Testing Center

New first year students may be exempt from the placement test by demonstrating college-level proficiency through qualifying SAT scores or high school GPA. Please refer to Triton College’s Placement Test Information for New Students document below to determine if you need to take a placement test. Unofficial transcripts and test scores can be sent to advising@lacolumnadecarlos.com for determination of possible placement test exemption.

Placement Test Information
for New Students

Book Testing Appointment HERE

For more information, please scroll down to the Placement Testing section below.


The Triton College Testing Center provides testing services for Triton students, staff, and community members, and adheres to the Professional Standards and Guidelines of the National College Testing Association.

Testing Center

Learning Resource Center
A Building, Room A-126
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3252
Email: testingcenter@lacolumnadecarlos.com
    NCTA Logo     CLEP Top 100 Logo

Testing Center Hours

SPRING HOURS:
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

ADJUSTED HOURS for SPRING BREAK WEEK: 3/18/24 - 3/23/24
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: CLOSED

NOTE: Testing Center will be CLOSED on the following days:

  • Saturday, March 23, 2024
  • Friday, March 29, 2024
  • Saturday, March 30, 2024

 

To Top


Getting Started

All exams require valid photo identification. All exams require an appointment.  Appointments need to be scheduled online at least 24 hours in advance and are scheduled by the test taker.  Appointments are not taken by phone or in person. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time for verification and processing. Students needing two or more exams will need to make multiple appointments. Read more about Testing Center policies.

Book Appointment Now

To Top


Placement Measures

Triton College is committed to student success by ensuring new students register for the appropriate level of coursework. Students are required to demonstrate college-level math and English proficiency or take the ACCUPLACER placement test prior to registering for classes. Please use the document below to determine if you need to take a placement test:

Math and English Placement Measures

  • Scores/transcripts should be sent to records@lacolumnadecarlos.com for determination of placement.
  • If you do not meet any of the measures for English or math on the document above:
    • You will need to take ACCUPLACER math and/or ACCUPLACER English. For additional information on how to take the ACCUPLACER placement test, please view the section below under ‘Placement Testing’.
  • If you have any questions about the above measures, please click HERE to make an appointment with an advisor.

To Top


Placement Testing

ACCUPLACER Placement Test
The ACCUPLACER placement test consists of the following: Math (20 to 40 questions), Reading (20 questions), and Writing (25 questions).  All subjects are untimed, multiple choice, and computer-based.  It is recommended that testers allow 2 hours to complete the test session.

Other Important Information:

  • Test takers must complete a Triton College application before taking the placement test. A valid ID with the test taker’s name and photo is required to test.
  • Outside materials and personal calculators cannot be used on the test. A calculator icon will be available in the test platform for use on specific math items. Scratch paper and pencil will be provided.
  • ACCUPLACER math scores are valid for 2 years. ACCUPLACER English scores are valid for 3 years.
  • Students who demonstrate proficiency by another measure may not need to take ACCUPLACER. (See Math and English Placement Measures for more information.)

Review Materials:

Retest Policy
The ACCUPLACER portion of the placement test can be retaken any time after 3 days from your first test date.  You are allowed one retest per year.

ISSAQ
In addition to ACCUPLACER, all first-time college students are required to take ISSAQ. This assessment measures a student’s non-cognitive skills that are not typically measured by a standardized placement test, such as commitment, self-management, and social support. ISSAQ results help the college better serve and prepare students for success by identifying their strengths, needs, and opportunities for development. This survey should only take about 10 minutes and may determine future enrollment into the COL 102 Embrace the College Experience course.

To Top


Testing Services

Testing services include placement test, CLEP, TEAS, CASAS, DSST, AP Exams credit evaluation, prior learning assessment, and proctoring services.

Online Course Testing

Make-up Tests

Proctored Tests (Non-Triton Students)

Remote ACCUPLACER Testing (Non-Triton Students)

Constitution Test

Triton Proficiency Exams

To Top


Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Credit is defined as credit awarded for demonstrated college-level learning gained through work, traditional and nontraditional educational experiences and other life experiences. The learning must be relevant to the student’s selected course of study at Triton College. Prior Learning Credit may be awarded through one or more of the following means:

Advanced Placement
Students may be granted college credit through successful performance on any of the advanced placement tests of the College Board. Students are responsible for submitting the scores to the Record Evaluator’s Office and for petitions requesting the granting of such credit. Credit awarded in this manner will be added to the semester hours earned but not the semester hours attempted or the grade points. Students must score the required score set by the department.

