Mandatory Evaluation and Mandatory Placement were adopted by the Kansas City Kansas Board of Trustees on June 12, 2001.
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
KCKCC wants every student to succeed, and you need to start on the right academic path. Every first-time student is required to complete a placement assessment in reading, writing and math. The college uses multiple ways to access academic placement, including but not limited to the Accuplacer, ACT, SAT, and previous college courses.
New Students
Students who have not attended college before applying to KCKCC will be assessed using the Accuplacer assessment. Advisors use the placement evaluation to help students choose the right classes.
- The assessment is offered in the Student Success Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Placement assessment is also offered online and at other college sites.
- Students can take as long as they need to complete the assessment, and many students complete it in 90 minutes or longer.
- Some students may be required to complete an ESOL placement assessment based on the TESOL score. The ESOL assessment requires four hours to complete.
For first-time students who have completed the ACT or SAT in the past 24 months, the scores may be used for placement assessment.
Transfer Students
Transfer students with prior COMPASS and/or ACCUPLACER scores may submit official scores for evaluation to the Placement Testing Specialist. In addition, student who have completed college-level English or Math courses may not be required to complete additional assessment.
Assessment Exemptions
The only individuals exempt from completing the basement are those:
- Enrolling only in wellness and fitness classes.
- Enrolling only in a physical activity class from the exercise science curriculum.
- Enrolling only in contract agreement with KCKCC.
- Who have earned a two-year or higher degree and whose study included math and English classes.
Where to Take Placement Evaluation
The placement evaluation is given in the Student Success Center, Jewell Building, Room 3345A on a walk-in basis; no appointments are needed.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Virtual assessment is also available. Access this link for virtual options. (You must be logged into your KCKCC Student account to access th link.)
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 Tips
- Come in rested, relaxed and ready to do your best.
- Relax! You cannot fail and you have as much time as you need.
- Take your time and read each question carefully. Rushing through may cause you to answer questions incorrectly.
- Keep in mind that children are not allowed in the assessment area, and childcare is not provided. Please make appropriate childcare arrangements.
Study Materials
You can find placement study materials on Accuplacer's website or study using the free study app at https://practice.accuplacer.org/.
Placement Scores
Frequently Asked Questions
All first time students are required to be assessed in Reading, Writing Skills and Mathematics. English As a Second Language students may take three additional ESL tests. Assessment 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.
The placement assessment is not timed so you can relax and do your best. It generally takes between two and three hours to complete testing.
Assessment show you and your Student Success Advisor which classes are right for you. Enrollment in the appropriate classes increases your ability to succeed.
First-time college students who have taken the ACT or SAT may be able to sue their official scores for course placement. You can see the multiple measures and test exemptions at this link.
Students with college level credit in English and math with a grade of “C” or better may not be required to take the placement evaluation. 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 assessment on a computer using either the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers and supply other information.
The evaluation is not a pass-fail test. KCKCC is an open-door community college. No matter your assessment outcome, you are welcome to attend. Your assessment help you and your academic advisor find the classes that are appropriate for you.
After placement assessment is completed you should contact your Student Success Advisor, Program Coordinator, or the Student Success Center to enroll in your classes.