Placement Tests

FSCC Placement Policy

FSCC has adopted multiple placement measures to help students select the most appropriate English, Math, and Reading courses for their educational goals.

All degree-seeking students and students enrolling in English or mathematics courses must provide placement scores from a testing instrument approved by the college (ACT, SAT, ASSET, ACCUPLACER, and Compass tests) completed within two years before enrollment. Students without placement scores must take the FSCC placement test, ACCUPLACER. Students who provide high school transcripts that meet FSCC requirements are encouraged to use their cumulative high school GPA instead of placement exams. 

Students will need to take a placement test if their high school transcript or GED Test Scores are not considered valid.

Students seeking an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree must have a score of 21 or higher on the English and math portion of the ACT or take the ACCUPLACER test prior to enrolling in English or math classes. Students who are enrolled in a certificate or degree program in an occupational or technical program should check the program requirements and with the program director to ensure placement test requirements.

Students are enrolled in classes according to their scores.

ACCUPLACER Next-Generation is composed of tests in three subject areas: writing, reading, and mathematics. It is NOT a pass/fail test. Student’s best effort is extremely important, as the results may determine placement in writing, reading, and mathematics courses. Students who wish to take a placement test for additional placement options are welcome to do so. The ACCUPLACER Next-Generation tests are available at the FSCC main campus in Fort Scott, Miami County Campus in Paola, or the FSCC Motorcycle Training Building in Frontenac. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or by appointment. All sections are untimed. However, you should allow at least 1 ½ -2 hours to complete the entire battery of tests.

Students may take the ACCUPLACER test twice for free. The third test is $5 per test or $12 for all three tests. Students may take the test up to three times per semester. No calculators are provided for the ACCUPLACER test. Some, but not all, of the math questions contain pop-up calculators for students to use in solving the problem.

How to Prepare for ACCUPLACER

Sharpening your academic skills by answering sample test questions in reading, writing, and math can lead you to improve and can help boost your confidence when you take the actual tests. ACCUPLACER resources include a free webbased study app, along with sample questions for each of the sections of the test. Go to https://studentportal.accuplacer.org, and click on “Practice Resources.” Note: FSCC administers the “Next-Generation” version of ACCUPLACER. For information about ACCUPLACER, please contact Jodi Murrow at 620- 223-2700, ext. 4300.

Testing locations

The ACCUPLACER test can be taken at the FSCC main campus in Fort Scott, Miami County Campus in Paola, or the Pittsburg Education Center in Pittsburg. For information about other test sites, please contact Janet Fancher at 620-223-2700, ext. 3620. Testing is available during regular business hours. For large groups who wish to test, please contact FSCC Student Success Center for scheduling.

• FSCC Student Success Center
  2108 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS
  620-223-2700, ext. 4300
   
• FSCC Harley-Davidson Tech.
  274 N Industrial Dr. Frontenac, KS
  620-231-3690
   
• FSCC Miami County Campus
  501 Hospital Drive, Paola, KS
  913-294-4178

Retesting

Students may take the ACCUPLACER test twice for free. the third test is $5 per test or $12 for all three tests. Students may take the test up to three times per semester.

Test length

The ACCUPLACER test is not timed, but it typically takes an hour or so, depending on the test-taker. No calculators are provided for the ACCUPLACER test. Some, but not all, of the math questions contain pop-up calculators for students to use in solving the problem.

Transferring scores

FSCC accepts scores from other colleges; tests include ACCUPLACER, Compass, ACT, SAT, and Asset. Compass scores from an exam taken at another institution can be transferred to FSCC (provided that they were taken within two years). Scores from another institution can be converted to FSCC placement levels. 

Remote testing

The ACCUPLACER test can be taken remotely at a local college or university, provided that the college has the capability for remote testing with ACCUPLACER and is an approved proctor. Remote testing requires scheduling with the FSCC Student Success Center. Some colleges/universities charge a fee for remote testing.

For more information

Please contact the Student Success Center at 620-223-2700 ext. 4300.