Ability to Benefit
What you need to know
Students who did not graduate from high school may be eligible to attend GCC and receive federal financial aid if they can pass the Ability to Benefit Test. The test guidelines and cut scores have been determined by the federal government. We will use the following CPT/ Accuplacer tests to determine a student’s Ability to Benefit.
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Skills
- Arithmetic
ESOL Students (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
ESOL students who wish to enroll in ESOL courses may take The CELSA Test: Form 1 and 2
Cut scores (established by rederal regulations)
| Reading Comprehension | Sentence Skill | Arithmetic |
| 55 | 60 | 30 |
CELSA Form cut scores (established by federal regulations)
| Form 1 | Form 2 |
| 90 | 90 |
Please note: Even though our CPT (Computerized Placement Tests) and ATB tests are the same, the cut scores are not. An ATB candidate who attains the ATB cut scores may not necessarily qualify to take college level courses at GCC because our cut scores for college level courses are higher.
What about students with disabilities?
These students must have current, appropriate documentation on file with the Office of Disability Services. Contact our Director of Disability Services, Anna Berry at (413) 775-1812. Specific accommodations are made with ODS recommendations
What if a student has taken the test before at another location?
Official test scores taken within the last 12 months at an approved testing center may be used.
What is our retest policy for ATB?
Within any three-month period, ATB candidates may take an initial test and one retest within a two-week period. Any subsequent attempts should be permitted only if the candidate can provide evidence of some instructional intervention that would suggest improvement would be possible.
What if a student does not reach the required cut score of only one part of the three-part test?
A student must pass all three parts at one sitting to be eligible for ATB.
How much does it cost?
The first time you take the ATB test, it is free. A retest is $25.
What if I still have questions?
Contact The Testing Center at (413) 775-1147 or (413) 775-1821.