Placement Tests

• Writing Placement Test
• Math Placement Test
• Reading Placement Test

All new degree-seeking students must demonstrate initial placement levels in English and Math upon entry to the College to register for their first semester.

Additionally, any student wishing to register for English and/or Math courses may need to demonstrate specific placement levels to satisfy a particular course prerequisite.

Review the testing scores summary to determine if you need to take placement testing.

The Testing Center is currently offering placement testing remotely. If you cannot complete testing remotely, we offer limited, appointment-only testing.

Schedule testing

Here’s what to bring on test day:

• Your ECC ID number
• Pencils

We offer a variety of workshops and practice tests to help you prepare for placement exams, and we encourage you to make the most of them. The more you practice, the better you'll do! Practice tests are available to help you review the basic math, English, and reading concepts. Workshops are optional and non-credit.

Reading and math scores will be given to you after you take the placement test and are available online within 24-48 hours after you complete your test. Writing Placement test results may take up to 7 business days. All scores will be posted on the accessECC portal.

• Need help logging into the accessECC portal? Get instructions.

To interpret your scores, review the testing scores summary.

Need help to log in to see placement test results on the accessECC portal? Read our instructions.

• Students do not need to complete all three placement tests on the same day. Each placement test may take longer than 2 hours. It is best to be rested before attempting another placement test to achieve the best score.
• All math placement expires in two years, including SAT, ACT, PARC, and GED tests. All Writing and Reading placement tests, including ACT, SAT, PARC, and GED, expire in 5 years.
• Students may take the Reading and Writing placement test twice, provided they have not enrolled in a sequence of reading or English courses. Once enrolled in the reading or English courses, students may not take the Writing or Reading placement test a second time unless they file an appeal.
• The ALEKS math placement test is designed to be taken five times a year. Once students enroll in a math course, they may not take the math placement test again unless they file an appeal.

If you’re unhappy with your allotted attempts, and you have not started the math, English, or reading courses, you may appeal your placement. The Appeal Form is available from the testing staff via a request to testing@elgin.edu. All decisions on appeals will be made by the appropriate academic department designee in 15 business days or less from the submission date of the appeal. All decisions are final. If approval is granted, the student may pursue one additional test attempt in the approved subject area.