All new students enrolling in credit classes are required to complete placement testing prior to registration.

The purpose of the Rock Valley College (RVC) Placement Test (ACCUPLACER) is to assess your current skills in reading, English and math for placement into appropriate coursework at RVC. It is an online test featuring a computer-based format, unlimited time and immediate scores. The ACCUPLACER placement test is comprised of three sections:

• Reading Comprehension - 20 questions related to reading skills, such as identifying the main idea and making inferences.
• English (Sentence Skills) - 20 questions related to sentence structure and grammar.
• Mathematics (Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra or College Level Math) - Students take one of the 12-20 question Math tests, which one depends on math experience.

Refreshing your memory on math formulas, grammar rules, reading skills, or reviewing general information on test preparation may help you feel less anxious and more confident.

Geometry Competency Test: This test provides students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts covered in a typical course of Plane Geometry. Successful performance on the RVC Geometry Competency Test will satisfy the MTH 097 requirement.  For more information on the Geometry requirement and taking the Geometry Competency Test - please visit the Rock Valley College Geometry Competency Test information page.

Testing Times

Walk-in Testing: (no appointment necessary)

Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Appointment Testing:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and select Saturdays.

Please call (815) 921-2380 for an appointment.

• A Photo ID is required for all testing
• Students must fill out an Application for Admission prior to testing

 Obtaining a waiver for Placement Testing:  You may be able to obtain a waiver for one or more of the sections of the test by:

• Submitting ACT or SAT scores to the Admissions & Records office.

                        ACT score cut-offs and policy
                        SAT score cut-offs and policy

• Transfer students or students already holding a college degree may also be waived from all or portions of the placement test by submitting transcripts to the Admissions & Records Office.

Special Arrangements for Students with Disabilities:  If you have a disability or temporarily disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard conditions, contact Disability Support Services at (815) 921-2356.

What to Bring With You to test:  A photo ID is required for all testing services (i.e. driver's license, state ID or passport).

Storage of Personal Items:  Calculators, cell phones and any type of electronic devices are not permitted. Lockers are provided for these items and all other personal belongings.

Score Reporting:  When you have completed the tests, you will see a report of your scores on the screen and you will receive a printed report of your scores. You can find out more about your scores by viewing the Guide to ACCUPLACER Placement Scores. 

After Placement Testing:  When testing is complete, new students are required to attend a mandatory Educational Planning Session (EPS) before registering for classes.  After you have tested and attended an EPS session, you are encouraged to visit the Advising & Counseling Center on the top floor of the Student Center to help determine class selection and assist you in making decisions regarding your educational opportunities at Rock Valley College. Call the Advising & Counseling Center at (815) 921-4100 to make an appointment or walk-in hours are available Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Re-Testing:  For more information about re-testing, please go to Placement Testing guide to Re-Tests, Appeals, & Developmental Courses.

Confidentiality:  Your test scores and the information you provide when taking the tests will only be provided to The College Board, to Rock Valley College, and to the state to meet state information requirements. The information may be used for counseling, advisement and placement purposes and may be used to document whether or not you have met state testing requirements. It may also be used by The College Board for research and training purposes. Your test information will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your permission. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please see your Test Administrator.

Review and Preparation

Click ACCUPLACER Placement Test Review Guide - Including Sample Questions for review and preparation.  Paper copies are available in the Testing Center.

For more Sample Placement Test (ACCUPLACER) Questions visit www.yccd.edu/assessment/sample.html

Type in Accuplacer Practice or Accuplacer Sample Tests in one of these Internet search engines. You should find many links to sources for free ACCUPLACER review: www.yahoo.com and www.google.com

For additional assistance in refreshing your academic skills, visit these subject specific web sites...

Reading and Vocabulary Web site Resources:

http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/instrdg.htm     Provides a general reading test for practice

http://literacynet.org/cnnsf/   This site will keep you occupied with reading practices for hours

 
English (Sentence Skills) Web site Resources:

http://www.cerritos.edu/reading/mainide2.htm   More help with finding main ideas in paragraphs and identifying topic sentences

http://www.number2.com   Offers a sampling of practice SAT questions for free (useful for general test-taking review-without pressure!).

Math Review Website Resources:

http://www.purplemath.com

http://www.math.com

http://mathwizz.com   An easy-to-navigate web site including lessons and quizzes for many math levels

http://www.nv3.commnet.edu/BCASERTA/MATHREVIEW   Math questions matching ACCUPLACER math categories

http://www.algebrahelp.com   Great site for reviewing algebra skills

http://www.mathgoodies.com   Offers many free review lessons and explanations of math concepts

http://mathforum.com/dr.math   This site allows you submit questions about math problems and to receive answers and explanations

http://calculus.org   The calculus review web site!

http://www.funbrain.com/fract/   Fun with fractions! Other math reviews are also available.

 
Books (available at most libraries and major bookstores):

Essential Mathematics: Basic Math for Everyday Use, Williams and Atkins, Barron.

Contemporary's Building Basic Skills in Mathematics, Contemporary Books

GED Review Book

SAT-I Review Books (publishers include: Arco, Kaplan, Nova and Barron)

Forgotten Algebra, Bleau, Barron

Quick Algebra Review: A Self-Teaching Guide, Selby and Slavin, Wiley.

Please feel free to contact us at (815) 921-2380 if you have any questions regarding placement testing appointment.