ACT's Career Programs Assessment Test (CPAt) is on the U.S. Department of Education's most recent list of approved ATB tests and passing scores.
Career college applicants who have not earned a high school diploma or GED must achieve passing scores on an approved test to qualify for federal aid as Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) students.
Minimum CPAt Score Achievement Requirements for ATB Students
| Subtest | ATB Minimum Score |
| Language Usage | 42 |
| Reading Skills | 43 |
| Numerical Skills | 41 |
Note: Students must achieve or exceed these minimum scores in each subtest.
Independent Test Administrators (ITA)
All schools providing ATB testing (except those that qualify as an "assessment center"*) must use the services of a certified Independent Test Administrator (ITA). To become certified to administer CPAt, you must:
- meet the requirements listed in the Federal Register regulations (Vol. 60. No. 231, Friday December 1, 1995. Student Assistance General provisions. 34 CFR Part 668),
- have been in contact with a CPAt participating institution that is interested in hiring you as an ITA, and
- be certified by ACT—the CPAt test publisher—and meet the qualifications listed below.**
Individuals who have been in contact with an institution that administers ACT's CPAt to prospective students may request certification forms by sending an email to CPAtATB@act.org or by contacting ACT ATB Test Administration Certification at 319/341-2269.
* See subpart 668.142 Special Definitions Assessment Center and Independent Test Administrator of the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Register.
** To be certified as a CPAt ITA, ACT requires that you have:
- obtained at least a two-year degree from a postsecondary institution and have served at least six months as a room supervisor for the administration of objective tests;
OR - obtained at least a two-year degree from a postsecondary institution and have served two full years as a full-time educational classroom teacher in an accredited postsecondary, secondary, or elementary institution;
OR - served at least two years as a room supervisor for the administration of objective tests.