Students planning to transfer as part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) should note that passing scores on appropriate AP exams may be used to fulfill general education core requirements for students only if an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree is earned prior to transfer.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Triton College follows the guidelines of the Illinois Community College Board in accepting credit from the general examinations of College Level Examination Program.

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
The DSST Program is an extensive series of 38 examinations in college subject areas that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate courses. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends three semester hours of credit per test. Acceptance of DSST credit is subject to departmental approval.

Military Experience
The college follows the recommendation of ACE in granting four semester hours of undergraduate credit in physical education and two semester hours of credit for health education received in basic training. In addition, courses completed in training may also be accepted for college credit.

Military Credits Table

Proficiency Exams
Academic credit or advanced placement may be granted following either a review of the content of specific courses or a proficiency examination in compliance with individual departmental policies. All credits or advanced placement awarded are subject to approval by the department chairperson and the appropriate dean. Students should contact the department to determine if a proficiency exam is available in the area of study.

Portfolio Evaluations
Students with work experience, military experience, academic experience or certification that translates into having mastered the content of a Triton course may apply to receive credit in accordance with departmental policy.

Transfer Credit
Students may be allowed to transfer courses taken at an institutionally-accredited college of university with a grade of “C” or above. Students interested in transferring a grade of “D” should contact the Records Department for additional information. Official transcripts must be submitted to the Records Department for evaluation.

State Seal of Biliteracy
Students earning the State Seal of Biliteracy, the equivalent of two years of foreign language coursework taken during high school, are eligible to receive prior learning credit. Students interested in earning academic credit for this distinction must make this request to Triton College within three years after graduating from an approved high school. Click here for Triton College course equivalencies.

International Baccalaureate
Students may be granted college credit through successful performance on International Baccalaureate exams. Students are responsible for submitting the scores to the Record Evaluator’s Office and for petitions requesting the granting of such credit. Credit awarded in this manner will be added to the semester hours earned but not the semester hours attempted or the grade points. Students must score the required score set by the department. Click here for Triton College course equivalencies.

Download Prior Learning Assessment PDF

To Top


Advanced Placement (AP)
Students may be granted college credit through successful completion of any of the Advance Placement (AP) tests of the College Entrance Examination Board. Triton College grants credit for Advanced Placement examinations on which a student scores 3 or higher.

Students are responsible for submitting their scores to the Record Evaluator’s Office and for petitions requesting the granting of such credit. Credit awarded in this manner will be added to the semester hours earned but not the semester hours attempted or the grade points. Students must score the required score set by the department.

Students planning to transfer as part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) should note that passing scores on appropriate AP exams may be used to fulfill general education core requirements for students only if an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree is earned prior to transfer.

In order to receive credit for an accepted AP exam, an official transcript must be ordered from CollegeBoard and sent to the Triton College. To order a transcript, visit CollegeBoard at www.collegeboard.com/ap. Score reports sent directly to a student’s home can be accepted provided they remain in the sealed envelope.

The Advanced Placement Guidelines will be used for students who have Advanced Placement scores evaluated for credit at Triton College.

To Top


CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems)
CASAS tests assess a student's skill levels needed for success in the workplace, community, and family and establishes measurable goals and learning outcomes. CASAS  is used at Triton College to help all potential students entering  the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. ESL courses are designed to help non–native English speakers develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Triton College offers six levels of ESL instruction from very basic to advance.

Steps to Enroll

  • Come to the Adult Education Office located in the A-Building, Room A-203
  • Fill out the Intake Form with a Picture ID
  • Take the CASAS Test
  • Sign up for a Placement Test to determine correct level placement

To Top


CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers students the opportunity to bypass undergraduate coursework saving money and time, while still achieving their academic goals. CLEP is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program used to assess college-level knowledge obtained through prior learning and life experience. More than 2,900 colleges and universities award college credit for passing CLEP scores.

Triton students and students attending outside universities or colleges are welcome to take the CLEP exam at Triton College. Qualifying scores may vary by institution and exam. Candidates are encouraged to check with their credit-granting institution to verify that the exam will meet their curriculum needs.

In order to earn credits at Triton College for your qualifying CLEP score you must be a current student enrolled in credit classes.

Please click the button below for more information regarding CLEP registration, test day information, and exam titles accepted at Triton College:

CLEP Information

To Top


DSST
DSSTs (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) are credit-by-examination tests used to measure knowledge acquired from prior learning. The DSST program is an extensive series of 38 examinations in college subject areas that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in college courses. DSSTs offer students a cost-effective, time-saving way to accomplish their educational goals. More than 2,000 colleges and universities recognize the DSST program and award college credit for passing scores.

