Placement Testing

Testing Services provides English and Math placement testing. Placement scores are a mandatory prerequisite for Math and English courses, as well as other programs and classes. Placement tests measure your math, reading, and writing abilities. Review the information below to learn more about these tests, as well as the registration process, photo identification requirements, fees, locations, preparation, scores, and accommodations.

Placement Testing Information

  • Accuplacer Exam Information (used for English placement)

    Accuplacer Exam

    Accuplacer Exam, produced by College Board, is a computer-based, untimed test for reading, writing, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and geometry testing.  Accuplacer math testing may be used for some math placement testing accommodations.

     

    Test Description

    Accuplacer scores are valid for 48 months.  Joliet Junior College will accept Accuplacer scores from other institutions; official score reports should be submitted to the Testing Services Main Campus location.  Examinees may borrow a basic, four-function calculator during the geometry exam.

    Accuplacer Exam Preparation Options

     

    Registration Process
    Students wishing to attend and test at Joliet Junior College
    1. Apply for admission to Joliet Junior College. 
    2. Speak with Joliet Junior College Disability Services if you require testing accommodations.
    3. Arrive at your preferred Testing Services location to complete your testing; no appointment is necessary.
    Students wishing to attend Joliet Junior College, but test at another institution
    1. Apply for admission to Joliet Junior College
    2. Speak with Joliet Junior College Disability Services if you require testing accommodations.
    3. Call Testing Services to learn alternate site testing options.
    4. Receive email confirmation with selected alternate site contact information, testing fees, and next steps.
    Students wishing to attend another institution, but test at Joliet Junior College
    1. Contact the institution for which you need to complete placement testing.
    2. Speak with your institution's Disability Services office if you require testing accommodations.
    3. Call your preferred Testing Services location to schedule your appointment.
    4. Arrive at your scheduled locations 10 minutes before your exam with your photo identification and $25 for the Testing Services Remote Testing administrative fee

     

    Accommodations

    Any examinee who has a documented disability affecting his or her ability to sit for the test should be accommodated appropriately during the administration of any assessment.  Testing Services will work closely with JJC's Disability Services to provide this accommodation.  In order to receive accommodations while attending JJC, students must register with Disability Services.  To inquire about testing accommodations, please contact Disability Services at 815-280-2230.

    Placement testing is untimed.  All placement examinees are provided scratch paper, pencils, and earplugs.  Examinees may complete placement testing in one, or multiple sittings.

     

    Photo Identification Requirements

    Appropriate photo identification is required.  Accuplacer Examinees must provide photo identification including a name and picture.  Photocopies or reproductions are not acceptable.  Preferred photo identification options include, but are not limited to:

    • U.S. State Picture Driver's License
    • U.S. State Picture Issued ID Card
    • U.S. Passport
    • U.S. Military Picture ID
    • Federal Picture ID
    • Alien Registration Card
    • Any other current, government-issued picture ID (This form of identification may be issued by any government.)
    • Company Identification
    • Police Identification
    • Other Institutional Identification with name and picture
    • JJC School ID
    • Other School ID with name and picture

     

    Fees
    • JJC Accuplacer examinees will not be charged for placement testing or re-testing.
    • Accuplacer examinees completing their placement testing at Joliet Junior College for another institution will pay a $25 Testing Services Remote Testing administrative fee.
    • Accuplacer examinees wishing to have an official copy of their Placement Test Score Report will incur a $25 fee per request.

     

    Locations

    This testing is available at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus, and City Center Campus.

    Main Campus

    Testing Services (A-1138 in Campus Center)
    Joliet Junior College – Main Campus
    1215 Houbolt Road
    Joliet, IL  60431
    815-280-2261 or 815-280-2284

    Romeoville Campus

    Testing Services (RMA-1039)
    Joliet Junior College – Romeoville Campus
    1125 West Romeo Road (West 135th Street)
    Romeoville, IL  60446
    815-280-7785 or 815-280-7786

    City Center Campus

    Testing Services (JCTR-6002)
    Joliet Junior College – City Center Campus
    235 North Chicago Street
    Joliet, IL  60432
    815-280-1301 or 815-280-1302

     

    Preparation

    Accuplacer offers a free, web-based study app.  This is the ideal choice for individuals preparing for the Accuplacer English placement tests.

