NSCC - The Center for Alternative Studies & Educational Testing

The Center for Alternative Studies & Educational Testing (CAS)

We offer a wide variety of academic programs that promote lifelong learning and broaden educational opportunities for prospective and enrolled students.

Ability to Benefit (ATB)
Students who lack a high school diploma or GED and want to enroll in college may be eligible to do so if they pass a federally regulated Ability to Benefit (ATB) test.

Computerized Placement Testing (CPTs)
Computerized Placement Tests (CPT's) are administered to entering students at all Massachusetts public colleges, in compliance with state law, to determine proficiency and/or ensure proper placement in Mathematics and Composition courses

GED Testing
You may make an appointment to register for the GED examination by contacting us at (978) 739-5423 or GED@northshore.edu.

Nursing Entrance Exams
Satisfactory achievement on an entrance examination is required for admission to nursing programs. Please visit the Practical Nursing (LPN) or Nurse Education (RN) department pages for more information.

e-Learning Tests
Some online courses may involve proctored testing. Contact us at cas@northshore.edu.

Make-up Tests
Proctored testing for students who are unable to take a scheduled classroom test. Contact us at cas@northshore.edu.

Testing for Other Colleges
NSCC will proctor tests for non-NSCC students attending other colleges and for distance learning courses. Contact us at cas@northshore.edu.

Contract Learning
Qualified students may propose independent study for non-catalog courses. Faculty supervisor and student discuss the feasibility of the specialized course and viability of a learning plan utilizing research, technology, volunteer, work and international settings. Contact us at (978) 762-4000 x6238 or cas@northshore.edu.

Credit by Evaluation
If you already have professional/life experience or licensure, you may be eligible to get credit for NSCC courses.

Credit by Examination

By passing certain examinations you may get credit for NSCC courses.

Credit for Private Music Instruction

Music enthusiasts may apply to earn academic credit for private music lessons. This opportunity is offered through the collaboration of CAS, the Chopin Conservatory and the NSCC Division of Liberal Studies. Voice and piano are offered each semester to enhance theory and music appreciation classroom options. Other instruments are offered based upon requests/availability of instructors. For more information, download the terms of agreement form and contact us at (978) 762-4000 x6238 or cas@northshore.edu.

Directed Study

Qualified students may apply for faculty-supervised independent study for catalog courses. The program is designed to enable highly skilled students who meet eligibility criteria to study according to a learning plan. Faculty supervise, monitor and evaluate the individualized activities. For more information, contact us at (978) 762-4000 x6238 or cas@northshore.edu.

International Study

A variety of international study programs are available at NSCC. Please contact us at (978) 762-4000 x6238 or cas@northshore.edu.

For more information, please contact us at cas@northshore.edu.