Placement Testing Information for New Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students
All newly admitted students will receive information from the Admissions Office by email regarding placement testing. A majority of students do not need to take placement tests. Students should not sign up for placement testing unless the admissions office sends the student an email notifying them that placement testing is needed.
Placement testing is administered for writing and mathematics. Any incoming freshmen with an adjusted high school GPA that is less than 2.7 will be required to take both writing and math placement tests. In addition, students accepted into majors which require precalculus are also required to take a math placement test, regardless of their high school GPA. Any student who requires placement testing will be notified by the Admissions office that testing is required and will be asked to reserve a spot at an upcoming placement test through an online portal. Once a student registers for placement testing, they will receive an email from the Placement Office with more details about what specific tests they will need and some helpful online resources which provide information about the tests.
Transfer students in need of placement testing will be notified by the Registrar's office or an assigned academic advisor by email.
Placement tests must be completed before an incoming student attends summer orientation. Transfer students must complete any required placement testing before they can register for fall classes.
Remote Placement Testing
Students who live far away may opt to find a placement testing center closer to their home. It is the student's responsibility to contact remote placement testing centers and make arrangements for testing if they choose to test elsewhere. Students must pay any fees associated with remote testing. All placement tests given at Fitchburg State University are free of charge to students.
Massachusetts schools where placement testing is offered (PDF)
Upcoming Placement Testing Dates
The schedule for upcoming placement tests is available through the Admissions portal.
Placement Testing for Current Fitchburg Students
The Placement Testing office routinely sends email notifications to current students about upcoming placement testing opportunities. Any current student who needs to take or retake a placement test should read these email notifications and reserve a spot at an upcoming placement test using the online portal provided in these emails. Students are permitted to retake any placement test one additional time. Sign up for placement tests through the Admissions portal.
Placement Testing Location
Currently all placement testing will be done remotely, using Zoom. Instructions will be sent to you when you register for a placement test.
- Re-take Announcement (PDF)