Kansas City Kansas Community College is currently using multiple factors including, but not limited to, high school GPA/course grades, GED content scores, ACT/SAT scores, ACCUPLACER™ scores, and DANTES scores for course placement. For guidance about your course placement and for more information regarding multiple factors, contact Faith Moody at fmoody@kckcc.edu.
All students are required to complete the placement test before meeting with an advisor to enroll. No appointments are needed for the placement test.
Questions regarding the need for placement testing by students who have previously received college credit for composition or math should be directed to the directed to Placement Testing, 913-288-7171.
There is no fee for the exam, but a photo I.D. is required. Following the test session, students will receive a record of their scores and the recommended course placements.
Testing is computerized and administered on a drop-in basis. Students who require accommodations due to a documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility and Support Services office at 913-288-7664.
All new students must have a completed Kansas City Kansas Community College application on file in the Admissions Office before testing.
ESL tests can take approximately four hours. Students whose native language is not English should plan to arrive approximately four hours before closing time to take the test in one sitting.
Mandatory Evaluation and Placement
Mandatory evaluation and mandatory placement were adopted by the Kansas City Kansas Board of Trustees on June 12, 2001. First time college students who have taken the ACT or SAT within the last 24 months may be exempt from taking the placement evaluation in Reading and Writing if their score is ACT 23/SAT 575 in Reading and English. First time college students who have taken the ACT or SAT within the last 24 months may be exempt from taking the placement evaluation in Math if their score is ACT 23/SAT 575 or higher in math.
Every first time college student will take the required placement evaluation:
- On campus
- Online
- Leavenworth
- PACE
- High school partnership/concurrent enrollments
Exemptions
- Only in Wellness
- Only in a physical activity class from the exercise science curriculum
- Only in contract agreement with KCKCC, OR
- Those students who have earned a two year or higher degree and whose study included math and English from an accredited post secondary institution.
Where to Take Placement Test
The placement test is given in the Student Success Center, Jewell Building, Room 3345A on a walk-in basis; no appointments are needed.
It takes approximately an hour and a half to two hours to take the placement test. Students should plan to arrive for placement testing no later than two hours before closing time. ESL tests can take approximately four hours. Students whose native language is not English should plan to arrive approximately four hours before closing time.
Our offices hours are:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
It takes approximately an hour and a half to two hours to take the placement test. ESL tests can take approximately four hours. Students should plan accordingly.
If you cannot make it in for testing you can see the virtual hours and sign up for a virtual test session here.
Pioneer Career Center and Technical Education Center
Students may also fill out applications, take the placement test, meet with academic advisors, and attend classes at the Pioneer Career Center and the Technical Education Center. Contact the Pioneer Center at 913-288-7750 or the Technical Education Center at 913-627-4100 for their hours and for more information.
Distance Education students should contact the Faith Moody at fmoody@kckcc.edu or 913-288-7171 to make arrangements for placement testing.
Placement Testing Tips
- Come in rested, relaxed and ready to do your best.
- Relax! You cannot fail and you have as much time as you need to finish testing.
- Take your time and read each question carefully. Rushing through the test may cause you to answer questions incorrectly.
- Keep in mind that children are not allowed in the testing area and childcare is not provided. Please make appropriate childcare arrangements.
Study Materials
Being prepared for the placement test is important. You can find placement testing study materials on Accuplacer's website or study using the free study app at https://practice.accuplacer.org/login.
Frequently Asked Questions
All first time students are required to take the placement test in Reading, Writing Skills and Mathematics. English As a Second Language students may take three additional ESL tests. Testing must be completed prior to enrollment.
Students who have never taken college classes.
Intermittent students who do not have a college transcript on file in the Admissions Office showing a grade of “C” or better in college-level English and mathematics courses.
Students whose native languages are not English should contact the English for Speakers of Other Languages office at 913-288-7625 or the Humanities & Fine Arts office at 913-288-7134, before taking the placement test.
KCKCC does not charge a fee for placement testing.
The placement test is not timed so you can relax and do your best. It generally takes between one and two hours to complete testing.
Placement scores show you and your academic advisor which classes are appropriate for you. Enrollment in the appropriate classes increases your ability to succeed.
First-time college students who have taken the ACT or SAT within the last 24 months may be exempt from taking the placement evaluation in Reading and Writing if their score is ACT 23/SAT 575 in Reading and English. First-time college students who have taken the ACT or SAT within the last 24 months may be exempt from taking the placement evaluation in math if their score is ACT 23/SAT 575 or higher in math.
Students with college level credit in English and math with a grade of “C” or better may not be required to take the placement test. If you have college credit from another institution, please make an appointment with the Student Advising Center prior to testing to determine which part(s) of the test (English or math) you will be required to take. You can contact the Student Success Center at 913-288-7696 to set up an appointment. If your transcripts from other institutions are not on file in the Admissions Office bring a copy of each transcript with you to your advising appointment.
You will take the placement test on a computer using either the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers and supply other information.
The placement test is not a pass-fail test. KCKCC is an open-door community college. No matter what you score on the placement test you are welcome to attend. Your scores help you and your academic advisor find the classes that are appropriate for you.
After placement testing is completed you should contact your academic advisor or the Student Advising Center to enroll in your classes. If you cannot early enroll, you can come to regular enrollment which takes place a few days before each semester begins. Contact the Admissions Office at 913-288-7600 for enrollment times.