MyGRCC
Menu

Placement Testing Information

Placement testing helps us assess your skills in reading, writing and math.

English Placement Testing

English placement testing helps us assess your skills in reading and writing and determines the English courses that will best support your skill level. 

You do not need to take the English placement test if:

  • You took the SAT after February 2016 and submitted your score to GRCC.
  • You transferred in an equivalent of EN 101 (English Composition I) with a grade of C or higher.
  • You transferred in 12 college credits or more with a GPA above 2.0.
  • You already passed EN 101 at GRCC.

You are required to take our English placement test for enrollment if:

  • Your SAT was taken before February 2016, and you have not earned a "C" or higher in EN 101 at GRCC or the equivalent at another institution.
  • You GRCC placement test was taken before October 2018, and you have not earned a "C" or higher in EN 101 at GRCC or the equivalent at another institution.
  • You transferred in fewer than 12 college credits and/or your college GPA is below 2.0, you have not previously passed ("C" grade or higher) EN 101 or the equivalent, and you do not have a post-February 2016 SAT score.

Math Placement Testing

The math placement test (ALEKS) serves two purposes. First, it allows you to assess your current skills, review and practice areas where you scored lower. You can then retest to potentially increase your score. Second, it determines the math courses you can enroll in and that best suit your skill level.

It is important to take this test without outside help so you can accurately assess your knowledge and enroll in a math class where you are most likely to be successful.

You must take our math placement test (ALEKS) before enrolling in a math course if:

  • You have never taken the math placement test at GRCC.
  • You have not completed a prerequisite math course (at GRCC or via transfer) within the past 12 months.

Please note: Math placement test scores expire after 12 months, so it may be best to take the test just prior to math course registration.

Before Testing

Before taking your placement tests, please review all the ways to receive placement levels without testing.

Request Your Test Score Report

To request scores for another institution, please fill out our Request to Release Placement Test Records form. 

Questions?

If you have questions regarding any of our placement tests, please email placementtesting@grcc.edu or call (616) 234-3300.

Placement tests

Schedule Your Placement Testing

Schedule Your Placement Testing

Testing Accommodations

We are accessible and welcoming to students of all abilities, please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at (616) 234-4140 if you need assistance or accommodations. Please connect with DSS before completing your test.

Testing Locations & Hours

Main Campus

Student Center (SCC), Room 325

Convenient access to the Testing Center is available through the Student Center entry doors, labeled 13A and 13B, on the corner of Lyon St. and Ransom St.

Building address: GRCC Student Center (SCC), 122 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

If you prefer to make an appointment for your placement test on Main Campus, please sign up through Academic Testing Services.

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Schedule testing at the Main Campus

Lakeshore Campus

Building address: 12335 James Street, Holland, MI 49424

Please check in at Room 101

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Schedule testing at the Lakeshore

Additional Information

  • To test remotely:
    • The English assessment can be accessed through Canvas.
    • The ALEKS assessment is available in your Online Center under the "Test Placement" tile.
  • To test on-campus:
    • Please be sure to bring a photo ID to show the test proctor before you take your test(s).
    • The ALEKS assessment requires approximately 90 to 120 minutes, while the English assessment has a fixed 50-minute time limit.
    • Free parking is available the day you take your test(s).
    • Children are not allowed in the testing area, nor can they be left unattended on campus.

If you have reviewed the general placement testing requirements and are not sure which test(s) you need to complete, call Student Services at (616) 234-3300.

Questions?

Contact us at placementtesting@grcc.edu

Transfer