Ability to Benefit
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Westchester Community College is providing the Ability to Benefit Exam remotely using Zoom. To test, you will need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a webcam and audio capabilities. If you do not have the necessary technology to test remotely, limited on-campus testing is being offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Valhalla Campus by appointment only. Please email us at: testingcenter@sunywcc.edu for more information regarding on-campus testing.
Follow these steps BEFORE scheduling your placement testing:
Go to the Zoom website, download and install ZOOM
To check that Zoom was set up correctly, go to TESTING ZOOM SESSION, and use the option to join with video.
Check that your computer can run ACCUPLACER by visiting: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The ACCUPLACER Web-Based Study App
Access questions to familiarize yourself with the ACCUPLACER basic content and experience.
If you have a documented disability, submitted documentation to the Disability Services Office (DSO) and require accommodations for the Ability to Benefit Exam, please contact the DSO at disability.services@sunywcc.edu.
Please select the reason why you are taking the Ability to Benefit Exam for more information on the exam, including study guides. After reviewing the information, please select “Schedule Your Remote ATB Exam” for directions on how to schedule your remote proctoring session.
ATB Exam for Entrance into the 24-Credit GED Program
The ATB Exam is required for entrance into the 24-Credit GED Program. The ATB Exam is administered using Next-Generation ACCUPLACER. You will be given an untimed multiple-choice exam in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and QAS (Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics). In addition, you will be administered a one hour timed essay using WritePlacer for your English Placement.
Please refer to the following resources to help prepare and study for the ATB Exam.
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Reading Study Guide
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Writing Study Guide
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Study Guide
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics Study Guide
- WritePlacer Study Guide
- ACCUPLACER Study App
Free one hour tutoring sessions for math, reading, and writing are available to students who have applied to the 24 Credit GED Program and want to review prior to taking the ATB exam. To schedule a tutor appointment, email asc-group@sunywcc.edu
ATB Exam for NY State Financial Aid for Students with a Foreign Diploma
The Ability to Benefit (ATB) test is for students who are seeking financial aid awards under the state's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) from a United States high school. In order for you to be considered for New York State Financial Aid Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you must successfully complete the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test. This test is separate and in addition to the College placement process you may have already taken. Please be aware, the ATB test is not the sole determinate in the distribution of these awards.
The ATB Exam for financial aid is administered using Next-Generation ACCUPLACER. You will be given an untimed multiple-choice exam in Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic.
Please refer to the following resources to help prepare and study for the ATB Exam.
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Reading Study Guide
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Writing Study Guide
- Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Study Guide
- ACCUPLACER Study App
Free one hour tutoring sessions for math, reading, and writing are available to students who have applied to the 24 Credit GED Program and want to review prior to taking the ATB exam. To schedule a tutor appointment, email mvasc@sunywcc.edu or asc-group@sunywcc.edu
Schedule Your Remote ATB Exam
Follow these steps BEFORE scheduling your placement testing:
To complete the request form for the Remote Proctoring, your application must be processed by the Admissions Office and you must have your nine-digit (ex. 000123456) Student ID number. If you do not have this number please contact the HelpDesk at MyWCCHelpdesk@sunywcc.edu.
After submitting the request form, you will be sent an email from a Testing and Assessment representative within three business days to schedule your exam.
Schedule Here
ATB Exam Rules and Retest Policy
Student Identification
A government issued photo ID is required (ex. drivers license or passport). Please note a current high school photo ID will be accepted. Students WILL NOT be permitted to take the test without approved photo ID.
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) Testing Scores
ATB recipients must achieve or exceed the scores listed on the following ATB tests:
- Reading: a score of 233 or higher
- Writing: a score of 235 or higher
- Arithmetic: a score of 230 or higher
All Next-Generation ACCUPLACER exams are scored on a 200-300 scale.
You must take and pass all three sections in ONE sitting to qualify for state aid. As per New York State regulations, handheld calculators are not allowed during testing unless they are prescribed accommodation.
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) Retest Policy
If you fail to reach the minimum score in any single section of Reading, Sentence Skills, and Arithmetic you will not qualify for state aid and must be retested.
If you did not initially pass the ATB exam, you must wait fourteen (14) days from the initial test date to retest. Should you not pass the re-test, you must wait a full three (3) months from the first testing date to test again. If you need additional retests, an additional thirty (30) days must pass between the last re-test dates before the exam can be taken again.
If you do not pass all three tests during the initial ATB exam, you must retake and pass all three tests in order to meet the required ATB passing scores. Scores from two different administrations cannot be mixed or combined. You must pass all three tests during a single test session.