The following Policy Guideline is designed to replace Informational Policy Memorandum (IPM)  88, issued  December 3, 1996.

Section 5002(1)(d)(1) of Education Law states, in part, that:

"Each school admitting students who do not possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent shall certify to the satisfaction of the commissioner that such prospective students have been administered and passed an examination which has been approved by the commissioner to determine their ability to benefit from the chosen curriculum prior to admission to the curriculum or course of study. Such examination shall, whenever possible, be a nationally recognized test appropriate for the course of instruction which has been approved by the commissioner. The examination results of each such student who is admitted shall be made available to the commissioner at a time prescribed by the commissioner and, together with the student's original answer sheet, shall be maintained by the school in the student's permanent record. For any student failing to achieve the necessary score on such examination for enrollment, the school shall be required to provide such student with a listing of appropriate counseling and educational opportunities available to the student at no cost, as determined by the commissioner."

SELECTION OF AN ABILITY TO BENEFIT TEST

This Policy Guideline consists of two lists of ability to benefit (ATB) tests that will be accepted, as appropriate,  for use with curricula of 100 hours or more in New York State.  The first list denotes those tests and cut scores acceptable for entrance requirements to meet New York State Education Department standards only.  The second list identifies those tests and cut scores required by the U.S. Department of Education for use in programs that accept ATB students and are Title IV funding eligible.  Any New York State school may select an ATB test from either list for any non-Title IV program.  However, schools must select a test from the second (Federal) list for use in Title IV programs in order to be in compliance with Federal regulations.  Note that the second list is not the complete list of tests approved by the U.S. Department of Education but only those tests which are appropriate to the proprietary school sector.  Additionally, schools are urged to contact the U.S. Department of Education directly for any changes or updates to this list.  Questions regarding the Federal requirements can be directed to the U.S. Department of Education at (212) 264-4022.

ADMINISTRATION OF ABILITY TO BENEFIT TESTS

New York State requires only that the school administer the ATB test for a particular curriculum in accordance with the instructions of the publisher.  There is no requirement for an independent test administrator or that the test be given outside of school.  It is expected, however, that all ATB tests will be given by staff or testing agencies who have knowledge of test administration and that students are tested in an educationally appropriate setting.

ATB testing for Title IV funded programs must be conducted according to Federal Regulations.  Contact the U.S. Department of Education to learn more about the Federal requirements.  Questions regarding the Federal requirements can be directed to the U.S. Department of Education at (212) 264-4022.

AMENDING ENTRANCE TESTING ON CURRICULUM APPROVALS

In order to amend a curriculum approval to require a different entrance requirement (including a change in the test used, level, or cut score), two copies of an application for curriculum amendment (BPSS-30) must be submitted.   Instructions for completing this curriculum application can be found in the "Forms Download" section of our website.

NEW YORK STATE APPROVED ABILITY TO BENEFIT TESTS

FEDERAL APPROVED ABILITY TO BENEFIT TESTS FOR TITLE IV PROGRAMS