About the Testing Center

The Testing Center provides various types of testing for placement, courses, certifications, credit for prior learning, program admission, accommodations for students with disabilities, and for community residents enrolled at other colleges/universities. A photo ID is required for all testing.

Any student with a disability who receives accommodations for testing can contact the Testing Center to schedule an appointment by phone at (815) 921-2385 or email at rvc-testing-center@rockvalleycollege.edu.

Testing Center Hours

• Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Friday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Note: Testing Center hours are subject to change between academic semesters, breaks, and summer.

Available Testing Services

Placement Testing & Requirements

All new students interested in enrolling in credit classes are required to meet placement requirements prior to registering for credit courses and must submit a completed application to RVC prior to testing.

Learn more about Placement Requirements.

Using ACCUPLACER for placement testing allows you to get an accurate measure of your academic skills so that you may be placed in the appropriate course. These tests are computer-based and do not have a time limit – so you can focus on doing your best to demonstrate your skills.

Rock Valley College uses the following ACCUPLACER tests:

• Writing (English)
• Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
• Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)

To learn more about what is on each test, visit https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-for-accuplacer/whats-on-tests.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning can provide you with the opportunity to receive credit for these past learning experiences, save money on tuition, and accelerate the completion of your educational goals. Learn more about Credit for Prior Learning.

Additional Testing Services

• ADN Entrance Exam (TEAS)
• Remote Placement Testing (at RVC for Another Institution)
• Proctoring Services

Testing Guidelines & Accommodations

Academic honesty is expected of all our students. We encourage you to review our Academic Honesty Standards and Procedures.

The following guidelines have been established: 

• Photo identification is required for all testing
• Students should come into the Testing Center knowing the name of the instructor and class
• For academic make-up testing, arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to arrival at the Testing Center
• Tests cannot be started within 1/2 hour of closing
• All electronic devices must be stored in provided locker
• Books, notes, and other test aids not approved by the instructor must be stored in provided locker
• Snacks or drinks are not permitted in the testing areas
• Children are not allowed into any testing areas
• Students suspected of cheating or violating an instructor's examination instructions will be reported to the appropriate authority
• Unless specified by the instructor, any exam must be completed in one sitting
• Students should check their RVC email accounts for instructor changes to the examination deadline or requirements prior to arrival at the Testing Center
• Students should be prepared to lock up all personal items. Personal items include, but are not limited to: hats with a brim, all electronics devices, wearable technology, head phones, purses, covers to calculators, backpacks, and all food and drinks.
• Tests/quizzes are normally administered during the time the student's class is taking the test/quiz, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
• Students are responsible for notifying their instructor(s) regarding the delivery of each test/quiz to the Testing Center.

The Testing Center will have scratch paper, pencils, and a limited supply of calculators available. If you require the use of a computer to complete your exam (instructor approval required), they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students requiring special testing assistance or accommodations must obtain pre-approval from Disability Support Services.

• Appointments are required for disability accommodations beyond extra time. It is your responsibility to take an exam by the instructor-specified deadline, within the Testing Center's hours of operation.
• Alternative testing is an appropriate service for many students with special needs. This type of testing allows the student to accurately demonstrate his/her knowledge and achievement as opposed to measuring the impact of a particular disability.
• The Testing Center, located in the Student Center (SC) lower level, offers a variety of specialized testing services including: readers, scribes, distraction-free work areas, and assistive technology.
• Students requiring the assistance of testing staff (to read, transcribe, etc.) OR the use of a distraction-free work area must schedule an appointment to test.

To schedule a testing appointment, contact the Testing Center at least three days in advance of your test. Please provide the test date, time, course name, and instructor name.