Placement Testing

Placement testing ensures that students enroll in coursework that matches their current knowledge and skill level. English and Math placement is required for new students. New students who learned English as a second language must complete the ESL placement test before completing English or Math placement. 

Use the options below to determine which placement test you need and how to complete testing. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement

"English was not the first language I learned to speak or write"

Click the link below for information on how to complete the ESL placement test. The ESL placement test has three steps which must be completed in order. Appointments are required for testing. 

English Placement

"English was the first language I learned to speak or write"

New students may be assigned an English placement based on a qualifying high school grade point average or ACT or SAT test scores. Students without a qualifying grade point average or test scores complete the English Placement Essay. Click the link below to determine if you need to complete the essay. Appointments are required for testing.

Math Placement (ALEKS)

"I am a student who needs to take the Math placement test"

New students may be assigned a math placement based on qualifying ACT or SAT test scores. Students without qualifying test scores complete ALEKS for math placement. ALEKS is available on-demand in my Tri-C Space. No appointment is required for testing.

New students who learned English as a second language, and who have not submitted qualifying ACT or SAT math test scores, must complete the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test before completing math placement. 

Biology Placement

"I need to complete testing for placement into BIO 2331 Anatomy and Physiology"

Click the link below to learn more about Biology placement. Biology placement testing is available on-demand in my Tri-C Space. No appointments are required for testing.

Chemistry Placement

"I need to complete testing for placement into CHEM 1010, CHEM 1020 or CHEM 1300."

Click the link below to learn more about Chemistry placement. Chemistry placement testing is available on-demand in my Tri-C Space. No appointments are required for testing.

Submit ACT or SAT Scores

New students who submit qualifying ACT or SAT scores from within the last two years are not required to take English, ESL, or math placements tests. If you have qualifying scores, log in to your ACT or SAT account to send your test scores electronically or submit your unofficial test scores to admissions@tri-c.edu. Test scores are valid for course placement for two years from the test date.  

Qualifying ACT Scores: English: 18 or higher; math: 21 or higher

Qualifying SAT Scores: English: 480 or higher; math: 520 or higher

Testing Accommodations

Students who may require testing accommodations related to a disability should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) before taking a placement test.