BHSU Proficiency Exam CAAP-FAQ's

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BHSU Proficiency Exam CAAP-FAQ's

Proficiency Exam CAAP - Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I flunk the Proficiency Exam CAAP?

Yes. The Regents have established cutoffs for all four exams. You must achieve that score or higher to pass. The cutoffs are:

Mathematics: 52 or higher
Writing: 59 or higher
Reading: 56 or higher
Science Reasoning: 54 or higher

After the tests are given, they are shipped to ACT for grading. When ACT finishes, they mail them back to the BHSU Director of Assessment. Participants are sent an email notification to their yellowjackets account that the scores are available on line.

Does everyone have to take the Exam?

Yes. Every student at BH seeking either a four year degree or an associate degree must take and pass the exam.

How many times can I take the Exam over?

If you fail a test or tests, you may take the test(s) each semester for one year after the original test. If you do not pass at that time, you will no longer be able to enroll in the SD Public Higher Education System unless you receive alternate certification.

What do I need to bring to the Exam?

To be admitted to the exams, you must arrive on time and have a student identification card and/or a valid driver's license. If you arrive late and/or do not have identification, you will not be admitted.

Can I use a calculator on the Exam?

Yes, but this is only permitted for the Mathematics exam and only certain types of calculators are allowed. Please check the Official CAAP Calculator Information.

Do I need to study for the Exam?

The greatest difficulty students have is pacing themselves in taking the tests. Since the tests are timed, you must complete them as quickly as you can. To prepare for this, we recommend that you attend our help sessions. The dates for those can be found by clicking here.

If you are unable to attend one/any of these, you can prepare for the testing by signing up for the Learning Plus Skills self-paced, self-study in the Student Assistance Center.

How long does the Exam last?

A student is allowed forty minutes on each of the four tests. Because it takes time to hand out and collect the tests, the total time for all of the exams is about four hours. You will be required to devote one morning or afternoon to taking these tests.

How soon do I get my results from the Exam?

It usually takes about a month from the time the tests are given until the student receives the scores. The Director of Academic Support at Black Hills State will notify you that the scores are available on line with an email to your yellowjackets account.

Does the score I receive on the Exam effect my grades?

No. They do not, but you will not be able to graduate until you take and pass all four exams.

Do the professors work around the Exam schedule?

Yes. The Board of Regents has stated that students are excused from classes while taking the exams and must be allowed an opportunity to make up missed assignments. A list of students taking the exams will be published and students are excused from classes during that time period.