Writing Placement Test

If placed into ENG-098, you can complete both ENG-098 and ENG-101 in just one semester. Some ENG-098 students take the ENG-101 course, with students placed directly into ENG-101. The ENG-098 class meets immediately following their ENG-101 class for additional support.

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All new degree-seeking students must demonstrate English placement levels upon entry to register for their first semester.

Students wishing to register for courses may need to demonstrate specific placement levels. This ensures they meet course prerequisites.

1. A score of 19 or higher on the ACT English, or 480 on SAT/PSAT reading and writing, valid for 5 years; or
2. 4 or higher on the PARCC reading and writing assessment; or
3. Successful completion of ENG 098 or LTC 099 at ECC with a grade of C or better fulfills the requirement. An equivalent course from a regionally accredited college is also accepted, with official transcripts required; or
4. Successful completion with a C or better in college-level courses at another college/university (official transcripts required); or
5. High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale; or
6. GED score of 165 or higher or HiSet score of 15 or higher plus essay score of 4; or
7. A minimum score on AP, CLEP, or IB exam.
8. Attain the specified level from the ECC English placement test (valid for 5 years).

Using a computer, you will write an essay of approximately 2 pages in length. You will select one of three topics to focus your essay response. You are allowed to use a single piece of scratch paper. 

You are allowed to use a single piece of scratch paper. 

1. A thesis or main idea;
2. Your writing should include several paragraphs with sufficient, relevant, and specific details or examples related to the selected topic. These can be drawn from your personal experience, observations, or readings.
3. Good organization, including an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion;
4. Correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Before you submit your essay, you should proofread (reread and correct) your essay. You can use spell-check and scratch paper. 

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by reviewing the sample scored essays.

Placement test results will be available within 7 business days.

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your Writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by:

• Review the sample scored essays.

Writing placement test results will be available within 7 business days. Please plan accordingly to have the Writing placement test results completed prior to registration. You can view all placement test results on the accessECC portal.

If your writing placement test score is:

• 00
  • Prepare to retake the placement test.
• 22, 23, 33
  • Developmental course required. Enroll in LTC-099 (College Literacy)
• 44
  • Developmental courses required. Enroll in ENG-098 and ENG-101 (Accelerated Learning Program (ALP))
• 55
  • No developmental course required. Enroll in college-ready courses, including ENG-101.

You may retake the placement tests twice if unsatisfied with your first attempt and haven't started a reading or English course. Once you have completed a reading or English class at ECC, you may retest with the approval of the placement coordinator. Your reading and writing placement results are valid for five years.