Placement Testing
On This Page: Schedule Placement Testing | Math Placement Testing | English Placement Testing | Prepare for Testing | About ACCUPLACER Testing | Retest Policy | Testing Accomodations | FAQs
Placement testing helps determine the right math and English courses for you before you register. Some students may qualify for placement without testing based on GPA or prior scores.
Schedule Placement Testing
To schedule placement testing and a follow-up advising appointment, please call Student Services. A staff member will help determine what you need and set everything up in one step.
Call Student Services at 815-825-9375. Calling helps us schedule your placement testing and advising appointment together. Testing can be scheduled by emailing onestop@kish.edu.
Math Placement Testing
Your math & english placement determines whether you begin in college-level math or start with developmental coursework to prepare you for success.
You may not need to test if you meet certain placement criteria based on:
| Placement measure (within 3 years) | Minimum score | Eligible for these math courses |
|---|---|---|
| High School cumulative GPA of 3. 0 or higher of an unweighted 4.0 scale with successful completion of a 4th year of math. | 3.0+ (on 4.0 scale) | MAT 101, 150, 201, 208 |
| ACT Math Score | 22 | MAT 101, 150, 201, 208 |
| SAT Math Score* | 530 | MAT 101, 150, 201, 208 |
| GED Mathematical Reasoning Section Score | 165 | MAT 101, 150, 201, 208 |
| Prior college coursework, Advanced Placement (AP) scores & CLEP scores may also qualify a student for college-level placement and/or credit. | ||
Students who qualify are placed into college-level math (MAT 101, 150, 201, or 208).
To place into upper-level math (MAT 155, 210, 211, 229), students may need to take the ACCUPLACER Advanced Algebra & Functions test.
If your scores are more than three years old or you do not meet the criteria, placement testing is required.
Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, & Statistics (QAS) Scores
|
QAS Score Range |
Placement |
|---|---|
|
200–225 |
Placement determined by Arithmetic test |
|
226–244 |
MAT 068, MAT 101/041 |
|
245–269 |
MAT 101, MAT 208, MAT 098, or MAT 150/045* |
|
270–300 |
MAT 101, MAT 150, MAT 201, MAT 208 |
Arithmetic Test Scores
|
Arithmetic Score Range |
Placement |
|---|---|
|
200–242 |
AE MATH** |
|
243–300 |
MAT 068, MAT 101/041 |
Advanced Algebra & Functions (AAF) Scores
|
AAF Score Range |
Placement |
|---|---|
|
200–229 |
Placement determined by QAS or SAT/ACT math scores |
|
230–266 |
MAT 101, MAT 150*, MAT 201, MAT 208 (College-level math, Tier 1) |
|
267–300 |
MAT 155*, MAT 210, MAT 211, MAT 229** (College-level math, Tier 2) |
* Additional requirements may apply for some math courses.
** Students will only be referred to Adult Education if they receive an Adult Ed placement in both Math and English.
English Placement Testing
Your math & english placement determines whether you begin in college-level math or start with developmental coursework to prepare you for success.
You may qualify for college-level English without testing based on:
| Placement Measure (Within three years) |
Minimum Score | Eligible for These English Courses |
|
High School G.P.A. |
3.0+ (on a 4.0 scale) | ENG 103 or ENG 109 |
|
High School G.P.A — Dual Credit |
3.5+ (on a 4.0 scale) | ENG 103 or ENG 109 |
| ACT English Score | 19 | ENG 103 or ENG 109 |
| ACT Composite Score | 19 | ENG 103 or ENG 109 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score | 480 | ENG 103 or ENG 109 |
| GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Section Score | 165 | ENG 103 or ENG 109 |
| Prior college coursework, Advanced Placement (AP) scores and CLEP scores may also qualify a student for college-level placement and/or credit | ||
Eligible students are placed into ENG 103 or ENG 109.
Students who do not meet the criteria or whose scores have expired will need to complete placement testing.
