The College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST)

The CLAST is administered in all Florida community colleges/state universities and:

• Has been adopted by Florida's State Board of Education.
• Measures your communication and mathematics skills.
• Determines if you meet the minimum standards for a sophomore in Florida's college/university system.

The CLAST consists of four subtests:

• Essay: For this subtest, students are required to write an essay on one of two provided topics.
• English Language Skills: This subtest measures students' grammatical, spelling, sentence structure and word choice skills.
• Reading: The reading subtest determines students' reading-comprehension skills (how well you understand what you've read).
• Mathematics: This test measures students' math skills, from basic mathematical problems to fundamental algebra.

When Can I Take The CLAST?

The CLAST is administered by the Assessment and Testing Center on the first Saturday in October, the first Saturday in June and the third Saturday in February. Alternate administrations are scheduled for the Tuesday following every regular Saturday administration, if religious holidays preclude Saturday testing.

Links to downloadable/printable CLAST Registration Forms are below:

• First time
• Retake

Or you may obtain a CLAST registration form from the Assessment and Testing Office on Altamonte Springs, Oviedo or Sanford/lake Mary Campuses. 

• Regular  Test Date: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009
• Alternate Test Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009

Why Do I Need to Take the CLAST?

By Florida law, you are required to take the CLAST before you can be:

• Awarded an Associate in Arts degree from a community college or state university.
• Admitted to upper-division status (junior and senior levels) at a state college or university.

Do I Qualify for a CLAST Exemption?

• Students who have earned a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in selected postsecondary-level courses may be exempt from taking the CLAST.
• You must satisfy the SCC general education requirements in English and/or math by earning at least a 2.5 GPA in each subject, with a minimum of six semester hours of credit in English and/or math.
• To determine your eligibility, you must complete the CLAST Exemption Form, attach your unofficial transcript with the applicable courses and grades highlighted, and return these documents to the Assessment and Testing Office (building A, suite A107) for review. A decision will be made on your request within seven days after you submit the appropriate documentation.

How Do I Take the CLAST?

CLAST sessions (paper/pencil version) are held three times each year, and students must register before taking the exam. In most cases, students will register at the institution in which they are enrolled when they take the exam or the institution where they plan to receive their degree.

The CAT-CLAST is a computerized version of the CLAST and can be taken on a walk-in basis at the Assessment and Testing Center. The test takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Visit the testing center during normal hours of operation and leave yourself plenty of time to finish the test before the office closes.

• Reading (first time): 50 minutes
• Reading (retake): 2 hours and 40 minutes
• English Language Skills (first time): 30 minutes
• English Language Skills (retake): 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Mathematics (first time): 90 minutes
• Mathematics (retake): 3 hours

Florida's Commissioner of Education determines the registration deadlines and test dates. You must register before the deadline or you cannot take the test. Late and standby registrations or test walk-ins are not permitted.

Under What Conditions Might a CLAST Waiver or Course Substitution Be Considered?

CLAST waivers or course substitutions are given only in rare cases and are based on a student's:

• Proficiency in coursework but only after at least four attempts to pass the subtests.
• Inability to pass the reading, English language skills or essay subtests because the student speaks English as a second or foreign language.
• Specific learning disability (See the items listed under condition #3.).

Is There a Fee to Take the CLAST or CAT-CLAST Exam?

CLAST*

• SCC Students: Free! 
• Non-SCC Students: $35

CAT-CLAST*

• SCC Students: $10
• Non-SCC Students: $30

* Prices are subject to change.

When Is the CAT-CLAST Offered?

• Monday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (closed at 3 p.m.)
• Tuesday: Noon - 7 p.m. (closed at 7 p.m.)
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed at 4 p.m.)
• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed at 4 p.m.)
• Friday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (closed at 2 p.m.)

Where Can I Learn More about the CLAST?

• Speak with an SCC counselor by calling 407.708.2337.
• Visit the Florida Department of Education's Web site.
• Call the Assessment and Testing Center at 407.708.2020.

Did you know?

SCC's Assessment and Testing Center administers a variety of tests, including state mandated entry and exit exams, specialty exams to earn college credits and professional certification and licensing tests.