Placement Testing

At MCC, our Admissions Office provides a range of essential testing services designed to support both current students and alumni on their academic journeys. These services are crucial for accurate course placement, potentially earning college credit for prior knowledge, and fulfilling specific program requirements, all aimed at ensuring your smooth and successful progression.

Understanding Your Placement and Earning Credit

MCC primarily utilizes ACCUPLACER-Next Generation to assess your basic academic skills in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. This untimed, user-friendly test provides immediate results that guide you and your advisor in selecting appropriate courses, as IVCCD has a mandatory placement policy. Academic Advising Specialists are available to help you interpret your scores, and if you feel your results don't accurately reflect your abilities, re-testing and appeal options are available by contacting the Admissions Office. (A version for students whose first language is not English is also available.) If you need your scores sent to another institution, simply complete the Test Score Request Form.

For those with prior knowledge, CLEP Testing (College Level Examination Program) offers a fantastic opportunity to earn college credit. If you've gained knowledge through experience or previous learning that's equivalent to college-level courses, MCC provides the chance to get credit for it. These computer-administered exams are available to students from any college or university. Study guides with sample tests are available at the MCC Library, and you can visit CLEP's website (www.collegeboard.com/clep) for the most current exam cost. There's also a $75 MCC test administration fee payable to IVCCD. CLEP tests are given by appointment only; contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Program-Specific and Standardized Exams

As a National Testing Center, MCC offers ACT Testing on Saturday mornings, typically running from 8 am to noon. You can find the most current exam cost on the ACT website, and study guides are available in the MCC Library to help you prepare.

For specific career paths, MCC also administers specialized tests. Dental Professional Testing is authorized by the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners for various certification exams, including Dental Jurisprudence, Dental Assistant Radiography, and Infection Control. There's an administrative fee of $20 per exam, and most tests last about an hour. For details or to register, contact Jon Nunez at the Iowa Valley Education & Training Center.

Prospective students for the Practical Nursing program must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). It's crucial to complete and pass BIO168 before taking this exam. You can register for the TEAS Exam by contacting the Nursing Advisor at 641-844-5710. Note that specific minimum scores are required for Reading (47.6%), Mathematics (46.7%), Science (33%), and English & Language Usage (40%), though the TEAS requirement is waived if you've earned a bachelor’s degree.

Assistance for Non-English Speaking Students

For assistance with all testing, non-English speaking students should contact Vickie Unferth.

At ECC, our testing services, located at The Hub in the lower level of Kruse Main Hall, are designed to accurately assess your current academic skills. These assessments are vital for helping you and your advisor choose the most appropriate courses, plan your educational program, and potentially earn college credit for prior learning, ensuring a strong foundation for your success.

Understanding Your Placement and Earning Credit

ECC primarily utilizes ACCUPLACER-Next Generation to assess your basic academic skills in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. This user-friendly, untimed test provides immediate results that assist in course selection, as the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) has a mandatory placement policy. ECC Academic Advising Specialists are available to help interpret your scores, and re-testing or appeal options are available if you feel your scores do not accurately reflect your abilities; please contact The Hub for more information. (A version for students whose first language is not English is also available.) You can request an ACCUPLACER test appointment by emailing Kim Brinkmeyer.

For those with existing knowledge, CLEP Testing (College Level Examination Program) offers a valuable opportunity to receive college credit. If you've gained knowledge through experience or prior academic learning equivalent to college-level courses, ECC provides the chance to earn credit for it. These computer-administered exams are available to students from any college or university. Study guides with sample tests are available at ECC’s library, and you can visit CLEP’s website for the most current exam cost (payable directly to CLEP). There is a $75 ECC test administration fee payable to IVCCD. CLEP tests are given by appointment only; for more information, contact Molly Hippen.