Placement
At HACC, we want to ensure our students have the necessary skills to succeed in college-level courses. HACC has implemented several practices to determine readiness for enrollment in credit courses. Placement criteria provides HACC with the tools to help our students achieve their goals no matter where they are in their educational journey.
How Does HACC Determine English Placement?
As of summer 2025, students may now use their high school GPA for placement into any English course as an alternative to traditional placement testing and SAT/ACT scores.
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This change is designed to provide more accessible and streamlined placement options, ensuring that students have multiple pathways to demonstrate their readiness for college-level coursework. Further, it capitalizes on the durability of the HS GPA as a success indicator.
Students who have submitted their official high school transcripts will be placed into English following these GPA thresholds and conditions:
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Below 2.0: into ENGL 050 and 002
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2.0–2.99: into ENGL 051 and 003
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3.0 and above: into ENGL 101 High School GPA is valid at start of junior year and recorded within the past 10 years
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HACC uses unweighted HS GPA
How Do I Place into College-level Math and English courses?
The following criteria must be met:
To be exempt from Math placement testing, students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and an Algebra 2 grade of at least a B to be exempt from Math placement testing.
*Please note that HACC uses unweighted HS GPA
| Math Exemption Criteria1 | Minimum Grade/Score |
English 101 Criteria2 | Minimum Grade/Score |
| High School Algebra II, Precalculus or Calculus Grade | B | Transfer in Credits of College-level Coursework |
12 |
| High School GPA High school GPA is valid at start of junior year |
3.0 |
High School GPA** |
3.0 |
| SAT Math Score | 530 | SAT Evidence-based Reading & Writing (ERQ) or Critical Reading Score |
480 |
| ACT Math Score | 21 | ACT Reading Score and ACT English Score |
18 21 |
| General Equivalency Diploma Math Score (GED) | 165 | General Equivalency Diploma English Score (GED) | 165 |
| High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Math | 15 | High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Language Arts --Reading OR Writing | 15 |
| PSAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing Score | 450 |
1 Math scores must have been recorded within the past five years; eligible for MATH 100, 103, 104, 111, 113, 114 and 202
2 English scores must have been recorded within the past 10 years; eligible for ENGL 101
**High School GPA is valid at start of junior year.
What steps are needed if I need ESL placement tests?
If you are interested in studying English for Academic purposes (English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learning (ELL)), and you want to schedule your ESL placement test, we have both on-campus and remote options.
To take your ESL Placement Test on a campus, go to https://www2.registerblast.com/hacc/Exam/List and choose the campus location where you want to take it and in Step 2, choose "Placement Testing" and then ESL Placement Testing.
To take the Accuplacer ESL placement test remotely, you must have a computer that meets Zoom technical requirements and strong internet connectivity. To schedule your remote ESL placement test, go to https://www2.registerblast.com/hacc/Exam/List and choose "HACC Remote Proctoring via Zoom." In step 2, "Choose a group," select the option HACC Remote Proctoring Placement Testing, and then choose ESL Placement Test.
Are there additional ESL placement options?
For exemptions using TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, WAEC and Duolingo scores, please see the ESL page. English as a Second Language (ESL) (hacc.edu)
If you have questions about scheduling your ESL placement test,contact Elisa Cohen, escohen@hacc.edu.
I don’t meet the measures for math. I need to take math placement test. How do I do that?
New students who need Math placement testing must take the assessment in a proctored environment, using either Respondus Monitor lockdown browser or taking it at a campus test center. For instructions and link to ALEKS PPL, please email escohen@hacc.edu.
Please schedule your on-campus math placement test here.
If you choose to take your math placement test using the online proctored service, Respondus Monitor, you do not need to schedule an appointment. Complete the test online using Respondus Monitor . Instructions and Student Guide for Respondus Monitor technical requirements.
After I receive my math placement test results, how do I find out what math courses I need to take?
Math courses are determined by your desired major/program. Please speak with an advisor about your math pathway and course selection. Please view the ALEKS PPL Score Interpretation here. (pdf)
Once you complete your math placement test please allow 48 hours for the scores to upload. Our advising office is here to help! Please see our hours and contact information by going to the advising office website.
Can I prepare for the math placement test?
Yes, take the first assessment as practice. The results will provide you with learning modules to practice, review, and brush up before you take it again.
Can I take the math placement test more than once?
Yes! You have access to take the math placement again by working in the ALEKS PPL learning modules after Assessment One, for a minimum of three hours. After taking the Assessment 2, you may take it again after working for a minimum of five hours in the learning modules.
Do I have to take a math placement test for pre-calculus (MATH 119) and calculus (MATH 121) eligibility?
Yes. Multiple measures are not in place for eligibility for these courses. Students must take the math placement test and meet score criteria in order to be eligible for the course.
I don’t meet the measures for English or I do not want to use my HS GPA for placement into English courses. How do I do that?
New students who do not meet multiple measures will receive an email from HACC Testing with information about their Next Steps for Enrollment at HACC.
New students who do not want to use HS GPA for English placement may take the Best Fit Reading assessment.
What is the Best Fit reading assessment?
Student will read two short passages and answer 25 multiple choice questions.
Who do I ask about accommodations before I take the placement test?
If you require accommodations beyond extended time please contact Student Access Services before testing.
How can I prepare for and schedule the First Year Seminar credit by exam?
To inquire about the credit by exam, please contact the advising center.
To prepare for the exam, Introduction to the College Experience (Burns, Ogle, Valentine) - Social Sci LibreTexts
Where can I find information regarding the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)?
The ATI TEAS® was developed to evaluate the academic readiness of applicants to health career programs. Currently our dental hygiene, RN and LPN programs require applicants to take the TEAS in order to apply for clinicals. Refer to program websites for complete admission criteria and minimum scores required.
Learn more about the TEAS test here. Includes link to the ATI website to register, remote proctoring, contact information, study groups and TEAS information sessions.
Who should take the Toledo Chemistry Placement Exam?
Students who want to take General Chemistry (CHEM101) but who have not competed CHEM100 or high school academic chemistry with a grade of C or better.
How do I take the Toledo Chemistry Exam?
This exam must be taken in person at a campus testing center. Meet with an advisor to determine eligibility. For any questions, contact Kelly Matthews, kematthe@hacc.edu.
