Placement Test
The Testing Office is responsible for administering the English, mathematics, and reading Placement Tests to eligible students. Those eligible to take the placement test are admitted first time freshman and transfer students with less than 24 hours of college courses. Students MUST take a placement test before their Orientation date. If you have any questions regarding your qualification to take a placement test after reading the information below feel free to contact our office (859) 572-6373.The Placement test format is as follows:
- English - A written essay taken on and scored by a computer.
- Math - Computerized exam with discussion of scores by a math instructor.
- Reading - Computerized comprehension exam similar to the ACT reading passages.
Please Note: Northern Kentucky University Academy Students are not eligible to take Placement Tests.
New CPE Test Score Standards:
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has initiated a plan for all students attending Kentucky universities beginning in Fall of 2009 to meet new standards. If a student does not meet these standards, he or she must take a placement test. The placement test will determine whether or not he or she will need to take a developmental class. The following scores determine eligibility for a Placement test:
| Math | Reading | English | |
| ACT | Less than 19 | Less than 20 | Less than 18 |
| SAT | Less than 460 | Less than 480 | Less than 480 |
| COMPASS | Less than 41 | Less than 84 | Less than 74 |
If you are admitted to NKU and your scores fall within the above mentioned, you MUST take a Placement test in each of the areas in which you are deficient. You will NOT be able to register for classes until your Placement Test (s) have been taken.
Some majors require a higher Math score for specific courses. Those with lower scores will need to take developmental courses.
Spring 2010 New Students
Dates for Placement Testing are as follows:
December 3, 2009 at 3 pm - Founder's Hall 421
December 10, 2009 at 8 am - Founder's Hall 430
January 5, 2010 at 8 am - Founder's Hall 421
You must sign up for a Placement Test. Please click on the link below to register: