Welcome to the testing center. As you begin or continue your educational journey, you have access to a variety of services as you pursue your academic goals, including:
ACCUPLACER testing
This computer-adaptive college placement test evaluates your skill level in reading, writing and mathematics — and is required for new students.
Learn more about ACCUPLACER.TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The TEAS test must be completed prior to the admission deadline for certain Sandburg programs of study. Learn more about TEAS.
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) TESTING
Sandburg is a testing site for the Illinois State Competency Exam.
COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
If you pass a CLEP exam — assessment of your college-level knowledge — you can earn college credit. Discuss your options with your advisor before registering for any exam.
HISET
The HiSet exam is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills required by high schools, and requested by colleges and employers.
PROCTORED ONLINE COURSE TESTS & MAKEUP EXAMS
Sometimes you're required to take your exams in a proctored environment. And with instructor permission, you can make up a missed exam in the case of emergency or illness.
ACCUPLACER placement test
This computer-adaptive college placement test evaluates your skill level in reading and mathematics, and is one option for determining course placement.
Your scores determine your proper and mandatory placement into college-level courses (classes with course number 100 and above) and developmental education courses (classes with course number less than 100). There is no charge** to take the ACCUPLACER placement test (up to two attempts), and test results are valid for five years.
If you want to use your ACT or SAT test for placement, have your official test scores sent to Sandburg. Official high school transcripts with the ACT or SAT score are also accepted.
Sandburg uses multiple measures to assess your academic course placement. In lieu of ACCUPLACER testing, you can verify placement into college-level courses in other ways. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
When will I need to take the ACCUPLACER placement test?
- You can schedule your test after completing a Sandburg application.
- Testing is required before you meet with an advisor to register for classes.
Where can I take the ACCUPLACER test?
- At any Sandburg campus location
- If you're out of district, you can arrange to take the test at your local community college, via remote testing.
How do I register for the ACCUPLACER test?
- Galesburg campus: Call 309.345.3500, or register online.
- Carthage campus: Call 217.357.3129.
If I have a documented disability, can I receive accommodations for the ACCUPLACER test?
- Yes. 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 about campus resources and the purpose of the test.
- There are two sections to the test: Reading and mathematics.
- There’s no pass or fail associated with these tests.
- You aren’t timed on either section.
- 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. And don’t worry about how long other testers take; each person takes tests differently.
- Post-testing advising is provided once you complete the tests. You’ll receive a copy of your score report, then review tests results and goals, and have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
What should I bring on the day of testing?
- A photo ID is required (driver’s license, state ID, passport or school ID are acceptable forms of ID).
- You can’t use a calculator unless one appears on the testing screen.
- Bring a positive attitude. Remember, you can’t fail these tests.
I wasn't satisfied with my ACCUPLACER test results. Can I take the test over?
- Retesting is allowed for several reasons, including feeling unprepared, feeling under the weather, unsatisfactory testing conditions, and therefore, preventing successful demonstration of your skills.
- Retestings:
- You’re allowed one free retest.**
- You can take the test twice within a 12-month period without any fees assessed.
- Additional retests within the 12-month period are subject to fees.
- You’ll be charged a $10 fee per assessment for any retests within the 12-month period after the two free chances.
- Testing center staff completes the assessment retest form, and you pay the fee at the Business Office at the Galesburg location or in the main office at Carthage. You’re required to submit the completed assessment retest form that indicates proof of payment before you're allowed to sit for retesting.
- There’s a 24-hour waiting period between examinations to provide additional study time.
Can I prepare for the ACCUPLACER placement tests?
To prepare for the ACCUPLACER test, review what’s on the tests, then check out the practice tests here:
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is required for admission to Sandburg's limited-enrollment healthcare programs. Sandburg offers free assistance to help you optimize your TEAS score through the Path to TEAS Excellence. Students who complete the program and submit successful practice tests can be reimbursed for the TEAS testing fee. We're here to help you prepare and succeed!
Programs requiring TEAS
The TEAS test is required for admission to the following programs:
- Dental hygiene
- Nursing (practical nursing and associate degree nursing)
- Radiologic technology
Note: TEAS scores are valid for two years.
Test cost & payment
TEAS test fee: $70
Payment options:
- By phone: 309.341.5210 (debit or credit card)
- In person:
Galesburg campus / E103
Carthage branch campus office
Important payment details:
- Payment must be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled test.
- Each test date is limited to 14 registrations.
- Priority is based on the date and time your fee is paid.
- Walk-ins and day-of-test payments are not permitted.
- Your test seat is not held until payment is received.
How to register for the TEAS test
Follow these simple steps to register:
- Submit your registration.
- Complete the TEAS test registration form.
- Pay the $70 test fee.
- Must be paid at least 24 hours before your test. (See payment options above.)
- Create an ATI account.
- Go to the ATI TEAS website, and create your account. (Required before test day.)
- You're not registering for a test; you're only creating a username and password.
- Write down your ATI username and password, and bring it with you on testing day.
- Prepare for test day.
- Review the test day checklist below.
Teas test dates
We offer multiple testing opportunities throughout the academic year:
Fall 2025
- Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m. / @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 @ 8:30 am / @ 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m.
- Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 @ 8:30 am / 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m.
- Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
Spring 2026
- Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m.
- Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 3, 20268:30 a.m.
- Friday, March 6, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m. / 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 @ 8:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ 1 p.m.
Test day checklist
What to bring
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your ATI username and password — create your account at ATI website before arrival.
- Confirmation of payment — ensure your spot is scheduled.
Important details
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
- Test duration: Three hours.
- Location: Testing center room A049
Sandburg's PATH to TEAS Excellence Program
Save money while you prepare!