    1. Visit the College Board Accuplacer site to create an account and login to the free web-based study app. 
    2. In order to login, you will need to create an account with a valid email address and password. 
    3. Once you login to your account, you will need to select which version of Accuplacer you would like access to study materials. Joliet Junior College uses Accuplacer Next-Generation.
    4. Click here to create your account.
    5. Access to the account is valid for six months.

    Accuplacer provides free sample questions and essays.

     

    Last updated August 30, 2019.

  • ALEKS Exam Information (used for Math placement)

    ALEKS Exam

    ALEKS Exam, produced by McGraw Hill, is a computer-based, untimed math test. 

     

    Test Description

    ALEKS scores are valid for 24 months.  Joliet Junior College will accept proctored ALEKS scores from other institutions; official score reports should be submitted to the Testing Services Main Campus location.

     

    Registration Process
    Students wishing to attend and test at Joliet Junior College
    1. Apply for admission to Joliet Junior College. 
    2. Speak with Joliet Junior College Disability Services if you require testing accommodations.
    3. Arrive at your preferred Testing Services location to complete your testing; no appointment is necessary.
    Students wishing to attend Joliet Junior College, but test at another institution
    1. Apply for admission to Joliet Junior College
    2. Speak with Joliet Junior College Disability Services if you require testing accommodations.
    3. Call Testing Services secretary to learn alternate site testing options.
    4. Receive email confirmation with selected alternate site contact information, testing fees, and next steps.
    Students wishing to attend another institution, but test at Joliet Junior College
    1. Contact the institution for which you need to complete placement testing.
    2. Speak with your institution's Disability Services office if you require testing accommodations.
    3. Call your preferred Testing Services location to schedule your appointment.
    4. Arrive at your scheduled locations 10 minutes before your exam with your photo identification and $25 for the Testing Services Remote Testing administrative fee.

     

    Accommodations

    Any examinee who has a documented disability affecting his or her ability to sit for the test should be accommodated appropriately during the administration of any assessment.  Testing Services will work closely with JJC's Disability Services to provide this accommodation.  In order to receive accommodations while attending JJC, students must register with Disability Services.  To inquire about testing accommodations, please contact Disability Services at 815-280-2230.

    Placement testing is untimed.  All placement examinees are provided scratch paper, pencils, and earplugs. Examinees may complete placement testing in one, or multiple sittings.

     

    Photo Identification Requirements

    Appropriate photo identification is required.  ALEKS Examinees must provide photo identification including a name and picture.  Photocopies or reproductions are not acceptable.  Preferred photo identification options include, but are not limited to:

    • U.S. State Picture Driver's License
    • U.S. State Picture Issued ID Card
    • U.S. Passport
    • U.S. Military Picture ID
    • Federal Picture ID
    • Alien Registration Card
    • Any other current, government-issued picture ID (This form of identification may be issued by any government.)
    • Company Identification
    • Police Identification
    • Other Institutional Identification with name and picture
    • JJC School ID
    • Other School ID with name and picture

     

    Fees
    • JJC ALEKS will not be charged for access to the program. Upon initial testing, the tester is provided with twelve (12) months of access to an online remediation program, as well as five (5) attempts at the test within a twelve (12) month period.
    • ALEKS examinees completing their placement testing at Joliet Junior College for another institution will pay a $25 Testing Services Remote Testing administrative fee.
    • ALEKS examinees wishing to have an official copy of their Placement Test Score Report will incur a $25 fee per request.

     

    Locations

    This testing is available at Main Campus, Romeoville Campus, and City Center Campus.

    Main Campus

    Testing Services (A-1138 in Campus Center)
    Joliet Junior College – Main Campus
    1215 Houbolt Road
    Joliet, IL  60431
    815-280-2261 or 815-280-2284

    Romeoville Campus

    Testing Services (RMA-1039)
    Joliet Junior College – Romeoville Campus
    1125 West Romeo Road (West 135th Street)
    Romeoville, IL  60446
    815-280-7785 or 815-280-7786

    City Center Campus

    Testing Services (JCTR-6002)
    Joliet Junior College – City Center Campus
    235 North Chicago Street
    Joliet, IL  60432
    815-280-1301 or 815-280-1302

     

    Preparation

    ALEKS offers a web-based remediation program known as the ALEKS Learning Modules.

