The Ability to Benefit Test is required by U.S. Department of Education if a student does not have a high school diploma or GED and would like to receive financial aid. It is administered by the Counseling Department. Basic Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills, and Arithmetic are tested. Students must pass all 3 areas of the test in order to qualify for financial aid. If you haven't done this kind of work in some time, you may feel more comfortable taking the test if you come in to the Success Center to refresh your memory and practice the type of skill and comprehension questions asked on this test.

Retaking the Test

Students may retake the test; however, they must provide evidence of having completed a program of instruction in the areas in which they did not receive a passing score. This can be completed at the PCC Multidisciplinary Success Center.

When students receive their results from the financial aid office, they will receive an "Ability to Benefit Referral" form directing them to come to the Center. The PCC Multidisciplinary Success Center can help you brush up on the skills you need to pass the Ability to Benefit test and will provide a verification form after you have prepared to retake the test.