Placement Testing
View information about the Accuplacer, NEX, and other information about exams.
All testing requires registration/scheduling.
Accuplacer
The Accuplacer placement test helps determine students' college readiness for Math and English. Results are used to place students in the appropriate-level course(s). The Accuplacer is not required for all students. Applicants will be notified via email if they are required to test. To take the Accuplacer, you must first apply to Salem Community College. Currently, most tests are proctored remotely. On-campus testing is available on a limited basis.
Questions about the Accuplacer?
Contact the Admissions team at admissions@salemcc.edu.
More information about Accuplacer is available on the CollegeBoard website.
Prep before you test!
Salem Community College has created some helpful material that can prepare you for the Accuplacer test. Please review the documentation if you are taking the Accuplacer test.
NOTE: OPEN DOCUMENT THEN ENLARGE DOCUMENT TO 150%, USE MAGNIFY GLASS TOOL AT BOTTOM
If you have been notified by email that you need to take the Accuplacer, please follow the instructions in the email to schedule a remote test. If you need to test in person or would like to request accommodations for your test, please contact us at admissions@salemcc.edu. Once the Accuplacer is complete, you will receive a follow-up email detailing your next steps.
- All new degree/certificate-seeking students who do not submit official proof of prior placement. Students with partial placement may be required to take a section of the test.
- All high school freshmen and sophomores applying for High School Option.
- All high school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA less than 2.75.
- All students who tested more than three years ago and did not complete college-level courses after testing.
- Non-degree seeking students who do not submit official proof of required placement or pre-requisites for Math and English courses.
- Students who submit official college transcripts showing successful completion of college-level (100-level or higher) Math and English courses with a grade of C or higher.
- Students who submit official college transcripts showing successful completion of a college-level certificate or degree.
- Students who submit official high school transcripts showing a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher received within the last five years.
- Students who submit official SAT score reports from within the last three years may be exempt based on their scores. For Math exemption, students must have scored 530 or higher on the Math section. For English exemption, students must have scored 540 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
- Students who submit an official Accuplacer score report from another institution may be exempt depending on the scores and the sections of the test completed. Admissions will review the scores and inform the student if additional testing is required.
How do I interpret my Accuplacer scores?
Your proctor may be able to interpret your scores. An Academic Advisor will also review your scores and explain your placement during your first advising appointment.
What if I don't do well on the Accuplacer?
An Academic Advisor will review your scores and may recommend a retest or placement into a foundational course. Your scores will not affect your acceptance, as they are used for placement purposes.
My voucher code expired or doesn't work. What should I do?
Please contact us at admissions@salemcc.edu to request a new voucher. Vouchers are typically valid for 60 days.
What do I need for my testing appointment?
Please arrive on time for your testing appointment and bring a photo ID. Remote testing will require a scan of your surroundings and other anti-cheating measures. On-campus testing will provide scratch paper. Students are not allowed to use other devices such as cell phones during the test. Calculators are provided. Please allow up to 3 hours for your test and be respectful of the proctor and other students who may be testing.
Can I take the Accuplacer multiple times?
To ensure accurate scores, students may only test multiple times in certain circumstances. If a retest is recommended by an Academic Advisor, it will be facilitated by the Admissions department.
National League for Nursing (NLN) Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX)
In order to be considered for admission to Salem Community College PN program and the Associate Degree Nursing Program, applicants must sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX). You may take the exam remotely or in person at Salem Community College. Payments are made directly to NLN via their website when you register for the test.
To be considered for admission to the Salem Community College PN program you must obtain a minimum total score of 150. To be considered for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program, you must obtain a minimum total score of 170.
The NEX may be taken up to 3 times per calendar year. Test dates must be at least 30 days apart.
Scores from only one exam will be accepted for admission requirement.
Scores are valid for 1 calendar year.
On-campus NEX testing
On-campus NEX testing is available from September to February. To view the latest test dates and times, visit www.nlntest.org or click the "Register for NEX Exam" button. Make sure to check back often, as new test dates are added regularly. Once you're registered, you'll receive an email the day before your exam with your test location and any other important details.
Online Testing
Remote NEX exams are also available, with a 48-hour advance scheduling requirement. For instructions on how to register, please click the Student Resources button and follow the provided steps.
Testing Dates
Additionally, you will see announcements on the SCC Nursing Instagram page.
AP Credits
AP credits will be accepted if the minimum recommended score of 3 is achieved. For more information about AP credits, please see your guidance counselor.