    1. Visit Testing Services and complete your first attempt at the ALEKS exam.  If you are not satisfied with your score, you have the ability to retake this placement exam four more times within twelve (12) months. 
    2. After you have completed your first attempt, you will have access to a web-based, tailored remediation plan known as the ALEKS Learning Modules.  These modules provide an adaptive learning environment focused on guidance, transparency, engagement, and motivation. 
    3. Following the initial math assessment, ALEKS generates a color-coded pie chart to display your results.  Within this "pie," each "slice" corresponds to a particular area of math proficiency.
    4. To access the Learning Modules (after testing), use your JJC ID number and JJC email address to log into your ALEKS Account here: JJC Placement Testing and ALEKS Modules.
    5. ALEKS will recommend a starting point for the Prep and Learning Module based on your initial placement assessment results. However, you ultimately have the ability to choose your preferred module.  PLEASE NOTE: Once you choose your preferred module, you cannot select a different module.
    6. Spend time reviewing material within the module to practice and improve your skills before your next ALEKS math placement testing attempt. Visit the Tutoring and Learning Center to work with a tutor one on one through the learning modules.
    7. PLEASE NOTE: ALEKS Learning module remediation is optional before your second attempt at the ALEKS test.  Three hours of remediation within the online ALEKS remediation program are mandatory before each of your three remaining attempts at the ALEKS test.
    8. Once you have launched your ALEKS Learning Modules, you will have access for up to six months.

     

    Last updated on November 6, 2019.

Placement Scores

  • Accuplacer Placement Scores

    Scores
    Reading

    To enroll in ENG 101 or 130, student, one must place appropriately in Reading AND Writing.

      Accuplacer (Classic Reading Comprehension) Accuplacer (Next Generation Reading)
    Adult Education Coursework 20-32 200-221
    ENG 020 33-45 222-229
    ENG 021, 022 46-69 230-245
    ENG 101, 130 70-120 246-300

    Click here to learn more about Adult Education Placement.

    Writing

    To enroll in ENG 101 or 130, student, one must place appropriately in Reading AND Writing.

      Accuplacer (WritePlacer)
    ENG 098 0-3 (Requires Accuplacer Next Generation Reading score of 222+)
    ENG 099 4
    ENG 101, 130 5-8
    English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

    To enroll in ENG 101 or 130, student, one must place appropriately in Reading AND Writing.

      Accuplacer (ESL Reading Skills) Accuplacer (WritePlacer ESL)
    Adult Education Coursework 20-65 1
    ENG 078 66-89  
    ENG 079 90-112  
    ENG 088   2-4
    ENG 089   5
    ENG 101, 130 113-120 6

     

    Click here to learn more about Adult Education Placement.

    Math
      Accuplacer (Classic Arithmetic) Accuplacer (Classic Elem. Algebra) Accuplacer (Classic College Math) Accuplacer (Next Gen. Arithmetic) Accuplacer (Next Gen. QAS) Accuplacer (Next Gen. AAF)
    MATH 090 20-60     200-262    
    MATH 094 61-120 33-60   263-300 235-247  
    MATH 095   61-80 20-30   248-256 200-236
    MATH 098   61-80 20-30   248-256 200-236
    BMAT 101 61-120 33-60   263-300 235-247  
    TMAT 107 61-120 33-60   263-300 235-247  
    TMAT 108   61-80 20-30   248-256 200-236
    MATH 119   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 123   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 127   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 128   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 131   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 137     56-70     263-275
    MATH 138   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 139     56-70     263-275
    MATH 142   81-120 31-55   257-300 237-262
    MATH 150     56-70     263-275
    MATH 153     56-70     263-275
    MATH 170     71-120     276-300
    Geometry
    • Accuplacer Geometry score of 60 or higher will meet geometry prerequisite for college-level math course.
    • MATH 119, 123, 124, 131, 138, and 142 require the geometry prerequisite.
    • Completing MATH 095 with a C or higher.
    • Submitting to the Admissions Department a high school transcript showing completion of two semesters of geometry with a C or higher.
    • Geometry scores never expire.

    Last updated October 7, 2019.

  • ALEKS Placement Scores

    Scores
    Math
    ALEKS Exam Score Math Course Options (depending on major of study)

    0-13

    MATH 090 (Requires Accuplacer Next Gen. Reading score of 222+ or ESL Reading score of 66+)

    14-26

    MATH 094, BMAT 101, TMAT 107

    27-39

    MATH 095, MATH 098, TMAT 107

    40-100

    MATH 119*, MATH 123*, MATH 127, MATH 128

    46-100

    MATH 131*, MATH 138*

    54-100

    MATH 142*

    61-100

    MATH 137, MATH 139, MATH 150, and MATH 153

    76-100

    MATH 170

     

    *MATH 119, 123, 124, 131, 138, and 142 also require the geometry prerequisite. Students may also meet the geometry requirement by:

    • Taking the Accuplacer Geometry test with a score of 60 or higher. 
    • Completing MATH 095 with a C or higher.
    • Submitting to the Admissions Department a high school transcript showing completion of two semesters of geometry with a C or higher.
    • Geometry scores never expire.

