Frequently Asked Questions
What are placement tests?
Assessment and placement tests are used to determine the enrollment level in the program/plan of choice.
How and where are the tests administered?
Tests are administered at any NEIU campus in Chicago as well as remotely (at home). High school students may have the option to take their placement exams at their high school during school hours.
Tests on the main campus are temporarily located in the B-103 Student Computer Lab.
Do I have to take the placement tests?
To register for classes, you must have completed Placement Test(s) or been
granted a test waiver. To see if you are eligible for a test waiver, . Students who have a test waiver may enroll
directly into college-level English and Math.
What are the criteria for a placement test waiver?
- A cumulative, weighted GPA of 3.25 or higher for recent graduates of U.S. high schools waives the English test. Incoming students who have earned a grade of 鈥淐鈥 or better in college level English or Math courses from a regionally accredited institution are exempt from being tested, provided official transcripts are submitted verifying successful completion of courses.
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College credit may be granted for students completing Advanced Placement courses and earning scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations. Applicants with those scores will be awarded transfer credit for the equivalent college credit course and may be exempt from placement testing.
Additional Criteria
- Transfer students who submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited US college or university showing successful completion of an equivalent developmental level course in English or math; or showing completion of college level math, English (particularly ENGLISH 101
Composition/Freshman Composition), with a grade of 鈥淐鈥 or higher. - Students who have already earned an Associates degree or higher.
High school graduates who submit official and sufficiently high ACT or SAT test scores. ACT and SAT test scores are valid for a period of four (4) years. A writing test may still be required. - Transitional Math grade of "C" or higher as outlined in the academic
policy. - Recent, sufficiently high ACCUPLACER placement test scores from other institutions.
Students who qualify to waive the Math placement tests can still take the tests to try to place into a higher class.
*Official transcripts/scores must be submitted to NEIU Admissions (admissions@neiu.edu).
To see if you are eligible for a test waiver, .
Learn more about .
How do I sign up for placement tests?
To sign up for placement tests, register for or in person testing. To sign up to take your placement tests online, submit our . You鈥檒l receive a voucher code via email from ACCUPLACER within 1-3 business days (on holidays and during university closures, expect to receive an email/voucher when the university reopens.)
How do I reschedule or cancel my test?
If you need to change your scheduled in person placement tests for any reason, click on the link in your confirmation email or contact Testing Services at testingservices@neiu.edu to cancel.
What happens if I test into developmental courses?
Testing into a developmental course is an entry point to eventually enrolling in college level coursework. Developmental courses build foundational skillsets
needed to excel in college level curriculum.
Students may receive 蓝莓视频 for a maximum of 30 semester hours of
Development Studies courses as long as the courses are required as a result of placement testing, the student is in an eligible program of study, and Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements continue to be met.
What do I need to bring for the test?
You must bring a valid ID card or passport (driver鈥檚 license, state ID, high school ID, etc.). All testers must present a physical photo ID. There are no exceptions to this rule. Individuals without a valid ID will not be allowed to test. A picture of ID will not be accepted.
Can I use a calculator or dictionary during the test?
No. The following are not allowed in the testing room: calculators, electronic devices, materials, and study aids. There is a calculator icon available for select math problems.
How long will the test take?
On average, tests take 2-3 hours. However, all tests are untimed, so it varies widely from student to student.
Do I need to be there at the stated time? Can I come later?
It鈥檚 highly recommended to arrive no later than the stated time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may need to reschedule. If you are going to be late, please contact Testing Services at testingservices@neiu.edu.
I didn鈥檛 sign up for the test; can I still come to take the test?
It is recommended that you register ahead of time to secure your place at testing.
Can I use my AP or CLEP credits for the math and English courses instead of taking the placement test?
Yes, you can. Learn more about AP and CLEP at Northeastern.
Does the test cost anything?
The test is offered free to all incoming students who are taking it for the first time at Northeastern.
Can I retake the test?
Students can retake the Accuplacer placement tests up to 3 times. There is a waiting period of 2-4 weeks between retakes. More information about retakes.
How will I get my results?
Results will appear on screen at the conclusion of the test in the form of a report. You may take a screen shot or print the report. For more information, visit our Interpreting Your Test Scores page.
Are there practice tests available?
Yes. Visit our Practice Placement Tests page for study resources.
What is the next step after taking the placement test?
You will meet with an advisor to plan out and register for classes. Incoming transfer students will need to sign up for Orientation. Incoming students should also check out our Summer Bridge Programs.
How do I receive special accommodations?
狈辞谤迟丑别补蝉迟别谤苍鈥檚 Student Disability Services (SDS) provides assistance for students who request accommodations. Please contact sds@neiu.edu for more information.
Testing Accommodations for students with disabilities are given in a manner
consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act. This includes offering and administering the test in a time, place and manner that is accessible, including the provision of appropriate modifications and auxiliary aids and services.
Accommodations are provided through prior
to test administration.
Can I park my car in one of 狈辞谤迟丑别补蝉迟别谤苍鈥檚 parking lots on the day of the on campus test?
Yes, you can park your car on campus at any parking lot designated Blue Zone or Green Zone. If you are not a current student, you will need to purchase a one-day $5 parking permit for the day of the test if you are taking the placement tests at the main campus. There is also free parking on Bryn Mawr Ave and North St. Louis Ave.
Can I bring my family, friend, or a child to the on campus test?
No children or guests can accompany you in the room while you test; however, they can wait in the waiting area only. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Who do I contact if I still have questions about placement tests?
If you have questions about placement testing, please contact Testing Services at (773) 442-5293 or testingservices@neiu.edu.