Placement Testing and Exemptions
To ensure students are placed into the appropriate courses, King’s College requires all new students to complete a set of online placement tests that provide academic advisors with the necessary information to place them in the mathematics, writing, and/or language course that is consistent with their ability.
Placement tests can only be taken once, so we encourage everyone to do their best and take them seriously. All placement tests are for King’s College use only.
Mathematics Placement Test (60 minutes)
Required unless exempt(see Exemptions).
The Mathematics Placement Test helps determine your placement in the appropriate mathematics course that is consistent with your mathematical ability and ultimately determines how you will fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in the King's College Core Curriculum. Based on this test and your academic profile/history (which will be thoroughly analyzed by the Mathematics Department), students will take either one math course equivalent to MATH 120: Mathematical Ideas or higher (depending on your major) or a sequence of two courses MATH 100: College Algebra and one Math course equivalent to MATH 120: Mathematical Ideas or higher (depending on your major). For more information about the Quantitative Reasoning Core requirement, review the King's College Catalog.
Writing Placement Test (50 minutes)
Required unless exempt(see Exemptions).
The Writing Placement Test helps determine your placement in the appropriate composition course that is consistent with your writing ability and ultimately determines how you will fulfill the Academic Writing requirement of the King's College Core Curriculum. Based on this test, students will either take ENGL 110: Academic Writing or a sequence of two courses ENGL 105: Composition and ENGL 110: Academic Writing. For more information about the Academic Writing Core requirement, review the King's College Catalog.
Foreign Language Test (20-30 minutes)
The Foreign Language Placement Test helps determine your placement in the appropriate foreign language course that is consistent with your ability and ultimately determines how you can satisfy the Intercultural Competence requirement in the King's College Core Curriculum. Based on this test and your academic profile/history (which will be thoroughly analyzed by the Foreign Language Department), students will be placed in an elementary, intermediate, or advanced level language course. Students who begin at the intermediate level or higher, who take two courses of the same language (6 credits), and who receive a "C" or better in each of these courses, may receive six additional elective credits. For more information about the Intercultural Competence Core requirement, go to the King's College Catalog
Taking the Placement Tests
Students must complete their placement tests in the Orientation Portal, which is accessed with the username and temporary password provided in the "Becoming a Monarch" welcome email and letter sent* after the student’s enrollment deposit is submitted.
Students will not be registered for classes until they complete their placement tests. Delaying completion of these tests will limit the class options available.
| Tests Available | Student Segment | Tests Due** |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-April | For students starting classes in the Summer Semester | Mid-May |
| Mid-April | For students starting classes in the Fall Semester | Mid-May |
| Mid-November | For students starting classes in the Spring Semester | Mid-December |
* Beginning with the dates listed above, Becoming a Monarch letters are usually sent 2-3 business days after King's College receives the enrollment deposit.
** Class selection and class times may be limited for students who submit their enrollment deposit after the Placement Test due date. So, it is important to complete these placement tests as soon as possible.
Placement Test Exemptions
To be exempt from a placement test, official test scores and/or transcripts must be received by the King’s College Office of Admission prior to the dates listed below to allow for processing.
| Date | Student Segment |
|---|---|
| May 1 | For students starting classes in the Summer Semester |
| May 1 | For students starting classes in the Fall Semester |
| December 1 | For students starting classes in the Spring Semester |
First-year student schedules are often created prior to receiving certain scores, such as AP scores. Once these scores are received, adjustments to schedules can be made in consultation with an academic advisor.
