Course Placement Testing
Students may need to complete placement testing in mathematics, English, and reading before registering for credit courses. Placement testing may be completed in the Testing Center, Room N114. These test results, which are valid for the length of time determined administratively, are used to determine a student’s eligibility for courses with prerequisites and/or placement in developmental courses (courses numbered through 099). These placement exams, cut-off scores, and other criteria have been established by the respective programs’ faculty to ensure proper course placement. Individual programs may offer a proficiency exam to alter the sequence of courses required.
Classroom instructors may conduct additional testing to verify correct placement, and students may be transferred to an alternate course at that time.
Placement tests are typically administered on a computer and are not timed. Photo identification is required for all testing. Review materials for the mathematics and English sentence skills tests are on the Academic Success Center – Testing Center page. Other review options are available in the Academic Success Center (Tutoring), Room S134. Retesting for some placement tests for a fee is possible if a student meets certain guidelines.
If a student requires accommodations for a placement test, prior to taking the test the student must visit the Academic Success Center – Accommodations page to learn about how to apply. The student may also contact the Academic Success Center at 217.875.7211, Ext. 6379, email accom@richland.edu, or visit Room S134.
English
Some courses require English prerequisites for enrollment. In some cases, students will be required to take a placement test. Placement test scores are valid for 2 years. The College reserves the right to change the score ranges without notice.
ACCUPLACER ®
Students unsure about their placement into reading/writing courses should work with their Success Coach in the Student Success Center or the Dean of Liberal Arts, Room C162.
Mathematics
Some mathematics and science courses require prerequisites for enrollment. In some cases, students will be required to take a placement test. Placement test scores are valid for 2 years. The College reserves the right to change the score ranges without notice.
ACCUPLACER ®
Students seeking clarification regarding their math placement should meet with their Success Coach in the Student Success Center or the Dean of Mathematics, Science, and Business, Room W216.
Retesting
A student may retest by waiting a minimum of 24 hours and paying a retest fee. Ten to thirty hours of study is recommended before retesting. A student may be allowed to take the test a third time only with the appropriate permission and payment of the retest fee. Students may not retest once they start the course sequence. For placement testing information, contact the Testing Specialist, Room N112, or the Testing Center in Room N114. Please visit the
Testing Center website for resources to prepare for the placement test.
The student is required to retest at no charge if 1) the previously determined time has passed since the student tested the first time and 2) the student has not begun a sequence of courses that uses the placement test results.