The Importance of College Placement Exams

If you’re an educator, you know the stakes: college placement exams are more than just tests—they’re pivotal tools that shape your students’ futures. They’re also a reflection of a school’s ability to prepare students for the next chapter.
Assessments like the TSIA2, Accuplacer, and ALEKS determine whether a student is ready for college-level coursework or needs remedial classes before earning credits toward their degree.
Let’s explore why these exams matter—and how CERT can help your school achieve its academic goals.
Why Placement Exams Matter for Students
Placement scores determine whether students start directly in college-level coursework or must take remedial classes—decisions that can significantly impact their education and future. Here’s why strong performance matters:
- Save Time and Money
High placement exam scores allow students to bypass remedial courses, enabling them to begin earning college credits immediately. This accelerates graduation timelines and minimizes the risk of delays in their academic progress. - Avoid Extra Tuition Costs
Developmental classes often don’t count toward a degree, yet they come with a price tag. A strong placement score ensures students can skip these courses, saving money that can be better spent on credit-earning classes. - Boost College Success
Being placed in the right courses sets students up to thrive academically. Proper placement prevents the frustration of struggling with material that’s either too basic or too advanced, ensuring a better chance of success in college-level work.
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Why Placement Exams Matter for High Schools
When students achieve strong placement scores, it’s a win for everyone. These scores don’t just help individual students—they reflect how well their high school has prepared them for the next step in their academic journey.
Higher scores enhance a school’s reputation, making it a magnet for families seeking quality education. They also serve as proof that the school is equipping students with the skills they need to succeed—helping them skip remedial courses and start college on the right foot.
And this isn’t just about short-term wins. Students who begin in the appropriate college courses are more likely to persist and graduate, which speaks volumes about the strength of their secondary education. Placement exams might seem like just another test, but they’re key to shaping brighter futures for students and strengthening a school’s academic standing.
How CERT Can Help Your School
Placement exam scores don’t just reflect student achievement—they showcase a school’s ability to prepare students for their future. CERT helps schools meet these benchmarks with powerful, data-driven tools designed to improve outcomes for both students and educators.
With actionable insights, CERT pinpoints where students need the most support, allowing educators to focus their efforts strategically. CERT offers engaging, interactive test prep that motivates students to commit to their success, leading to measurable improvements in ACT and SAT scores.
Providing personalized support for every student can be challenging when resources are stretched. CERT bridges that gap. Learn more about how CERT supports schools on our About Page or explore our blog for expert insights on education and test prep (read it here).