Vital Information for Students

What?

The CUNY Proficiency Examination is a test that you must pass to graduate from BMCC and that may affect your ability to transfer to a CUNY senior college.

Who?

You must take the CPE for the first time the semester after you have completed 45 credits. If you must take the exam and you don't, it counts as a forfeit, and it is as if you have failed the exam.

You may take the CPE for the first time during the semester in which you register for your 45th credit. You should receive a letter informing you that you are eligible or required to take the CPE this semester. If you think you fit the criteria and do not receive a letter, go to the Testing Office (N700) to check.

You cannot take the exam if your grade point average is below 2.0 or if you have not fulfilled all your Basic Skills requirements in reading and writing.

If you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited program, you do not have to take the CPE.

When?

The exam is given in October, January, March and June.

The January and June exams are by appeals only. Students who do not appeal to take the CPE in January or June by the deadlines posted will not be able to take the exam in these two administrations; instead, you will take it in October or March, whichever comes first. If you are graduating and wish to submit an appeal to test in January/June, please pick up a form from the Testing Office or download it from the CPE Appeals page.

All appeals must be received by the CPE Appeals Committee (S724) by the deadlines posted.
Registration for the CPE begins 2-3 weeks before the test date.

Where?

If you are taking the CPE for the first time, you will register at the Testing Office (N700) or online through Panther.

Exceptions: The January and June exams are by-appeals only; students whose appeals have been approved will register for the CPE in the Testing Office (N700).

If you are taking the CPE for the second time, please visit the Testing Office (N700) or the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center (S763) for a CPE Preparation/Intervention Agreement and to talk to a staff member about workshop options and registration procedures.

If you are taking the CPE after two or more attempts, you will meet with Mrs. Miriam Delgado at the Writing Center (S500W) to sign up for the appropriate intervention program. You will also register for the CPE through Mrs. Delgado.

When you register, you will be given:
- a booklet about the exam,
- the reading passage you need to study for the exam, and
- an appointment slip with the test date, time, and location.

Help?

You have many resources to help you prepare thoroughly for the exam:

BMCC offers various workshops for students preparing to take the CPE.

The information booklet from Testing (N700) includes a sample test and student responses.

The CUNY CPE web site has information, tips, and practice materials.

CPE Web Tutorial. BMCC's own interactive tutorial to help you prepare for the exam.

The CPE Blog provides students with the opportunity to discuss Reading Selection A for Task 1.