    Last updated on September 27, 2019.

  • ACT and SAT scores for course placement

    Valid and qualifying ACT and SAT scores can be used for placement into English and math courses. If you have acceptable ACT or SAT scores, you may not need to take the English and/or math placement test.

    ACT Scores

    ACT scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Admissions Office.

    Acceptable ACT scores
    • English
      • ACT English score of 19 or higher places student into ENG 101 or ENG 130.  
    • Math
      • ACT Math score of 22 or higher places student into MATH 119, MATH 123, MATH 127, MATH 128, MATH 131, or MATH 138.
      • ACT Math score of 23 or higher places student into MATH 142.

    SAT Scores

    SAT scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Admissions Office.


    Acceptable SAT scores
    • English
      • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher, earned after March 2016, places student into ENG 101 or ENG 130.
    • Math
      • SAT Math score of 530 or higher, earned after March 2016, places student into MATH 119, MATH 123, MATH 127, MATH 128, MATH 131, or MATH 138.
      • SAT Math score of 590 or higher, earned after March 2016, places student into MATH 142.

    Last updated on November 6, 2019.

Additional Placement Testing Information

  • Placement Testing Alternatives (AP, COMPASS, Geometry, HSE, etc.)

    Joliet Junior College students may provide alternative test scores in lieu of ACT and SAT scores or completing placement testing.  Such alternative test scores include AP, COMPASS, GED, HiSET, PARCC, and TASC.  Review the information below to learn more about testing alternatives, acceptable scores, length of test score validity, and where to direct your scores.

    AP Scores

    Joliet Junior College will award credit on the basis of scores earned on the Advanced Placement Examinations.  Students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) exams should order their official score reports from College Board and have them sent directly to the Academic Credentials Office.  AP exam scores and the JJC course equivalents are posted below.


    COMPASS Scores

    COMPASS scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Testing Services Main Campus location. 

    While ACT no longer produces COMPASS, Joliet Junior College will still accept current COMPASS scores for English, math, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement.

    Please contact Testing Services at (815) 280-2261 if you have valid COMPASS scores and would like to use them for placement. 

    Geometry
    • Students may also meet the geometry prerequisite by
      • Earning 60 or more points on Accuplacer Geometry test.
      • Earning 50 or more points on COMPASS Geometry test.
      • Completing MATH 095 with a C or higher.
      • Submitting to the Admissions Department a high school transcript showing completion of two semesters of geometry with a C or higher.
    • Geometry scores never expire.
    • MATH 119, 123, 124, 131, 138, and 142 require the geometry prerequisite.

    GED Scores

    GED scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Admissions Office.

    Acceptable GED scores
    English
    • GED Language Arts score of 165 or higher places student into ENG 101 or ENG 130.
    Math
    • GED Math score of 165 or higher places student into MATH 119, MATH 123, MATH 127, MATH 128, MATH 131, MATH 138, or MATH 142.

    HiSET Scores

    HiSET scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Admissions Office.

    Acceptable HiSET scores
    English
    • HiSET Reading score of 15 or higher places student out of ENG 021.
    • HiSET Writing score of 15 or higher places student out of ENG 099.
    • HiSET Reading score of 15 or higher, AND HiSET Writing score of 15 or higher, places student into ENG 101 or ENG 130.
    Math
    • HiSET Math score of 15 or higher places student into MATH 119, MATH 123, MATH 127, MATH 128, MATH 131, MATH 138, or MATH 142.


    PARCC Scores

    PARCC scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Admissions Office.

    Acceptable PARCC scores
    • English
      • PARCC English Language Arts/ Literacy score of 4 or higher places student into ENG 101 or ENG 130.
    • Math
      • PARCC Algebra II score of 4 or higher places student into MATH 119, MATH 123, MATH 127, MATH 128, MATH 131, MATH 138, or MATH 142.

    TASC Scores

    TASC scores are valid for 48 months and should be submitted to the Joliet Junior College Admissions Office.

