Placement Testing
Do I need to take a placement test?
The Testing Center at KCC offers English and Math placement testing. Placement scores demonstrate your readiness for college-level writing, reading, and math and help determine your starting level in KCC courses. Placement tests are required for many of the programs and classes KCC offers.
You may be able to opt-out of testing and be placed into transfer-level Math or English classes by providing us with qualifying ACT/SAT/GED scores and/or high school GPA or previous college transcripts.
The following charts show what requirements are necessary to be placed into each transfer-level class. Technical Math, Developmental Math, and Developmental English are not displayed, but students may also be able to opt-out of testing into those courses upon speaking with a KCC academic advisor.
Kankakee Community College 2021-2022 Academic Placement Summary: English
Please note that placement options listed below are subject to change. Course descriptions are at www.kcc.edu/catalog
| KCC COURSE | ACCUPLACER:NEXT GEN. READING | SAT EBRW | ACT ENGLISH OR READING | GED Reading through Language Arts | Multiple Measures: GPA can be used through 7th semester. GPA only applies if enrollment is within 2yrs of high school graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College ready | |||||
| ENGL 1613 | 256-300 | 480-800 | 19-36 | 165-200 | GPA 2.7-4.0 GPA 3.3-5.0 |
| Foundational | |||||
| ENGL 1423 | 228-255 | 430-479 | 16-18 | N/A | |
| ENGL 0964 | 200-227 | < 429 | < 15 | N/A | |
| Course Prefix and Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1613 | English I |
| ENGL 1423 | Accelerated Learn: Read Write |
| ENGL 0964 | Prep for College English |
If none of the above are met, students must take Accuplacer. The score will place them into the appropriate class.
Kankakee Community College 2021-2022 Academic Placement Summary: Math
| Placement | Math Placement Options: | Geometry Requirement applies? | HS GPA GPA/grades can be used through 7th sem. (Dec. of senior year). ** GPA applies if:
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALEKS | SAT Math (Enrollment within 2 years of test date) | ACT Math (Enrollment within 2 years of test date) | GED Math (Enrollment within 2 years of test date) | |||
| MATH 2515 | 76-100 | *600-800 | *25-36 | N/A | Yes | * and C or better in high school pre-calculus or higher |
| MATH 1843 MATH 1834 MATH 1713 | 61-100 | 530-800 | 25-36 | N/A | Yes | None |
| MATH 1814 MATH 1803 MATH 1613 | 46-100 | 530-800 | 22-36 | 165-200 | Yes | ALEKS 40-100 and GPA 3.0 - 4.0** |
| MATH 1774 MATH 1704 | 46-100 | 530-800 | 22-36 | 165-200 | No | ALEKS 30-100 and GPA 3.0 - 4.0** |
| MATH 1133 | 30-100 | 530-800 | 25-36 | 165-200 | Yes | GPA 2.8 - 4.0** ALEKS recommended |
| MATH 1103 | 0-29 | N/A | N/A | 0-164 | No | None |
| MATH 1424 | 30-45 | N/A | N/A | 165-200 | No | GPA 2.8 - 4.0** ALEKS recommended |
| MATH 1414 | 14-29 | N/A | N/A | 165-200 | No | GPA 2.5 - 4.0** OR GPA 2.8 - 4.0 ALEKS recommended |
| MATH 0985 | 14-45 | N/A | N/A | 165-200 | No | GPA 2.5 - 4.0** OR GPA 2.8 - 4.0 ALEKS recommended |
| MATH 1213 | 0-29 | N/A | N/A | 0-164 | No | None |
| MATH 0974 | 0-13 | N/A | N/A | 0-164 | No | None |
Notes: Accuplacer scores are not accepted.
5.0 GPA scale conversion: 3.0/4.0 = 3.75/5.0; 2.8/4.0 = 3.5/5.0; 2.5/4.0 = 3.2/5.0
| Placement (TECH MATH PRIOR TO 2020) | Math Placement Options: | Geometry Requirement applies? |
HS GPA GPA/grades can be used through 7th sem. (Dec. of senior year). GPA applies if:
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 2113 | 46-100 | 530-800 | 25-36 | 165-200 | Yes | ALEKS 40-100 and GPA 3.0 - 4.0 |
| MATH 1123 | 30-45 | N/A | N/A | 165-200 | No | GPA 2.8 - 4.0 ALEKS recommended |
| MATH 1113 | 0-29 | N/A | N/A | 0-164 | No | None |
| Course Prefix and Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MATH 2515 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I |
| MATH 1843 | Discrete Math |
| MATH 1834 | Calculus for Business and Social Science |
| MATH 1803 | Trigonometry |
| MATH 1774 | Statistics |
| MATH 1713 | Finite Mathematics |
| MATH 1704 | Contemporary Mathematics |
| MATH 1613 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I |
| MATH 1424 | Intermediate Algebra |
| MATH 1414 | Basic Algebra |
| MATH 1213 | Business Mathematics |
| MATH 1133 | Technical Mathematics for Electrical Circuits |
| MATH 1103 | Technical Mathematics |
| MATH 0985 | Math Literacy |
| MATH 0974 | Fundamentals of Mathematics |
Note: Shaded rows identifies developmental level courses.
A student who has successfully completed (C or better) a transitional math course their senior year of high school with the following codes transcripted may be placed into the corresponding courses automatically:
| Transitional Math | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | PLMS (STEM) 1424 | MATH 1424 | MATH 1123 (prior to 2020), MATH 1133, MATH 1704, MATH 1774, MATH 1803, MATH 1814 |
| TM002 | PLMQ (QUANTITATIVE LITERACY) 0985 | MATH 0985 | MATH 1123 (prior to 2020), MATH 1133, MATH 1704, MATH 1774 |
| TM003 | PLMT (TECH) 1113 | MATH 1113 (prior to 2020); MATH 1103 | MATH 1123 (prior to 2020), MATH 1133 |
If none of the above are met, students must speak with an advisor regarding Technical and Developmental-level math course placement options.
