Placement Tests
NKU Testing Services is responsible for administering the English, mathematics, and reading Placement Tests to admitted students who do not meet the The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) minimum test score requirements for college readiness. If a student does not meet these score standards, he or she must take Placement Test (s). The Placement Test (s) will determine whether the student will need to take a developmental class. If you have any questions regarding your qualification to take a placement test after reading the information below feel free to contact Testing Services at (859) 572-6373.
Quick Links
Placement Testing in High School
Dates/Location/Test Registration
Advising/Placement Test Score Interpretation
Eligibility
Those who are required to take the placement test are:
- Admitted first time freshman
- Admitted transfer students who do not provide test scores and/or do not have equivalent college-level transfer credit
- Admitted International Students (only math is required)
NOTE:Students MUST take Placement Test (s) before their Orientation date and/or before registering for classes.
Those who are not required, but may take Placement Test (s) are:
- Adult students (age 21 years and older) who have taken the COMPASS test to gain admission to NKU
- International students (English and reading are optional)
NOTE: Students who elect to take Placement Test (s) MUST do so before they register for classes. After enrolling in classes, a student is no longer eligible to take Placement Test (s).
Placement Test Format
The Placement test format is as follows:
- English (COMPASS E-Write) - A written essay taken on and scored by a computer.
- Math (KYOTE) - Computerized, multiple-choice exam.
- Reading (COMPASS Reading) - Computerized comprehension exam similar to the ACT reading passages.
Please refer to the navigation link on the left for sample tests in each of the above areas.
Test Score Standards
The following scores determine need/eligibility for Placement Test (s):
|
Test Type |
English |
Math |
Reading |
| ACT | Less than 18 | Less than 19 | Less than 20 |
| SAT | Less than 430 (writing) | Less than 460 | Less than 470 |
| COMPASS | Less than 74 | Less than 36 | Less than 85 |
| TOEFL-ITP | Less than 550 (Composite) | NA | Less than 48 |
| TOEFL-IBT | Less than 79 (Composite) | NA | Less than 14 |
| IELTS | Less than 6.5 (Composite) | NA | Less than 5.5 |
Some majors require a higher Math score for specific courses. Those with lower scores will need to take developmental courses.
Placement Testing in High School
Students who attended a Kentucky high school may have taken their Placement Test (s) in high school. If students have completed all necessary Placement Test (s) in high school, they do not need to take additional Placement Test (s) at NKU. Students are encouraged to fax their high school Placement Test results to the NKU Office of Admissions at (859) 572-6665 BEFORE their Orientation date.
Dates/Location
Please check the Placement Test Registration link below for upcoming dates.
Placement Tests will be held in University Center, room 101. If students have more than one test to take, they are encouraged to choose an appointment time in the morning.
Students must sign up for Placement Test (s) before their scheduled Orientation date or registration of classes. Please click on the box below to register.
NOTE: Students MUST create a new User ID and Password if this is their first time registering for a test with this software. This login and password is NOT the same as a student's NKU login and password.
Advising Information
Please click on the link below for a detailed chart on what a student's Placement Test score means: