Update: To protect the health of everyone in our community, Ability to Benefit (ATB) exams will take place remotely until further notice. Please continue to monitor BMCC and CUNY regarding COVID-19 updates.
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. Students with an earned high school diploma from a United States high school or a high school equivalency diploma obtained from the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) (formally known as the GED) do not have to show proficiency through testing to receive a NYS grant.
To take the Ability to Benefit (ATB) test at BMCC, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be accepted to BMCC
- Be a US citizen or Permanent Resident with a valid Green Card or be eligible for NYS grants through the NYS Dream Act
- Be a New York State resident
- Applied or plan to apply for financial aid through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
Students must achieve or exceed the following scores on the listed Ability to Benefit (ATB)/ACCUPLACER tests:
- Minimum score of 233 on the Reading test
- Minimum score of 230 on the Arithmetic test
- Minimum score of 235 on the Writing test
Students that pass the test should check with the Bursar’s Office and/or Financial Aid Office to confirm award disbursement.
Students who do not achieve the minimum required scores on the tests are permitted to retest as soon as 14 days from the date of the initial test. If students do not pass the tests again, they are required to wait at least 90 days from the date of the initial test. For the subsequent retests, students are permitted to retest no sooner than 30 days after the previous retest. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum of five-hours of self-directed study for each test that they do not pass before retesting. In consultation with the Testing Office, an ATB advisor will determine students’ eligibility to test.
Resources for Test Preparation
The Student Hub, left column has many helpful resources under Academic Support such as the ESL Lab, Math Lab, and Reading Lab. You can also make use of the following:
- Download the Accuplacer Study App
- ATB Sample Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get permission to take and schedule the ATB tests?
Contact an ATB advisor at atb@bmcc.cuny.edu to receive permission for the ATB tests. Once you receive permission via email, a testing coordinator will reach out to you to set up an appointment for online testing. Please be advised that ATB tests are administered virtually through the College’s Testing Office.
If I did not pass the tests, how frequently can I retake the tests?
If you do not pass the tests, you are permitted to retest as soon as 14 days from the date of the initial test. If you do not pass the tests again, you are required to wait at least 90 days from the date of the initial test. For the subsequent retests, you are permitted to retest no sooner than 30 days after
the previous retest. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum of five-hours of self-directed study for each test that you do not pass before retesting. In consultation with the Testing Office, an ATB advisor will determine your eligibility to retest.
How to I apply for TAP?
The easiest way to apply for TAP is through the FAFSA. Make sure you have completed your FAFSA. For details on the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) see TAP Frequently Asked Questions.
If I don’t want to receive TAP while I am at BMCC, do I have to take the
tests?
No, if you don’t want to receive TAP, you do not have to take the tests. However, if you continue your studies at a CUNY senior college, please note that you will be eligible to receive TAP within any CUNY institution if you successfully pass all required tests at BMCC.