English placement at Kishwaukee College is based on the results of your WritePlacer and Reading Comprehension scores.
| WritePlacer Score | Reading Score | Kishwaukee College English Placement |
| 5-8 | No Reading Required | ENG 103, COM 100 |
| 4 | 246-300 | ENG 103/099, 109** |
| 3/4 | 200-300/200-245 | ENG 103/093 |
| 1-2 | 200-300 | AE ENG** |
| 0 | 200-300 | Must Re-Test |
| **Students will only be referred to Adult Education if they receive an Adult Ed placement
(below the college's minimum competency level) in BOTH math and English. NUR 100 (BNA course) requires a Reading score of 233+ or a Writing score of 4+ |
Prepare for Placement
Free and recommended resources include:
- ACCUPLACER Study App (Next Generation Practice Tests)
- Sample questions for Reading, WritePlacer, and Math:
- EdReady (math preparation)
- Khan Academy (math review)
Students are encouraged to prepare before testing to avoid retesting or unnecessary coursework.
ACCUPLACER Placement Test
ACCUPLACER testing may include:
Math
- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics (QAS)
- Arithmetic or Advanced Algebra & Functions (based on scores)
- Adaptive tests (questions adjust to your answers)
- No time limits
- Online calculator provided when allowed
English
- WritePlacer essay (300–600 words, 90 minutes)
- Essays scored on clarity, organization, support, grammar, and critical thinking
- Some students may also complete a Reading Comprehension test
Results are typically available immediately, with rare cases requiring manual review.
ACCUPLACER Retest Policy
-
Students may retest one time per ACCUPLACER section (math, writing, or reading).
-
A 24-hour waiting period is required before retesting.
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Retest fees:
-
Math: $10
-
English (writing, reading, or both): $10
-
-
Fees must be paid at the Business Office (C2140) before testing.
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Students cannot retest after completing a course in that subject.
-
Students who tested ACCUPLACER for dual credit in high school may retest once at no cost after applying as a college student.
Math retesting is intended for students who believe they were placed incorrectly and have not attempted a math course.
To retest:
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Prepare using the ACCUPLACER study resources listed on this page.
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Schedule a retest appointment by calling Student Services at 815-825-9375.
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Pay the $10 retest fee at the Business Office (C2140).
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Complete the math retest in Testing Services.
English placement is based on the WritePlacer essay and, in some cases, the Reading Comprehension test.
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A score of 0 on WritePlacer requires a retest (no fee).
-
Scores of 1–4 may be accepted or retested once for a $10 fee.
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Students who complete both an initial test and retest may request an English instructor review of their essay for a $4 fee.
-
The Reading Comprehension test may also be retaken one time for $10.
To schedule an English retest, contact Student Services at 815-825-9375. Retest fees must be paid prior to testing.
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Retesting is optional and limited — plan carefully.
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Studying beforehand is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary fees or appeals.
-
Placement decisions are final once coursework in that subject has begun.
Testing Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities may request accommodations for placement testing.
Available accommodations may include extended time, private testing space, or assistive support. Requests should be made through Disability Services prior to testing.
Connect With Disability Services
Placement Testing FAQs
Not everyone does. You may be exempt if you meet certain GPA or ACT/SAT score requirements from the last three years.
Kish uses ACCUPLACER, a computer-based placement test that adapts to your responses.
Most students take math and writing; some may also take reading based on their writing
results.
The math and reading sections are not timed.
The writing portion has a 90-minute time limit.
Plan for up to two hours if you are completing all sections.
Bring a government-issued photo ID. View what to know before testing.
Personal items like phones, bags, and notes are not allowed in the testing area.
Handheld calculators are not allowed. An on-screen calculator is provided for questions that permit calculator use.
You will receive your results immediately after testing. Writing scores may be pending briefly, but placements are updated once scoring is complete.
Placement scores are valid for three years. If you do not enroll in coursework during that time, re-testing may be required.
There is an appeal and retesting option for both math and English.
Each ACCUPLACER section may be retaken once, for a small fee.