Testing Center

ACCUPLACER placement test is a computer-adaptive college placement test that evaluates an incoming student’s skill level in reading, writing and mathematics.

Carl Sandburg College wants you to be successful in your course work; the ACCUPLACER placement tests of reading and mathematics are required for new students. ACCUPLACER scores determine a student’s mandatory placement into college-level courses (classes with course number 100 and above) and developmental education courses (classes with course number <100). Our goal is to ensure proper placement into appropriate courses for your skill level. There is no charge** to take the ACCUPLACER placement test (up to two attempts). Test results are valid for five years.

Do your best work on the placement test so you're placed appropriately in courses where you can succeed and make progress. Time spent in developmental courses will delay enrollment into college-level courses. You should prepare for the placement test.

Note: Carl Sandburg College uses multiple measures to assess a student's academic course placement. In lieu of ACCUPLACER testing, you may use other means to verify placement into college-level courses. View detailed information.

If you wish to use your ACT or SAT test for placement, you'll need to have your official test scores sent to Carl Sandburg College. Official high school transcripts with the ACT or SAT score will also be accepted. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will I need to take the ACCUPLACER placement test?

• You may schedule your test after completion of a Sandburg application.
• Testing is required before new full-time students meet with an advisor to register for classes.
  
  

Where can I take the ACCUPLACER test?

• The test is administered at all Carl Sandburg College campus locations.
• If you're out of district, arrangements may be made to test at your local community college, via remote testing. Advanced planning is required for this option.
  
  

How do I register for the ACCUPLACER test?

• Galesburg campus: Call 309.345.3500, or complete the registration form on this page.
• Carthage campus: Call 217.357.3129.
  
  

If I have a documented disability, can I received accommodations for the ACCUPLACER test?

• If you need to take the ACCUPLACER test with accommodations based on your disability, email the academic support services coordinator, or call 309.341.5262 to make arrangements.
  
  

What can I expect on the day of testing?

• A brief orientation will include information about campus resources and the purpose of the ACCUPLACER.
• The test consists of two sections: Reading and mathematics.
• There is no pass or fail associated with these tests.
• Sections are untimed.
• Do not be concerned with the completion time of other test takers. Most students take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour per test. If you're taking both tests, plan on spending two hours to complete your placement testing.
• Post-ACCUPLACER advising provided upon completion of tests. Staff provides you a copy of your score report, reviews tests results, goals and answers questions.
  
  

What should I bring on the day of testing?

• You must bring a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport or school ID are acceptable forms of ID).
• You cannot use a calculator unless one appears on the testing screen.
• Bring a positive attitude. Remember, you cannot fail these tests.
  
  

I wasn't satisfied with my ACCUPLACER test results. Can I take the test over?

• You may feel you weren't prepared. Sometimes you may feel your health was not optimal, thus preventing successful demonstration of their skills. Sometimes you feel the testing conditions were unsatisfactory. For these and many other reasons, retesting is allowed.
• Students are allowed one free retest.**
• Assessment retests: You can take the college’s assessment examination twice within a 12-month period without any fees assessed. Additional retests within the 12-month period will be subject to fees.
• You will be charged a fee of $10 per assessment for any retests within the 12-month period after the two free chances.
• Testing Center staff will complete the assessment retest form, and the applicant must then pay the fee at the Business Office at the Galesburg location or in the main office at Carthage. You will be required to submit the completed assessment retest form that indicates proof of payment before you're allowed to sit for retesting.
• There is a 24-hour waiting period between examinations; as additional time to study may be required.
  
  

Can I prepare for the ACCUPLACER placement tests?

• To assist you in your preparation, our staff strongly encourages you to check out the Test Prep & Study Resources.

• To study for the ACCUPLACER test, please review Next Generation Advanced Algebra, Quantitative Reasoning and Statistics and Next Generation Reading Samples within the website provided.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA): Sandburg is a testing site for the Illinois State Competency Exam. For further information refer to the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing site.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP): CLEP exams are intended to test an individual’s college-level knowledge gained through course work or independent study. By passing a CLEP exam, you can earn college credit. You should discuss the CLEP options with a Student Services counselor prior to registering for any of the examinations.

The HiSet exam is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills required by high schools and requested by colleges and employers.

Test site for online courses: Instructors may require that you take your exams in our proctored environment.

TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)  

The TEAS test must be completed prior to the admission deadline for your program of study. You may purchase an ATI TEAS study guide on the ATI website, or check out a TEAS study guide at the Carl Sandburg College library. TEAS practice test workbooks are available at bookstores or online. 

TEAS content outline

Sandburg's path To TEAS Excellence Programs

If you're interested in nursing or radiologic technology programs, you're currently eligible for TEAS test materials at no cost. Those who successfully complete the prep program will be eligible for reimbursement of your official TEAS test fee. Learn more on the TEAS Excellence Program page.

Test dates

2024

Friday, Sept. 27 @ 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 9 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 4 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8 @ 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 13 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 15 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 20 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9 @ 8:30 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 13 @ 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18 @ 1 p.m.

2025

Wednesday, Jan. 3 @ 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 20 @ 1 p.m.

Friday Jan. 24 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 29 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 3 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 21 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 @ 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28 @ 8:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Monday, March 3 @ 1 p.m.

Registration information

To register for the TEAS Test, you must meet with your academic advisor and obtain a TEAS registration form.

Allied Health academic advisors

Donna Bradford | 309.341.5237 

Margaret Kidd | 309.341.5237 

Sarah Morrison | 309.341.5237 

Jenn Johnson | 309.341.5237  

The cost to take the TEAS test is $70 and has to be paid to the Sandburg Business Office. You may drop off, mail or scan/email the TEAS registration form. The payment can be made in person or over the phone 309.341.5210.