Student Guide

 

Completion of the CCTST is a graduation requirement. A graduation hold is placed on a student’s account until they take the CCTST or receive an approved exemption.  The Office of Assessment receives a list of names of students that took the CCTST from the testing company and releases the holds.  This may take a few business days from the time a student completes the test.

Some students qualify for an exemption from the CCTST:

  • Students who have already taken the CCTST;
  • Second degree candidates (not Reverse Transfer students);
  • Students registered with Disability Services as having a documented disability that the test and/or testing center is not designed to accommodate; and
  • Non-native English speakers.

Most students take the CCTST in the University Testing Center, located on the first floor of Sherrod Library.  For more information and to make an appointment to take the CCTST on campus at ETSU, please click here.  For assistance scheduling an appointment, please contact the Testing Center or call 423-439-6708. 

Online only and distance students may take the CCTST at an approved offsite location.  If you are an online only or distance student and need assistance locating an approved offsite location to take the CCTST, you may contact the Office of Assessment - information below.

Megan Miller
Telephone: 423-439-6712
Email:  millerme2@etsu.edu 




Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the CCTST?

    The California Critical Thinking Skills Test, or CCTST, is ETSU’s primary general education assessment.  The CCTST is a 45 minute, 34-item, multiple choice test that evaluates students’ ability to analyze, infer, explain, evaluate, and interpret information. 

  • Is the CCTST the same as the Major Field Test? 

    No.  The CCTST is different from the Major Field Test.   With few exceptions, all seniors must take the CCTST; only selected majors take the Major Field Test.  If you are graduating from a program that requires a Major Field Test, you must complete both the CCTST and the Major Field Test.

  • What test information is available about the CCTST?

    The CCTST allows you to demonstrate the critical thinking skills required to succeed in educational or workplace settings where solving problems and making decisions by forming reasoned judgments are important. The CCTST consists of 34 questions and is designed to be completed in 45-50 minutes. To do your best, you should plan to spend the full 45-50 minutes on the test.

    The CCTST measures critical thinking in five areas:

    Analysis and Interpretation
    Inference
    Evaluation and Explanation
    Deductive Reasoning
    Inductive Reasoning


    The 2021-22 CCTST national mean was 15.12 for 4-year college and university level test takers, and ETSU's mean was 16.88.  CCTST total score in the range 0 to 7 do not manifest evidence of critical thinking. Scores in the range of 8-12 are considered Weak; scores in the 13-18 range are Moderate scores, and scores from 19 to 23 are considered Strong.  Scores of 24 or higher are considered Superior.  

  • How can I prepare to take the CCTST?

    The CCTST engages you with questions that require you to apply your critical thinking skills.  Test items might present information or a scenario and ask questions about it; require you to analyze or interpret information presented; or draw a reasonable conclusion based on information.  You may also be asked to agree or disagree with a series of statements.

    You can access information and sample questions at: http://www.insightassessment.com .  Once you are on the Insight Assessment webpage, click on the "Test Taker Login" (the yellow button in the top right corner) and then "Continue as Guest" for sample questions.  

  • What should I do if I have completed the test but a CCTST hold is still on my record? 

    There is a time lag between when the Office of Assessment inputs names of those who have taken the CCTST and when the Graduation Office removes CCTST holds.  The process can take up to two weeks from when a student takes the test, but it is always completed before the final deadline for graduation.  Should you have questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Assessment at assessment@etsu.edu or (423) 439-6712.

  • Why should I do my best on the CCTST?

    Employers and graduate programs value the ability to think clearly, solve problems, and evaluate arguments. The CCTST is a nationally recognized exam, and your score provides objective evidence of your abilities. You’ll receive your CCTST score as soon as you finish the test, along with standards showing how well you did.  You can use this information to show prospective employers and graduate schools you have the abilities they desire.

    Your degree means more when it comes from a respected university. By doing your best on the CCTST, you help raise ETSU’s institutional score.   The better ETSU looks, the better you look.

    ETSU benefits from your success.  The Tennessee Higher Education Commission awards funding based in part on CCTST institutional scores.  ETSU could be awarded over $600,000 from the state government based on our students’ performance on the CCTST.

 

Share