Sandburg's PATH to TEAS Excellence program provides free TEAS prep materials and test-fee reimbursement to eligible students. If you're successful in the prep portion of the program, you'll qualify for reimbursement for one official TEAS test.
Eligible programs
- Dental hygiene
- Nursing (practical nursing and associate degree nursing)
- Radiologic technology
What you'll get
- Free access to TEAS prep materials (TEAS Prep Basic package)
- Free TEAS test via reimbursement upon successful completion
- Two practice tests to help you prepare
How it works
Step 1: Complete the interest form.
- Submit PATH to TEAS Excellence interest form.
Step 2: Receive your login credentials.
- You'll receive a Sandburg email with login information (typically around September).
- Update your password when you receive access.
Step 3: Complete the TEAS Prep Basic package.
- Follow the link in the email to complete the prep materials and two practice tests.
Step 4: Submit your practice tests.
- Email your completed practice tests to ebuck@sandburg.edu or vhinderliter@sandburg.edu for review.
Step 5: Qualify for reimbursement.
- Score at least 55% on at least one practice test to qualify for reimbursement of your official TEAS test fee.
- Attach your official TEAS test receipt with your practice exam drafts to receive reimbursement.
About the program
The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program is funded through an Illinois Community College Board grant. It serves, creates, supports and expands opportunities for individuals in nursing and select healthcare pathways to obtain certificates and degrees, allowing them to enter and advance their careers in the healthcare industry.
Need help?
We're here to support you every step of the way!
Academic advisors
Galesburg campus: 309.341.5237
- Donna Bradford
- Jenn Johnson
- Margaret Kidd
- Elliot Lepper
Testing center coordinator: Kirk Watson
Room A051
testing@sandburg.edu
309.341.5323
PATH to TEAS Excellence program coordinators: Valerie Hinderliter / Beth Buck
Contact Beth or Valerie with questions.
General inquiries
Call 309.345.3500, or email us.
HiSET testing at Sandburg
Sandburg is an approved testing site for the HiSET high school equivalency test. The HiSET exam helps adult learners earn their high school equivalency credential and take the next step toward their college and career goals.
Special instructions for RAES and ROE students
If you're enrolled in RAES (Regional Alternative Education for Success) and ROE (Regional Office of Education) programs, work directly with your instructors and staff to schedule and pay for your tests. All other students must create their own account at hiset.org to register and pay independently.
Test fees and payment
- Cost: $23 per exam (five exams total = $115 for the complete battery)
- Payment: All payments are made online when scheduling your test.
- Payment methods: Credit/debit card or prepaid gift card that allows online transactions
Test schedule at Sandburg
Choose from multiple testing sessions throughout the week to accommodate your schedule:- Tuesday: 1-3 p.m. (afternoon session) or 5-7 p.m. (evening session)
- Wednesday: 10 a.m.-noon (morning session) or 2-4 p.m. (afternoon session)
- Thursday: 10 a.m.-noon (morning session) or 2-4 p.m. (afternoon session)
- Friday: 10 a.m.-noon (morning session) or 2-4 p.m. (afternoon session)
Test duration
Each HiSET exam has different time requirements. Learn more about specific timing information for each of the five subtests and other useful content details.
How to schedule your test
- Visit HiSET to get started.
- Create your myHiSET account.
- Select Carl Sandburg College as your testing location.
- Choose your preferred test date and time.
- Pay for your exam online.
Testing location
Find the closest HiSET approved testing site or verify Sandburg's location details.
Important information for Illinois test takers
Eligibility requirements
- Must be 17 years old or older.
- Must be an Illinois resident for 30 days or more.
- Cannot be enrolled in high school.
- Must present valid proof of residency and government-issued photo ID on test day.
Additional Illinois requirement
Illinois law requires all HiSET test takers to also pass the Illinois Constitution Test to receive their high school equivalency diploma. This test is offered free of charge and can be taken before or after completing your HiSET exam.
What to bring on test day
- Valid government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph
- Proof of Illinois residency (required)
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time.
Questions?
For more information about HiSET testing at Sandburg, contact our testing center or visit the official HiSET website.
Ready to take the next step in your education and career? Schedule your HiSET exam today, and open the door to new opportunities.
College-level examinations program (CLEP) testing
Sandburg’s testing center offers the College-Level Examinations Program (CLEP). CLEP tests students' knowledge across a variety of college-level subjects, regardless of where they may have learned the material. CLEP exams are developed by committees of college faculty who design questions based on what is typically covered in lower-level college courses and who set passing standards for the exams.
Test fees and payment
- Cost: $20 service fee payable to Sandburg. (Fee waived for current Sandburg students.)
- $97 fee payable to CLEP.
Steps to test
- Select and register for the test(s) you wish to take. When selecting your tests, closely review the exam content, fees and study information.
- Choose the ‘register’ button after selecting the exam you plan to take.
- Pay the testing fee to CLEP.
- .Schedule the test at Sandburg
- Sandburg is an official CLEP testing site. You can take any of the CLEP tests at Sandburg, but credit toward a Sandburg degree or certificate is limited to courses that align with Sandburg programs. For more information, consult Sandburg’s Credit for Prior Learning Guide, or call student development at 309.341.5233.
- Call the testing center coordinator at 309.341.5323 to find a convenient time to complete your exam.
Testing day
- Arrive at Sandburg’s testing center 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing your name, address, date of birth, signature and photograph
- Exams average 90-120 minutes to complete depending on the exam subject.
- You'll receive unofficial results at the end of the test. For credit to be considered at Sandburg, you will need to send the official results to the college. If you did not select a score recipient on test day, email clep@info.collegeboard.org to request your score report (fees apply after 30 days).