ECC Writing Placement Exam (Remote) - first attempt

These instructions are only valid for an applicant’s first test attempt. If you need to retake the exam, stop now and contact testing@elgin.edu for specific retake instructions.

Getting Started

• Testing should take place on a desktop/laptop or MAC device with a webcam. The assessment should not be taken on any mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet.
• Required Browser: Chrome or Edge (This assessment is not compatible with any other browser for example: Safari)
  • If you do not have Chrome Installed on your device, please stop now, click on the link here and download Chrome.
  • Please be sure your Chrome icon looks like this:
• Please have your ECC Student ID number and ECC Student email address ready prior to Account Registration.
  • If you do not know your ECC Student ID number or ECC student email address, please stop now, watch the video here and create your account. Please be sure to watch the video in its entirety.
    • If you do not have an active ECC student account with a seven digit ID number, your exam score will not be valid.

Account Registration

1. To register your account, go to: College Success

2. On the login page, click on the Student Self-Registration button on the bottom of your screen. See image below.

Please take a look at the image below and enter the following information on your device:

3. Institution: Elgin Community College

4. Site: Elgin Community College

5. Site Password: Spartan!2020

6. Now, complete the rest of Your Information. Be sure to have your ECC Student ID number and ECC Student email address before moving forward. Your ECC Student ID Number and ECC Student Email account should have been created in the “To Get Started” section of these instructions.

• Important: If you do not have your ECC student account created, please stop now and create your ECC account before testing. If you do not have an active ECC student account with a seven digit ID number, your exam score will not be valid.

7. Once your Student Registration is complete, please click the submit button on the bottom of your screen to continue.

8. After you have clicked the OK button, you will automatically be logged into College Success and your login information will be emailed to the email you provided.

Completing the Exam

9. You will now see the End User Service Agreement (EUSA). See image below.

1. Please read carefully and click, Accept.
   

10. After clicking Accept, you will be directed to your College Success Dashboard.

11. In the Access Key box on the bottom left, type the word READ (all caps) and click Submit.

12. The Reading Assessment will populate in your dashboard.

a. Click the words Reading Assessment-Virtual to enter the test

13. You will receive verification you are using a Supported Browser (Edge or Chrome). You will then be prompted to install the Proctorio Extension.

14. Once the extension is installed, Proctorio will launch the system’s check.
***Proctorio will not allow an individual to continue until all actions have been resolved (such as multiple monitors, other extensions, multiple browsers/browser tabs).

15. A System Diagnostics check will run verifying the webcam, microphone, and connection to the internet are working successfully.

16. If the System Diagnostics was successful, you will see the following screen. Then select Next.

17. There will then be a camera test asking you to smile at the camera for 5 pictures to be taken

18. You will then be prompted to show the camera a photo ID to validate your identity. The camera will scan the ID automatically when aligned in the green box.

19. You will be directed to scan your testing environment with the computer’s camera. To initiate the scan, you should select the “I understand” button.

20. Once the scan is complete, the final verification screen will ask the student to type or use the mouse to sign their name, and then select “Accept”.

21. After reading the policy, I have read this policy to progress to the exam. The test will now launch into a new secure window

22. Answer the background questions

23. Select from one of two exam topics

24. Read the exam instructions

25. Complete the multiple-choice questions; click the OK button to confirm each answer submission

26. Carefully read the instructions

27. Read the assigned article and prompt

28. Write your essay in response to the prompt in the text box.

1. There are formatting tools available 
2. You may designate a space at the top of your essay for Pre-Writing (outlining, brainstorming, drafting, etc.)

29. There is a Word Count feature on the bottom-right side of the text box

30. Once you have completed the essay, click the Final Submit button on the bottom-right

31. Click Ok on the confirmation pop-up

32. Read the instructions and course descriptions for the Self-Placement Paragraph section

33. Type your response to the Self-Placement Paragraph prompt in the provided text box

34. Click the Final Submit button

35. Click the Next button on the Test Completed confirmation page

36. You will see a score report with a “pending” score while your exam is being graded. 

37. The Testing Center will receive your submission for review in 1-3 business days. Scores are generally posted in 3-5 business days or up to 10 business days during peak enrollment seasons.