THE CPAT and DET Exams
The Career Program Assessment Test (CPAT) is an assessment test of your numerical skills, reading comprehension and language usage.
The Diagnostic Entrance Test (DET), made by the ARNETT Development Corporation, is a placement test to evaluate your knowledge of English, reading, math and critical thinking. If you are an English as a second language student, there is also a test for you. just contact the DET test center near you and they will tell you what accommodations they have for ESL students.
The CPAT test measures your ability in three basic areas-reading, language and numerical skills. This test is not as comprehensive as the ACT or SAT which are designed for students planning on attending four year colleges or university. The CPAT is designed more for students want to enter a trade school such as electronics or nursing.
The CPAT exam does not take very long, about an hour and contains 60 questions. The first part, language portion, tests your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, logic and spelling. This should take about 15 minutes. The second part, reading, you are allowed 25 minutes and contains 30 questions testing your ability to comprehend interoperates and apply the written material. The numerical section is 20 minutes long and has 25 questions in it about subtraction, addition, multiplying and dividing, using these skills in word problems.
The minimum score in language is a 42, a 43 in reading and a 41 on the numerical test. These scores show that a student has the skills and aptitude to benefit from an education. If you hope to obtain an education and learn a trade by getting into college, it is imperative that you do well on these tests. With a little preparation, some studying and putting your mind to it, anyone can pass these assessment tests.
The DET exam is a 148 question test divided into four categories, with an optional science test of 60 additional questions. As with the CPAT and many other assessment tests, the DET is designed to test the current knowledge base of the student planning on attending a secondary level education classes in a technical school or nursing school.
The DET exam covers English, reading/comprehension, mathematics and critical thinking, with the optional science test questions. If you are planning on going to a technical school for any type of chemistry or engineering courses or nursing school, we suggest adding the science portion of the exam.
The CPAT test scores are used to evaluate a student’s readiness to work at the level required to successfully complete their chosen program of study. This system also collects useful local information and demographics to help meet marketing research needs. This allows the school to find out which student may need assistance in other areas such as locating day care for non-traditional students; applying for financial aide, obtaining training in math and reading or getting study skills help. By offering these critical assistance programs, the school can help ensure the students overall success in any program.
Complete CPAT Study Guide with everything you need all in one place!
CPAT Study Guide
Diagnostic Entrance Test Study Guide
Comprehensive study guide with everything you need to ACE this test!
DET Study Guide