Placement Tests

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

All new degree-seeking students must demonstrate English and Math placement to register for their first college semester.

Students who want to register for English or Math courses may need to meet specific placement levels. These levels are required to satisfy certain course prerequisites.

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 range of workshops and practice tests to help you prepare for placement exams. We encourage you to take full advantage of these resources. 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.

You will receive your reading and math scores after completing the placement test. They will also be available online within 24–48 hours. 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 if not enrolled in any reading or English course sequence. Students who are enrolled in reading or English courses cannot retake the Writing or Reading placement test. However, they may file an appeal to request a second attempt.
• 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 dissatisfied with your attempts and haven't started 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. Appeal decisions will be made by the academic department designee within 15 business days of submission. All decisions are final. If approval is granted, the student may pursue one additional test attempt in the approved subject area.