Placement Assessment Information
All new and returning students who intend to pursue a college certificate or degree and who have not completed an Associate Degree or higher are required to take a Placement Assessment to assess skills in reading, English, and mathematics. The assessment process occurs during or prior to new student orientation and registration. The Assessment must be completed before registering for classes.
The Placement Assessment supports student success by helping students to register for the correct sequence of courses and build their college-level skills as needed. Academic advisors use the assessment to recommend courses, including any support or developmental classes that may be indicated by the assessment scores.
- Students who have completed between 0-30 college credits are required to take a full Placement Assessment.
- Students who have completed more than 30 college credits, but have not yet earned an Associate Degree or higher, are required to take math and English Placement Assessments. The results of the assessment will be used to determine the need for supplemental courses, tutoring, or other assistance.
- Students who have completed an Associate Degree or higher are not required to take a Placement Assessment. However, academic departments may request that students who completed their college degree more than five years ago take a math and/or English Placement Assessment to determine the need for tutoring or other assistance.
Placement Assessments are coordinated by the Department of Academic Success, located across from the Big Knife Building. The Assessment is administered on a weekly basis throughout the year. Notice of Placement Assessment dates is posted in the SKC class schedule. Students may also call the Department of Academic Success (406.275.4792) for assessment dates. Students do not need to sign up ahead of time. The Placement Assessment is timed, so it is important that students arrive on time.