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Basic Skills Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

At Heartland Community College, we are committed to helping students succeed. That is our main purpose. A large part of student success is beginning your studies at an appropriate level. Everyone is different. Each student has his or her strengths and weaknesses. The purpose of Heartlands assessment process is to ensure that students are prepared for the courses they need to achieve their goals.

What is the Basic Skills Assessment?

The Basic Skills Assessment is a collection of placement tests in writing, mathematics and reading. The results of these tests are used to ensure that you begin your studies at the appropriate level of coursework. We want you to have the best possible opportunity to succeed both in the classes you take and in the degree or program you pursue. The results are not used to determine admission to the college, and there is no charge for the tests.

How can I do my best?

  • Be rested and ready to concentrate.
  • Answer each question carefully.
  • Take a break between tests, if necessary.
  • Ask the test administrator for help if you are unsure about directions.
  • Don't be concerned if others finish before you do. Remember, everyone has a highly individualized test, and people finish at different times.
  • Plan to do your best the first time you test. If, however, you feel your placement does not reflect your true ability, you may retest one time before taking classes in the subject area. Students must wait one day before retesting. The retest for writing skills requires you to compose a 300-500 word essay. Essay results are available in one week.

Before you take the placement test, we urge you to carefully review the sample math, reading and writing questions. These will help you become familiar with the style of questions and will give you an opportunity to practice answering questions and solving problems.

Who is required to take the test?

  • All first-time college students take the full assessment.
  • Transfer students assess as needed, based on coursework previously completed.
  • Students who hold degrees from U.S. colleges and universities, students with special testing needs or students with other special testing considerations should contact the Student Services Assessment Office at (309) 268-8057 prior to testing.

Does Heartland accept ACT scores for placement?

ACT subscores in English, Reading and Math may be used for placement if the ACT was taken within the past two year.

  • An ACT English subscore of 21-36 — placement at college level in English. All other students must assess.
  • An ACT Reading subscore of 21-36 — placement at college level in Reading. All other students must assess.
  • An ACT Math subscore of 23-36 — placement at college level in Math 106, Math 131, Math 141 or TMAT 105. All other students must assess.
  • Students eligible to use ACT scores for placement in English, Reading and/or Math need to being a copy of their scores with them when they come in to test.

What are the tests like?

Heartland uses a computer-adaptive testing system from American College Testing called COMPASS. Although testing is done on a computer, computer expertise is not required. Directions are clearly stated, and help is always available. The tests are adaptive, which means that questions are selected based on responses to previous questions. Since the tests are highly individualized and tailored to the student's level, the tests are shorter than with traditional paper and pencil tests.

Is the assessment timed?

There is no time limit, and testers are encouraged to work carefully at their own pace. Most students complete testing in one and a half to two hours, but some testers require considerably more time. Students may take all three tests at one sitting, or split them into different sessions. Scores are available at the end of testing.

When and where can I test?

You may take the Basic Skills Assessment in the Assessment Center, Student Commons Building room 2001 at these dates and times.

What do I need to bring to the test?

Calculators are allowed for math. Basic calculators are provided, or you may bring your own. Some calculators, such as the TI-89 are not allowed.

Who should I contact for more information?

You may contact us by email or phone if you have further questions about testing.

Amanda Rambo, Program Assistant for Assessment and Program Admission
Enrollment Services
1500 W. Raab Rd.
Normal, IL
Email: Amanda Rambo
Phone: (309) 268-8058

Lincoln Center
620 Broadway
Lincoln, IL 62656
Email: Angie Ishmael
Phone: (217) 735-1731

Pontiac Center
211 E. Madison
Pontiac, IL 61764
Email: Sharon Mackinson
Phone: (815) 842-6777

Where can I go to view sample questions?

To become familiar with the style of questions, we encourage you to practice answering sample questions in math, reading and writing. This will give you an opportunity to practice answering questions and solving problems.