CRT FAQ
Is this a test?
The College Readiness Tool is an assessment…it is NOT a test per say. Assessments help to find out what you know and what you do not know. So if writing this assessment uncovers some of your strengths or weaknesses, then it is doing exactly what it needs to do. It is also an adaptive test and will "adapt" the level of the questions as you are answering them. Note: The CRT results are only valid for a 12-month period.
What subject areas will be covered?
To help prepare for the CRT, it is a good thing to know what will be on the test:
- The reading section assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes and complexities.
- Writeplacer gives you an opportunity to show how effectively you can develop and express your ideas in writing. You will first read a short passage and an assignment question that are focused on an important issue. You will then write an essay (300-600 words) in which you develop you point of view on the issue. You should support your position with appropriate reasoning and examples. The position you take will not influence your score.
- The Arithmetic section tests whole numbers and fractions, decimals and percents, and applications and problem solving.
- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) assesses: Rational numbers, Ratio and proportional relationships, exponents, algebraic expressions, linear equations, Linear applications and graphs, probability sets, descriptive statistics and geometry concepts.
- Finally, the Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) section tests : linear equations, linear applications and graphs, factoring, quadratics, functions, radical and rational equations, polynomial equations, exponential and logarithmic equations, trigonometry
Please visit CRT Exam Sessions to download the Free Study App.
What if my scores are lower than my high school/college - transcript marks?
The results are meant to advise you and supplement the Admissions team in making decisions and recommendations. The CRT is not a substitute for pre-requisites; you will be accepted into a program only if you have all the requirements. Likewise, a low CRT score will not necessarily prevent you from entering a program; we may give you some suggestions in order for you to be better prepared for your studies.
Note: CRT results are only valid for a 12-month period.
Note: We cannot accept results if you did an Accuplacer/Entrance Assessment/Testing from other institutions.
How much time will I have to complete this assessment?
The CRT is not timed. However, your sitting is generally booked for 3-hours. The assessment can take anywhere from 1 hour to the full 3 hours, and you may have more time if required (you may have to book another sitting to accomplish this at a later date).
When will I get my results and how can I interpret the results?
The proctor will not be able to interpret the results you get immediately. Your results do not appear as grades or percentages. You may discuss your scores/results with your Department Chair and Enrolment Officer.
The CRT scoring sheet that you receive immediately after you assessment is done, will indicate whether you;
- Meet Program Requirements
- Suggestions for Success; Examples: Learning Skills Centre, Tutors, Writing Centre, Counselling team, Indigenous Services, Financial Aid, Housing supports, etc.
- Suggest Upgrading; This result should be discussed with your Department Chair and Admissions Team.
We suggest:
- you send a copy of this to your Enrolment Officer, and,
- you discuss these results with your Enrolment Officer and/or Department Chair if you have any concerns.
If you are taking the CRT with Examity, your proctor cannot print a copy of your results, however, you can request to take a screenshot or picture with your phone or to print it yourself or have it emailed to you. We suggest you follow the same advice as listed above for submitting your CRT results and discussing with Enrloment Officer and/or Department Chair.
Note: The CRT results are only valid for a 12-month period.
Can I use a calculator?
No. You cannot use a calculator. However, in some math sections, the program will provide you with an on-screen calculator (it will be an icon in the upper right corner). You can use this calculator on those questions. Sometimes the program will give you a scientific calculator and at times it will not. This is not a mistake as it is designed to have the candidate use some math skills that are not available on a given calculator. Note: You may use a piece of scratch paper and pen/pencil during the Assessment. You must shred the paper when you are done. Your invigilator will require this step.