English Placement Exam (ACCUPLACER)
The ACCUPLACER Next Generation placement test is how you demonstrate your readiness for college writing and reading classes. Your scores will determine your starting level in KCC courses.
ACCUPLACER is a proctored, untimed, computer exam offered at our Riverfront and South Extension Center campuses. Scores are available immediately after completion of the entire test. Tests must be completed or paused by the Testing Center’s closing. See the Testing Center hours for more information.
To take the ACCUPLACER exam, you must:
- Apply online.
- Meet with an academic advisor. You may schedule an advisor appointment by calling 815-802-8500 for the main campus and 815-802-8780 for South Extension Center. Walk-ins are available.
- On the date of your exam, bring a photo ID.
The exam is free for the first sitting. You may take the test multiple times with permission from KCC faculty/staff and a small fee.
Remote testing is available by reservation for those planning on attending outside institutions. Call 815-802-8526 to arrange your remote test.
Math Placement Exam (ALEKS)
The ALEKS math placement test is how you demonstrate your readiness for college math classes. Your scores will determine your starting level in KCC courses.
ALEKS is a proctored, untimed, computer exam offered at our main and South Extension Center campuses. Scores are available immediately after completion of the entire test. Tests must be completed or paused by the Testing Center’s closing. See the Testing Center hours for more information.
To take the ALEKS exam, you must:
- Apply online.
- Meet with an academic advisor. You may schedule an advisor appointment by calling 815-802-8500 for the main campus and 815-802-8780 for South Extension Center. Walk-ins are available.
- Take the required pre-test at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. You can find the pre-test by logging into MyKCC under Bookmarks and Links. Follow the instructions and select the correct cohort based on when you plan on entering KCC.
- On the date of your exam, bring a photo ID.
The exam is free for the first sitting. You may take the test multiple times with permission from KCC faculty/staff after completing the required additional practice time.
Remote testing is available by reservation for those planning on attending outside institutions. Call 815-802-8526 to arrange your remote test.
KCC encourages all testers to take their placement exams seriously and prepare beforehand for their exam. These additional outside resources serve as study guides for testing.
ACCUPLACER:
- ACCUPLACER Study App (FREE) Please make sure to select Accuplacer Next Generation-Reading Placement.
- Next Generation Sample Questions - Reading (PDF)
- Purdue online writing lab (OWL)
- March to Success
ALEKS:
The ALEKS math exam requires an unproctored pre-test (can be done at home or on-campus). After the pre-test is complete, ALEKS additionally offers free study guides and practice questions to help boost your score. If you are taking ALEKS more than once, you may be required to spend additional time within ALEKS practice modules before retaking the exam.
A KCC application must be submitted in order to gain access to the ALEKS pre-test and practice module. You will use your student ID and password to login.
To prepare for the ALEKS math placement test:
- Go to MyKCC – https://my.kcc.edu.
- Use your KCC User ID/password to login. They are created within one business day after your application is submitted.
- In MyKCC, under the Bookmarks and Links tab, select ALEKS - Math Placement.
- Review and agree to the terms of use.
- Click “Continue” as needed.
- Click “SUMMER/FALL 2021/Higher Education Math Placement”
- There is a short survey and tools tutorial before the required practice assessment test.
Location & Hours
Testing Services has locations in Kankakee and Iroquois counties. Before visiting a testing location, check KCC's website for campus closings. Testing center hours are subject to change.
Riverfront Campus, Testing Center
Room D218, second floor of the Workforce Development Center — near the Student Services Department.
Current Hours:
At this time, students are still required to make an appointment to take any placement test (and make-up tests) because space is extremely limited due to social distancing policies in place. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Email testingcenter@kcc.edu, call 815-802-8530, or contact your academic advisor to schedule an appointment.
Riverfront Campus, Specialized Testing Center
Room D217, 2nd floor of Workforce Development Center. Please see the Community Testing page on how to schedule your exam.
South Extension Center
The South Extension Center offers ACCUPLACER, ALEKS, make-up exams, and Constitution testing (for GED) during
advising hours. Please call 815-802-8720 for more information.
FAQ About Placement Testing
Do I need an appointment?
At this time, students are still required to make an appointment to take any placement test (and make-up tests) because space is extremely limited due to social distancing policies in place. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Email testingcenter@kcc.edu , call 815-802-8530, or contact your academic advisor to schedule an appointment. You must meet with an academic advisor prior to testing. If you are taking the ALEKS math test, you must also complete a pre-test through your student portal 24 hours in advance.
May I take the exam multiple times?
Yes. You may need permission from KCC faculty or staff and may be required to pay a small re-test fee. For ALEKS Math placement exams, you will also be required to take additional practice steps before re-testing.
Do you offer remote testing for other colleges/universities?
Yes. Please call 815-802-8526 to arrange remote testing.
What is not allowed in the Testing Center?
Food and drink are not allowed. Students may not bring in any guests, including children. Hats and hoods must be removed, and all electronic devices must be put away and turned off. Calculators for math placement exams are not allowed.
Do you offer correspondence testing, specialized testing, or workplace testing?
Yes. The Testing Center oversees makeup (KCC classes), correspondence (testing for other colleges and universities), and specialized workplace testing. You can learn more about the exams the Testing Center offers by visiting the Community Testing Center page or by contacting your test provider.
Can I request test accommodations for a disability?
Yes. Testing Services coordinates testing accommodations with the Office of Disability Services. For more information on accommodations, visit the Disability Services Office. The TTY number is 711.