Mathematics Placement Test Exemptions
| Test/Course | Minimum Score Needed |
|---|---|
| ACT Math Score | 21 |
| AP Calculus AB | 3 |
| AP Calculus BC | 3 |
| AP Statistics | 3 |
| College Course Equivalent to MATH 102 or higher | Grade of "C" |
| King's College Math Department Rating | A or B |
| SAT Math (Prior to March 2016) | 500 |
| SAT Math (After February 2016) | 530 |
Writing Placement Test Exemptions
| Test/Course | Minimum Score Needed |
|---|---|
| ACT English Score | 21 |
| AP English (Language) | 3 |
| College Course Equivalent to ENGL 110 or higher | Grade of "C" |
| SAT Critical Reading (Prior to March 2016) | 550 |
| SAT Writing (Prior to March 2016) | 550 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing (After February 2016) | 590 |
Students with Disabilities
Disability accommodation for placement testing, such as extra time, can be arranged by contacting the Academic Skills Center prior to taking your placement tests. Please call (570) 208-5841 to request accommodation.
Placement Testing FAQ
Am I required to take the Math Placement Test?
All first-year students are required to take the Math Placement Test unless they meet one of the minimum exemption requirements.
Am I required to take the Writing Placement Test?
All first-year students are required to take the Writing Placement Test unless they meet one of the minimum exemption requirements.
Am I required to take the Foreign Language Test?
Students are required to take the Foreign Language Test if they studied French, German, or Spanish in high school.Am I required to take a Foreign Language course at King's College?
To satisfy the Core Intercultural Competence requirement, students are required to take a 100-level language course for three (3) credits or participate in an approved Study Abroad experience. International students are not required to take a foreign language course to satisfy the Core Intercultural Competence requirement, however they can elect to do so.
Am I allowed to use a calculator while taking the Math Placement Test?
No. Calculators are not permitted while taking the Math Placement Test.
Can I take the Math, Writing, and/or Foreign Language Placement Test(s) at different times or on different days?
Yes, the placement tests can be taken at different times or on different days as long as they are completed by the listed due dates. However, once a student begins a placement test, they must finish the placement test in its entirety.
Once I start a placement test(s), do I have to finish?
Yes, once a student begins a placement test, they must finish it in its entirety. Students should make sure they allow enough time to complete it.
Am I eligible to receive accommodations for the placement test(s)?
Accommodations for placement testing, such as extra time, can be arranged by contacting the Academic Skills Center prior to taking your tests. Visit Academic Skills Center and Disabilities Services to learn more.
If I took an AP exam, am I still required to take the placement test(s)?
To be exempt from a placement test, students must meet the minimum score requirement AND official scores must be received by the College by the listed due dates. If official scores are not received by the date listed, students will be required to take the placement test.
How do I receive college credit for AP/CLEP exams?
Before King's College can award college credit for an AP/CLEP course, students must have their official scores sent to the King's College Registrar’s Office for evaluation.
If I successfully completed a college level math, writing, and/or foreign language course, am I still required to take the placement test(s)?
To be exempt from a placement test, students must meet the minimum score requirement AND official transcripts must be received by the College by the listed due dates. If official transcripts are not received by the date listed, students will be required to take the placement test.
How do I officially receive credit for courses I completed at another college or university?
Before King's College can award college credit for a course completed at another college/university, students must have their official transcript sent to the King's College Registrar’s Office for evaluation.
Can I take my placement test more than once?
No. Placement tests can only be taken once, so students should give them their best effort.
What happens if I do not take my placement test(s)?
Students will not be registered for classes, so they will not be able to begin their studies at King's College.
What happens if my computer freezes or crashes in the middle of completing my placement test(s)?
Contact the HELP Desk immediately by calling (570) 208-5900 ext. 4357.
What does it mean if I am required to take MATH 100?
It means before enrolling in the required college-level mathematics course for graduation (MATH 120 or higher), additional preparation is required through MATH 100: College Algebra. MATH 100 is a three-credit course which may count towards the minimum 120 credit requirement for graduation. Please note, the total number of credit hours required for graduation may be higher in certain major programs or if the student elects to pursue a second major.
What does it mean if I am required to take ENGL 105?
It means before enrolling in the required college-level English course for graduation (ENGL 110), additional preparation is required through ENGL 105: Composition. ENGL 105 is a three-credit course which may count towards the minimum 120 credit requirement for graduation. Please note, the total number of credit hours required for graduation may be higher in certain major programs or if the student elects to pursue a second major.