews.

Transfer students and students who have taken the Advanced Placement Test in a foreign language should consult with an academic advisor regarding the credit granted; they should then consult with the Modern Language Department to select appropriate advanced coursework.

• Sample placement exams can be obtained from the Academic Services Center in Rhodes Tower West, Room 289, 1860 East 22nd Street (216) 687-2566 and also online.
• All testing is completed in the Academic Services Center, Rhodes Tower West, Room 289. See chart for test times.
• Placement test results are provided to the student immediately after completion of testing.
• All testing is administered on a walk-in basis.

Weekday Testing Times:
Monday - Thursday:	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday:	9:00 am – 3:00 pm

• A Photo ID is required to take all placement examinations.
• No appointments are needed; testing is on a walk-in basis.
• The last placement exam is given NO LATER than two hours before the listed closing time and no one will be permitted to take an exam after that time.
• The Office of Disability Services is available to assist students with special needs during placement testing. Call the office at (216) 687-2015 for more information.