Most incoming students are required to take one or more sections of the CUNY Assessment Test which consists of three areas:  writing, reading and mathematics.  The results of this test are used to determine the most appropriate course placement for students.

Exemptions for Transfer Students

There are three ways for non-CUNY transfer students to show competency in reading, writing and mathematics, and be exempted from assessment testing.

1. Transfer of College Credit
Until October 1, 2008, all non-CUNY transfer students who have completed or have in progress 45 or more credits from a non-CUNY, regionally accredited college in the United States (or from a college or university outside of the United States in which the language of instruction is English) are exempted from assessment testing.

Further, the University’s new policy acknowledges completion of key college courses.  The policy states that transfer students can satisfy the University’s admissions requirements for mathematics by earning a grade of “C” or better in a credit-bearing mathematics course worth three or more credits.   The University’s skill requirements in reading and writing is satisfied by earning a grade of “C” or better in freshmen composition, its equivalent, or a higher-level English course worth three or more credits. Mathematics and English courses must be from accredited institutions only for the exemption to be considered.

This exemption provision applies both to students seeking to transfer from a CUNY associate degree program and to students applying from an institution outside of CUNY.

2. Prior Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree
Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college in the United States, or from an accredited college or university outside of the country in which instruction is conducted in English, are exempted from assessment testing.

NOTE: Students with college credit and/or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States where the language of instruction is NOT English must take all three CUNY Assessment tests prior to academic advisement and registration.

3. Satisfactory Scores on SAT/ACT/NYS Regents Exams
Transfer students may show proof of readiness for college level course work by submitting satisfactory scores, as outlined above, on the SAT, ACT and/or New York State Regents examination.  Learn more.  (Click to College Catalog, p. 37)

If you have one or more of these exemptions, it is your responsibility to provide the Office of Testing with documentation as soon as possible.  You cannot make an appointment for advisement and registration until this requirement has been satisfied.

For additional guidance, contact the Testing Office: Temp II Building • 718-631-6358 • Fax: 718-631-6687 • E-mail: testing@qcc.cuny.edu

NOTE: Transfer students in certain programs of study may be advised to take the advanced math section of the CUNY Assessment test, regardless of their exemption status.  The results of this test could let you move ahead in your studies, thereby saving you time and money!