KCC now offers online placement testing

Illustration of a student working on a computer with a Bruin logo on the screen.

Course placement testing, which is required of most first-time students at Kellogg Community College, is now offered online instead of exclusively in a face-to-face format at KCC.

The College announced today that the new service adds convenience, flexibility and efficiency to the testing process and enables students to complete all admissions-related processes from the comfort of their own homes. Initial tests are free, but students who return for subsequent testing may incur service fees.

Previously, placement testing at KCC was offered only in a proctored testing center on campus. Now, students can take their Accuplacer placement tests – for Math, Reading, Writing and English Language Learning courses – for free and online at a time that is convenient for them. The testing is administered through Examity, a third-party proctored testing platform.

“During this time when our campuses are closed to the public and our students are understandably concerned about interacting with others in group settings, we are delivering many services in virtual and telephone-based formats,” said Dr. Kay Keck, vice president for Student and Community Services. “Creating the ability for students to complete their placement tests online removes a barrier that may have been preventing some students from enrolling at KCC.”

KCC buildings and facilities have been closed since mid-March in order to comply with government guidance and prevent gatherings of people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The closures have impacted KCC’s Testing and Assessment Center at the institution’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek.

To schedule an online placement test, incoming KCC students must first fill out an admissions application and then send a written request – from their KCC email account – to testing@kellogg.edu. Students will be guided through the testing process, including scheduling a testing time with Examity. Prior to starting the test, students will need to display photo identification, demonstrate that they are using a laptop or desktop computer and prove they are not receiving testing assistance from others.

Testing can be completed anytime prior to registering for classes. Incoming students, including high school dual-enrolled students, who complete a placement test in the next two weeks will be able to sign up for classes when registration for Fall 2020 opens on June 15. Most KCC courses require students to achieve minimum scores on placement tests. To see a list of all courses offered for Fall 2020, visit www.kellogg.edu and click on “Class Schedules.”

Although KCC’s five campuses remain closed to the public until June 29, KCC continues to make remote services available to students via online platforms and telephone appointments. All students, including prospective students, may submit specific questions regarding services – financial aid, academic advising, online tutoring, online placement testing and more – via KCC’s Virtual Services web page at www.kellogg.edu/virtualservices.

For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at https://daily.kellogg.edu/category/news-releases.