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), 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 2 attempts). Test results are valid for 5 years.

It is very important that students do their best work on the placement test so that they are placed appropriately in courses where they can succeed and make progress. Time spent in developmental courses will delay enrollment into college level courses. It is highly recommended that students prepare for the placement test.

Note: Carl Sandburg College utilizes multiple measures to assess student's academic course placement. In lieu of Accuplacer testing, students may utilize other means to verify placement into college-level courses. Please see the link below for detailed information.

Multiple Measures Placement Information

Students wishing to use their ACT or SAT test for placement will need to have their 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?

• After completion of a Sandburg application, you may then schedule your test.
• Before new full-time students meet with an advisor to register for classes, testing is required.
  
  

WHERE CAN I TAKE THE ACCUPLACER TEST?

• The test is administered at all Carl Sandburg College campus locations.
• If 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?

• Main Campus in Galesburg – call (309) 345-3500 or fill out registration form on this page
• Branch Campus in Carthage – call (217) 357-3129
  
  

IF I HAVE A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY, CAN I RECEIVE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE ACCUPLACER TEST?

• Applicants who need to take the ACCUPLACER test with accommodations based on their disability should contact the Coordinator of Academic Support Services by calling, (309) 341-5262 to make arrangements.
  
  

 WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE DAY OF TESTING?

• A brief orientation that will include information about campus resources and 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 are taking all two tests, plan on spending 2 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.
• A positive attitude!  Remember, you cannot fail these tests.
  
  

I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH MY ACCUPLACER TEST RESULTS.  CAN I TAKE THE TEST OVER?

• A student might feel that they were not prepared.  Sometimes a student might feel that their health was not optimal, thus preventing successful demonstration of their skills.   Sometimes a student feels that the testing conditions were unsatisfactory.  For these and many other reasons, retesting is allowed.
• Students are allowed one free retest. **
• Assessment Retests: An applicant 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.
• An applicant will be charged a fee of $10.00 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.  The applicant will be required to submit the completed Assessment Retest Form that indicates proof of payment before they are 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 and 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.  http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students

C.N.A. (Certified Nursing Assistant): Sandburg is a testing site for the Illinois State Competency Exam.
For further information refer to the following website: http://www.nurseaidetesting.com/

CLEP (College Level Examination Program): 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.  Students should discuss the CLEP options with a Student Services counselor prior to registering for any of the examinations.

HiSet Exam: 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. Students may purchase an ATI TEAS study guide on the ATI website www.atitesting.com 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

TEST DATES

Friday, October 21, 2022 @ 8:30 am, 1:00pm

Friday, November 11, 2022 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Monday, November 21, 2022 @ 1:00 pm

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 @ 1:00 pm

Monday, December 12, 2022 @ 8:30 am

Friday, December 16, 2022 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Friday, January 6, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

Friday, January 13, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Friday, January 20, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

Friday, January 27, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Friday, February 3, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Monday, February 6, 2023 @ 8:30 am

Friday, February 10, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

Friday, February 17, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

Friday, February 24, 2023 @ 8:30 am, 1:00 pm

Registration Information

In order 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, dbradford@sandburg.edu 309-341-5237

Jennifer Holmes, jholmes@sandburg.edu 309-341-5237

Jenn Johnson, jojohnson@sandburg.edu 309-341-5237

Victoria McMullin, vmcmullin@sandburg.edu 309-341-5237

The cost to take the TEAS Test is $70.00 and has to be paid to the Carl Sandburg College 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).