Prior to taking any DSST exam, candidates are encouraged to check with their credit-granting institution to verify that the exam will meet their curriculum needs.

View List of DSST Exams

Test Preparation
Visit the DSST website at getcollegecredit.com for review materials.

Registration and Payment
Test candidates should call the Testing Center at 708-456-0300, X-3252 to check if their specific DSST subject exam is available. To take a DSST exam, you must schedule an appointment at the Triton College Testing Center and pay for exams. Exams are two hours in length and are computer-based. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to make your payment to the cashier and to check in at the Testing Center (Room A-126).

Exam Fees

  • Candidates must make two payments to take a DSST exam.
  • Pay the exam fee of $85 per test (paid at the time you take your exam; credit or debit card only).
  • Pay the administrative fee of $20 per test (payable to Triton College by cash, credit card, check, or money order). Payment is made to the cashier before checking in at the Testing Center front desk (A-126).

Members of the military can visit www.getcollegecredit.com for exam fee and funding information.

What to bring to the test
In addition to exam fees, a valid photo ID is required. Acceptable identification includes driver’s licenses, state/military IDs, or a current passport. All testing supplies will be provided. If you have previously taken a DSST exam, you will need to know your user ID and password prior to arriving to take your test.

Test Scores/Requesting Credit
Candidates will receive immediate test results by viewing their unofficial score report at the end of the testing session. Test results can also be viewed at http://getcollegecredit.com/scores_transcripts by entering the username and password created when the test was taken.

If you want an official transcript of your scores sent to a college or university, you must provide the correct DSST code number of the school on your answer sheet at the time you take the exam. Prior to taking your exam, go to http://getcollegecredit.com/institutions/search/ to find the DSST code number for the school where you would like your score report sent.

If no code is entered at the time of testing, there is a charge of a $30 transcript fee to send scores to your college.

In order to earn credits for your qualifying DSST exam score at Triton College, the Triton College Testing Center must receive an official score transcript from DSST and the candidate must fill out a general petition. Petitions can be obtained from the Testing Center or the Welcome Center and should be submitted to the Testing Center.

Retest Policy
Candidates must wait 90 days from their last test date to retest on the same DSST title(s). Any attempts to retest on the same title in less than the specified time will automatically generate an invalid score report.

To Top


TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills Information)

Test is administered in-person at the Triton College Testing Center, Room A-126 (Learning Resource Center)

Applicants for admission to the Triton College Nursing & Allied Health programs are welcome to take the TEAS. Test candidates from other institutions are also welcome to register for the TEAS at Triton College.

The TEAS consists of four parts (Reading, Mathematics, Science and English/Language Usage) and the total test time is 209 minutes. Triton College Testing Center is administering the computer-based ATI TEAS exam on-campus, and dates are available on the ATI TEAS website – follow the steps below to register.

Please click the button below for more information on registering, review materials and Triton’s retest policy:

TEAS INFORMATION

To Top


WorkKeys
WorkKeys is a series of exams used to measure skills for various job-related proficiencies and requirements, including the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Testing requires a physical, current and valid government or state issued photograph identification card (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc.).

Note: Test takers will need to know which specific WorkKeys subjects they need to complete.  If unsure, test takers should contact their organization/company prior to their test date for clarification.

Triton charges a fee for each WorkKeys subject test.  Test candidates should check in at the Testing Center front desk on the day of their exam for specific payment instructions.

WorkKeys Fees

  • Applied Math ($27.00)
  • Workplace Documents ($27.00)
  • Graphic Literacy ($27.00)
  • Business Writing ($35.00)

National Career Readiness Certificate
To receive the National Career Readiness Certificate, test takers need to earn qualifying scores in three subjects: Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy.  Additional information on NCRC.

Review Materials
WorkKeys Preparation materials.  For additional information about WorkKeys preparation materials, call WorkKeys customer service at 800-967-5539.

Test Scores
Score reports are available at the end of your testing session (except for Business Writing).  Score reports are also available at myworkkeys.com.  Check with your company/organization for qualifying scores. Business Writing scores are available approximately three to 5 days after the date of testing.

Candidates who complete the National Career Readiness Certificate test package with qualifying scores can access their NCRC certificate at myworkkeys.com approximately one week after the date of testing.

Retest Policy
Test takers are eligible to retest after 30 days.

To Top