Students who have a foreign high school diploma applying for New York State (NYS) grants are required to meet the New York State Ability to Benefit (ATB) exam standards by passing the following ATB test modules:
Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test Score Chart
Effective October 2020| TEST MODULE | REQUIRED PASSING SCORE | MAXIMUM SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 233 | 300 |
| Arithmetic | 230 | 300 |
| Writing | 235 | 300 |
Steps to Register
- Confirm eligibility with an ATB advisor.
- The ATB advisor will notify the Testing Office to contact you to set up an appointment to take the ATB exam.
Note: In some cases, students can receive test accommodations. Some examples of test accommodations are: extended time, readers/scribes, spell checker. Before scheduling a test appointment, register your need for accommodations with the Office of Accessibility.
ATB Test Preparation Resources
- What’s on the test?
- Reading Sample Questions
- Arithmetic Sample Questions
- Writing Sample Questions
- FREE interactive Accuplacer Study App (Select Accuplacer)
How long do the tests take?
The tests are untimed. Students should allow at least an hour and a half for each test module (i.e. Reading, Arithmetic, and Writing average total time four and a half hours). Please arrive on time. Latecomers will not be admitted.
What should I bring to the test?
- Students MUST show valid photo identification in order to test. Acceptable forms of ID are: High School/College ID, Driver’s License or State ID, Permanent Resident Card, Passport, Military ID
- Your appointment confirmation email
What should I not bring to the test?
All electronic devices (i.e. cellphones, tablets and/or smart watches) are not permitted. Such devices must be completely turned off and put away until the test has ended. No food or beverages are permitted in the testing sessions, but are allowed during breaks in between test modules. Class notes/individual scrap paper are not allowed.
What rules and policies should I be aware of for the test?
CUNY Legal Affairs outlines CUNY’s Academic Integrity policy which prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty with penalties including suspension or expulsion from CUNY. Students are required to read and acknowledge the CUNY Academic Integrity policy prior to testing. Please click here to review the policy.
After completing the test
Students will receive test scores immediately after finishing the test:
- Students that pass the test should check with the Bursar’s Office and/or Financial Aid Office to confirm grant/scholarship award disbursement or email TAP@bmcc.cuny.edu.
- Students that do not pass the test will be notified of their retest eligibility by an ATB advisor based on the retest rules. Email ATB@bmcc.cuny.edu for any questions.
- What does my score mean?
- Request a copy of my score report (for institution select: City University of New York-Central)
- Send a copy of my score report to another school outside of CUNY by following these steps. If the school you wish to send scores to is not listed in the ‘institution(s)’ dropdown menu for the score share function, then contact us for assistance at Testing@bmcc.cuny.edu.
