Are you interested in taking computer science in high school and
have computer science experience or background? If so the district computer science placement exam is for you!

WHEN: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2025*

*Snow date February 8, 2025

WHERE: JP STEVENS HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

TIME: 9:00 AM CHECK IN

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO TAKE THE EXAM

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE FRIDAY JANUARY 17th
Please note this form must be filled out using an Edison E-Mail address and completed by the student.

Questions?

Reach out to Nicole Halpin
Supervisor of CTE
nicole.halpin@edison.k12.nj.us

FAQ's

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE EXAM?
-Any student who will be in grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year, interested in taking computer science classes, and have a foundational knowledge of and understanding of computer science. 

IS THIS EXAM REQUIRED TO TAKE COMPUTER SCIENCE?
-No, this is only for students who have a deep background knowledge of computer science. Anyone else can follow the computer science sequence when registering for classes.

WHAT COMPUTER SCIENCE CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE?
-Please see the computer science one pagers, computer science sequence, and also please reference the program of studies for more information. 

I DO NOT HAVE ANY COMPUTER SCIENCE BACKGROUND, SHOULD I TAKE THE EXAM?

No-instead register for Python and begin our computer science sequence. 

WHAT STUDY MATERIAL WILL BE PROVIDED?
-None.  This is not an exam that students should have to study for.  This is for students to show their current knowledge in computer science and problem-solving and to show our computer science teachers which courses they are ready to enroll in.  A list of topics for the exam will be provided when registration closes to each registered test taker.

HOW LONG IS THE EXAM?
Part 1 (Python Competency Exam) - 90 Minutes

Part 2 (Java Competency Exam) - 60 Minutes, if you are taking it

WHEN WILL RESULTS BE AVAILABLE?
-Each exam is hand-scored by our computer science staff. Students and counselors will receive what courses the student is eligible to register for before course selection takes place. 

CAN I RETAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?
-No

WHAT IS THE PYTHON SUMMER COURSE?
-The summer course will run from June 30th-August 4th VIRTUALLY from 8 am - 1 pm.  There will be an in-person exam on August 5th. Information on this and a link to register will be sent to students who do not place into JAVA or AP Comp Sci Principles as an option.  This is not a requirement and students can take Python as a full-year elective at the high school.

IF I TAKE THE PLACEMENT EXAM AND PASS-CAN I WAIT TO TAKE COMPUTER SCIENCE?
-YES! Your results will be valid the entire time you are in high school. If you decide to wait until 10th grade to start your computer science journey, you do not have to retest. 

I PLACED INTO AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A AS A 9th GRADER.. WHY CAN I NOT REGISTER FOR IT?
-AP Computer Science A eligibility is only for 10th-12th graders but your placement results will be valid. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON TEST DAY?
-Something to write with, we will have calculators available if needed 

HOW DO I REGISTER?
-Registration Link
Registration is due FRIDAY JANUARY 17th. NO late registration will be accepted. Students must fill out this form and use their Edison email address. 

I MAY ATTEND AN ACADEMY OR OUT OF DISTRICT SCHOOL NEXT YEAR-SHOULD I TEST?
-Sure! If you ever end up back in Edison or decide to go to one of our high schools your results will still be valid.

I AM CURRENTLY IN PYTHON/AP CSP, CAN I ATTEMPT THE JAVA PORTION OF THE EXAM?
-YES! Students who are currently enrolled in Python or AP Computer Science Principles can take just the Java portion of the exam to potentially place into AP Computer Science A

I TOOK THE TEST BUT CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT TAKING COMPUTER SCIENCE WHAT DO I DO?
-Nothing, you just pick a different elective, no problem.