Ability To Benefit (ATB) for Financial Aid Qualification

Please note: for students enrolling after 7/1/2012:

the ATB will be eliminated as an option to prove eligibility for Title IV Financial Aid. You will not be able to use passing scores on the ATB to complete your Financial Aid application. 

To schedule an appointment call the Assessment Center at 479-6165.

The ATB is for Financial Aid applicants that do not have a high school degree or a GED and are designed to demonstrate that you have the academic ability to benefit from college courses. If you are still in high school, this test will not qualify you for financial aid. For more information about Financial Aid, visit their website, or call the office at (831) 479-6548

Things to know before you come: 

• You do not need to take the ATB if you have completed 6 degree applicable units. Please see Financial Aid for more information. 
• ATB sessions are offered twice a month. See Assessment Calendar for specific dates.
• ATB candidates are allowed to take the ATB test 2 times in a 3 month period, there is a 2-week waiting period between tests
• ATB results are not retroactive and can not be used to complete Financial Aid applications from previous semesters
• Picture ID is required and will be checked by a staff member before and after test administration.
• Know your Cabrillo Student ID #

There are two ATB Tests, choose one:

1. Computerized Accuplacer ATB

This is a three-part, computer-based test: Grammar, Reading Comprehension and Arithmetic. This test is not timed. Allow two to three hours to complete test. You must pass all three sections in one sitting in order to pass the ATB.

• ATBSampleTest (pdf, 166kb)

2. CELSA ATB for second language learners

This is a paper/pencil test specifically for students enrolling in ESL courses. You will be tested in English Language Skills. This test is timed. Allow one hour and a half to complete the test. Current passing score is 34.

• CelsaATBSampleTest (pdf, 80kb)