New Student Placement Testing

At Frostburg State University, we are committed to ensuring the success of our first-time and transfer students. To help achieve this goal, we strongly encourage students to take placement tests to assess their proficiency in English, Reading, and Mathematics. These tests are meant to provide necessary assistance and resources to those who require improvement in these areas. 

If you have any college credits or advanced placement scores for English or Math, kindly ensure that our Admissions Office receives the credits or scores from the awarding institution or College Board before your Bobcat Bound date or transfer advising event. 

Placement Testing Format for Language and Math Assessment

Our online testing platform, Canvas Learning Management System, offers a convenient way to assess Language and Mathematics skills. The assessment is divided into two sections, with Language skills comprising of a twenty-minute essay and a twenty-minute Nelson-Denny Reading Test. The Mathematics skills are evaluated through ALEKS PPL Math Placement, which is not timed.

We recommend using a computer with lockdown browser capability during the assessment. If you need assistance with compatibility issues or are unsure about the process, please contact the help desk at 301-687-7777.

To enhance your ALEKS score, you must complete five hours of learning on the site after a 48-hour cooling-off period.

 If you need accommodations for placement testing, contact the Office of Student Accessibility Service at 301-687-3064 or Latisha Cooper at lvcooper@169577.com BEFORE YOU BEGIN PLACEMENT TESTING

Placement Policy

Students in need of support to enhance their writing skills will be in designated sections of First-Year Composition (ENGL 101), and English Praxis (ENGL 107). First-Year Composition is a three-credit course that satisfies a portion of the General Education Program. English Praxis is a one-credit course that counts as elective credit toward graduation.  Pre-Algebra carries three institutional credits that do not count toward graduation.

Students unsuccessful in these courses must re-enroll in the relevant course(s) each subsequent semester until a C grade is earned in the course.