Welcome to the Testing Center. As you begin or continue your educational journey, you have access to a variety of services as you pursue your academic goals, including:
ACCUPLACER testing
This computer-adaptive college placement test evaluates your skill level in reading, writing and mathematics — and is required for new students.
Learn more about ACCUPLACER.TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The TEAS test must be completed prior to the admission deadline for certain Sandburg programs of study. Learn more about TEAS.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) testing
Sandburg is a testing site for the Illinois State Competency Exam.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
If you pass a CLEP exam — assessment of your college-level knowledge — you can earn college credit. Discuss your options with your advisor before registering for any exam.
HiSet
The HiSet exam is a four-subject high school equivalency test that measures skills required by high schools, and requested by colleges and employers.
Proctored online course tests & makeup exams
Sometimes you're required to take your exams in a proctored environment. And with instructor permission, you can make up a missed exam in the case of emergency or illness.
ACCUPLACER placement test
This computer-adaptive college placement test evaluates your skill level in reading, writing and mathematics — and are required for new students.
Your scores determine your proper and mandatory placement into college-level courses (classes with course number 100 and above) and developmental education courses (classes with course number less than 100). There is no charge** to take the ACCUPLACER placement test (up to two attempts), and test results are valid for five years.
If you want to use your ACT or SAT test for placement, have your official test scores sent to Sandburg. Official high school transcripts with the ACT or SAT score are also accepted.
Sandburg uses multiple measures to assess your academic course placement. In lieu of ACCUPLACER testing, you can verify placement into college-level courses in other ways. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
When will I need to take the ACCUPLACER placement test?
- You can schedule your test after completing a Sandburg application.
- Testing is required before you meet with an advisor to register for classes.
Where can I take the ACCUPLACER test?
- At any Sandburg campus location
- If you're out of district, you can arrange to take the test at your local community college, via remote testing.
How do I register for the ACCUPLACER test?
- Galesburg campus: Call 309.345.3500, or register online.
- Carthage campus: Call 217.357.3129.
If I have a documented disability, can I receive accommodations for the ACCUPLACER test?
- Yes. Email the academic support services coordinator, or call 309.341.5262 to make arrangements.
What can I expect on the day of testing?
- A brief orientation about campus resources and the purpose of the test.
- There are two sections to the test: Reading and mathematics.
- There’s no pass or fail associated with these tests.
- You aren’t timed on either section.
- Most students take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour per test. If you're taking both tests, plan on spending two hours to complete your placement testing. And don’t worry about how long other testers take; each person takes tests differently.
- Post-testing advising is provided once you complete the tests. You’ll receive a copy of your score report, then review tests results and goals, and have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
What should I bring on the day of testing?
- A photo ID is required (driver’s license, state ID, passport or school ID are acceptable forms of ID).
- You can’t use a calculator unless one appears on the testing screen.
- Bring a positive attitude. Remember, you can’t fail these tests.
I wasn't satisfied with my ACCUPLACER test results. Can I take the test over?
- Retesting is allowed for several reasons, including feeling unprepared, feeling under the weather, unsatisfactory testing conditions, and therefore, preventing successful demonstration of your skills.
- Retestings:
- You’re allowed one free retest.**
- You can take the test twice within a 12-month period without any fees assessed.
- Additional retests within the 12-month period are subject to fees.
- You’ll be charged a $10 fee per assessment for any retests within the 12-month period after the two free chances.
- Testing center staff completes the assessment retest form, and you pay the fee at the Business Office at the Galesburg location or in the main office at Carthage. You’re required to submit the completed assessment retest form that indicates proof of payment before you're allowed to sit for retesting.
- There’s a 24-hour waiting period between examinations to provide additional study time.
Can I prepare for the ACCUPLACER placement tests?
- To help you prepare, check out our test prep & study resources.
- To study for the ACCUPLACER test, review what’s on the tests, then check out the practice questions and tests.
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The TEAS test must be completed prior to the admission deadline for certain Sandburg programs of study. Purchase an ATI TEAS study guide, or check one out from the Sandburg library. TEAS practice test workbooks are available at bookstores or online.
Sandburg's path to TEAS excellence programs
If you're interested in nursing or radiologic technology programs, you're currently eligible for TEAS test materials at no cost. If you successfully complete the prep program, you’ll be eligible for reimbursement of your official TEAS test fee.
What is the program?
Sandburg’s path to TEAS excellence program ensures equitable access to placement test preparation for students interested in healthcare programs designated by Illinois as high demand.
It gives students in qualifying programs access to TEAS prep materials at no cost. If you’re successful in the prep portion of the program, you’ll qualify for a free TEAS test via reimbursement. If you’re interested in nursing, radiologic technology or dental hygiene, submit the interest form, and you’ll be placed on a waiting list. You’ll receive access once your application is approved and processed.
The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) program, funded through an Illinois Community College Board grant, serves, creates, supports and expands the opportunities for individuals in nursing and select healthcare pathways to obtain certificates and degrees, allowing them to enter and/or advance their careers in the healthcare industry. Programs served include nursing and radiologic technology.
Eligible Sandburg programs
- Nursing
- Radiologic technology
- Dental hygiene
TEAS test cost
The cost to take the TEAS test is $70 and has to be paid to the Sandburg Business Office in person or by calling 309.341.5210. You can drop off, mail or scan/email the TEAS registration form.
How to participate
- Step 1: Complete the interest form.
- Step 2: If you qualify, you’ll receive a Sandburg email with login information around September. Once you receive your email, update your password.
- Step 3: Follow the link in the email to login and complete the TEAS Prep Basic package, including two practice tests.
- Step 4: Email in your practice tests.
If you score at least 55% on at least one practice test, you’re eligible for reimbursement of your official TEAS test. To receive your reimbursement, attach a receipt for your official TEAS test with the drafts of your practice exams.
Contact Valerie Hinderliter with questions.
Registration information
To register for the TEAS Test, meet with your academic advisor and obtain a TEAS registration form.
Check in with your academic advisors.
- Donna Bradford / 309.341.5237
- Jenn Johnson / 309.341.5237
- Margaret Kidd / 309.341.5237
- Sarah Morrison / 309.341.5237