Placement Tests

Taking placement tests helps you enroll in the right courses at Elgin Community College. Each test measures your academic skill levels, ensuring you sign up for classes at the right academic level.

ECC is currently offering Writing, Reading, and Math placement tests remotely.

Placement Test Types

The testing center offers the following placement tests:

Remote Reading and Writing Testing

Taking the Reading and Writing test remotely will require you to have a PC, Mac, or Chromebook with a webcam and download software called LockDown Browser® and Responus Monitor®, or use HonorLock®, a Google Chrome extension.

If you do not have access to a device with the requirements listed above, email testing@elgin.edu

Placement Tests FAQ

How do placement tests work and how can I prepare for my test?

Placement Testing Workshops

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!

Who needs to take placement tests?

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.

When and where do I take placement tests?

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

What should I bring to the test?

Here’s what to bring on test day:

Your ECC ID number
Pencils

How can I prepare for my test?

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.

What happens after I take the tests?

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.

If you’re unhappy with your first attempt, you may retake the placement tests, provided you have not started math, English, or reading courses. You are encouraged to take our math assessment at least twice and spend time in the learning modules to help you brush up on your skills. If you’re still not satisfied, you may appeal your placement. Review the placement test appeal procedure for more information.

How do I log in to the accessECC portal?

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

Other testing items?

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.