    Acceptable TASC scores
    • English
      • TASC Language Arts Reading score of 580 or higher places student out of ENG 021.
      • TASC Language Arts Writing score of 560 or higher, AND TASC Essay score of 6 or higher, places student out of ENG 099.
      • TASC Language Arts Reading score of 580 or higher, TASC Language Arts Writing score of 560 or higher, AND TASC Essay score of 6 or higher, places student into ENG 101 or ENG 130.
    • Math
      • TASC Math score of 560 or higher places student into MATH 119, MATH 123, MATH 127, MATH 128, MATH 131, MATH 138, or MATH 142.

     

    Last updated November 6, 2019.

  • Placement Testing at District 525 High Schools

    JJC is aware that local high schools are preparing their juniors and seniors to make the transition into higher education, whether this be dual credit coursework or courses taken at Joliet Junior College. To assist with this shift, we offer off-site placement testing each year. This service is available to all College District 525 High Schools and allows students to complete placement testing at their local high school during school hours.

    Note: this year the process for Off-Site Testing has changed, due to the changeover in placement tests.  Please read the information on this page carefully.

    Submit an Off-Site Testing Request.

    Student Tester Guidelines

    • Reading and Writing exams are administered using the Accuplacer testing program.  There is no charge for JJC students taking the Reading and Writing exams.  Students may retake the Reading and Writing exam once every semester at Testing Services locations.
    • Math placement testing is now administered using the ALEKS testing program.  Upon completing their first ALEKS test, students will have access to six (6) months of the ALEKS remediation program and training modules through the ALEKS website. 
    • All testers participating in Off-Site Testing must complete a Joliet Junior College (JJC) Application at least two weeks prior to testing. 
    • Testers are not allowed to have food, drinks, backpacks, purses, cell phones or other electronic devices, books, folders, or paperwork with them during testing.
    • JJC Off-Site Placement Testing is for initial testing only.  All retesting must take place at a Testing Services site.   
    • All testers should realize that it is best to take this test seriously and prepare for it.
    • All testers have been made aware that ACT, PARCC, and SAT scores may be used as a substitute for testing under certain conditions.

    Institutional Guidelines

    • No scheduled drills (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) will take place during Off-Site testing. Please check your institution's calendar for drills and other planned disruptions before scheduling an Off-Site testing date.
    • JJC Testing Services Staff will be let into the testing area no less than one hour prior to scheduled testing to prepare room.
    • High school will furnish computer lab with one PC for each tester. If laptops are being used, their batteries must be fully charged prior to testing.
    • If Chromebooks are being used for Accuplacer testing, the high school will need to install a separate lockdown browser prior to testing.
    • High school will furnish blank scratch paper and pencils to each student tester. JJC Testing Services Staff will shred paper upon completion of testing.
    • Off-Site Testing Institution will ensure that computers are programmed (defaulted) to print to a printer within the testing room, if hard copies of scores are required.

    Personnel Guidelines

    • The High School's Primary IT contact and Network Administrator will be available at least one month prior to testing date to discuss JJC IT requirements.
    • The High School's Primary IT contact will be readily available during entire testing session.
    • The Counselor/Instructor contact will be present in the testing lab during entire testing session.
    • For each additional 30 student testers present, additional counselor/instructors will be present in each testing lab. See personnel requirements chart below:

    Personnel Requirements Chart

    Number of Student Testers Present

    Number of High School Counselor/ Instructors Required

    IT Personnel Requirements
    0-30 1 Primary IT readily available
    31-60 2 Primary IT readily available
    61-90 3 Primary IT readily available
    91-120 4 Primary IT readily available


    Timeframe Guidelines

    • The High School's Primary IT contact and Network Administrator will be available at least one month prior to testing date to speak with JJC IT staff to learn how to have the computers ready for testing at the high school location, as well as how to send the scores to JJC IT staff.
    • The High School's Primary IT contact and Network Administrator will perform a test run at least two weeks prior to testing date to ensure that the scores were correctly sent to JJC IT staff.
    • All student testers participating in Off-Site Placement Testing will have completed a Joliet Junior College (JJC) Application at least two weeks prior to testing.
    • All cancellations will be made at least one week prior to testing date. The ability to reschedule Off-site Placement testing is up to the discretion of Testing Services and cannot be guaranteed.
    • All roster changes must be made no later than five business days prior to testing date.  Changes submitted within four business days of the testing date may not be considered.
    • Testing Services staff will call counselor/instructor contact within 48 hours of the testing date to confirm appointment.

    Submit an Off-Site Placement Testing Request.

    Last updated September 29, 2019.