Testing Types

What is ACCUPLACER?

Placement testing helps you know where to begin your college studies. Testing is required in English, reading and math for most students and must be completed before enrollment. If you are not sure if you are required to take the ACCUPLACER, take the placement survey.

Where and when do you take the ACCUPLACER?

To take the ACCUPLACER test, individuals must have already applied to MCC. ACCUPLACER testing is available online through Zoom or in person with an appointment.

How can I prepare for the ACCUPLACER?

TAKE THIS TEST SERIOUSLY.

This test will assess your current skill level in reading, writing and mathematics and will determine which courses in these areas you should start out in to help ensure student success.

You can refresh your skills and find sample questions by visiting the following websites:

What you need to do

  • You must have applied to MCC and have a MCC student ID number
  • You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID

Placement survey

Placement Survey

Take this online survey to find out if you need to take any kind of placement (ACCUPLACER) testing at MCC.

Please note that applicants for a Health Science Institute program may be required to take the placement test as a part of the application process. For additional information, consult an academic advisor at one of the MCC campuses.

If you do need to test, follow these steps

Fill out the online testing survey to find out.

  1. Apply for admission several days before testing to obtain a student ID.
  2. If you have taken the ACT test, bring an official copy of your scores when you come to test or have scores sent to our Student Data Center:
    Metropolitan Community College
    Student Data Center
    3200 Broadway
    Kansas City, MO 64111
  3. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all testing.
  4. Allow at least two hours to take the test.
  5. Handheld calculators will not be allowed. ACCUPLACER system calculator will be provided.
  6. The first ACCUPLACER test is free charge, even if sections are taken on different dates. The cost to retest for any one section or the full test package is $25.

Online for MCC students

For students taking online classes, course exams may be proctored. Proctored exams will require a web camera and a microphone.

Online for non-MCC students

MCC offers test proctoring services to non-MCC students at the campus testing centers. Call 816.604.1000 for assistance regarding the campus testing centers. After discussing your testing needs and determining if the test center can assist you, follow the instructions below:

  1. Contact your home institution, instructor or company with the email address and fax number for the test center so test instructions can be forwarded to the campus testing center.
  2. After the testing center receives your test instructions, you must schedule an appointment by email or telephone. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments may be restricted during peak test periods. All MCC campuses are closed for the late December holidays as well as spring break week in March.
  3. After check-in at your testing center, you will be sent to the Business Office to pay a proctor fee ($25 per test, three hours or less; $50 for a test over three hours). Provide a receipt to the staff member assisting you with your test.

A photo ID is required for testing.


HiSET© testing

Missouri no longer offers the GED© as a test of high school equivalency. Missouri residents now take the HiSET© exam. This test is administered at all campus testing locations.

The HiSET© is a computer-based test with no paper/pencil options and must be scheduled and paid from the HiSET website.

For more information regarding your high school equivalency test, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.


Specialized testing

Test Type Campus
Bennett Mechanical Aptitude test: Required for entrance to the Ford, GM or Mazda automotive programs. MCC-Longview
College Level Education Program (CLEP) Testing
Through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), students can receive college credit for what they know by earning qualifying scores on any one or more of the 35 CLEP examinations. Register online at the CLEP website and call 816.604.1000 to schedule your exam.
MCC-Maple Woods
MCC-Penn Valley
Credit by exam. You may be able to get credit for your work experience. See an advisor. ALL
English as a Second Language (ESL): All non-native speakers' English skills are evaluated through the English as a Second Language Department. Please call 816.604.4015 to schedule an appointment. Students may be referred to an MCC campus testing center to take the ESL ACCUPLACER before they are enrolled in classes. ALL
Fire Service Entrance Examination (FSEE/IPMA B-5) Certification Test for Employment in Fire Service MCC-Blue River
Industrial Skills and Aptitude Assessments: Can be used for hiring/promotion decisions, or employee development.  
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) exam: Skills certification using national metalworking industry standards. MCC-Penn Valley
MCC-Blue River
Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST): Police officer certification, after completion of training requirements. MCC-Blue River
Pearson VUE (VUE): Electronic testing solution for professional licensing and certification programs.  
TEAS (ATI TEAS) Nursing placement test: TEAS scores are required for all of the nursing program applications. Testing must be completed BEFORE the application period begins. Register online MCC-Maple Woods
MCC-Penn Valley