Since each student’s academic profile and educational goals are unique, you must consult with a Faculty Mentor or College Navigator before taking a placement test. They will help determine whether placement testing is necessary based on your individual circumstances.
All Isothermal Community College applicants will be evaluated and placed into entry–level English and math courses based on the following criteria:
If you graduated from a US high school, you will be placed into entry-level English and Math courses based on the following unweighted high school GPA ranges:
Placement testing is optional and is not required for enrollment at the college. If you are considering placement testing, please discuss your options with your Faculty Mentor or College Navigator. They can help you determine whether testing is appropriate and which test would best support your success.
If a placement test is requested, your Faculty Mentor or College Navigator will submit a JotForm to the Testing Center with the specific information needed to request the exam.
Once the request is received, a Testing Center proctor will contact you to confirm the testing date and time that works for you.
ACCUPLACER Placement Tests are designed to ascertain whether test takers are college-ready or not college-ready with respect to reading and mathematics.
ACCUPLACER tests are delivered online and used extensively by community colleges. They are computer-adaptive tests (CATs) consisting of 20 to 25 questions.
Use your ACCUPLACER scores to determine your recommended course placement.
248 or below
Content assessed: Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, number comparisons and equivalents.
249 or above
MATH 110, MATH 143 or MATH 152
244 or below
Content assessed: Linear equations, linear applications and graphs, factoring, quadratics, functions, radical and rational equations, polynomial equations, exponential and logarithmic equations, geometry concepts for Algebra I and II, and trigonometry.
245–264
MAT 121 or MAT 171
263 or above
MAT 172
200–249
ENG 045 with ENG 111
250–300
ENG 111
Our Testing Center provides exam proctoring services (paper and pencil or computer-based) for distance education students attending other colleges. The center is equipped with computers and internet connectivity, as well as desk space for administering paper-based exams.
For proctoring services, there is a $20.00 test-proctoring fee for each testing session. This must be paid in advance to the cashier at the Business Office located in the Administration Building. Payments can be made in person or by phone by calling 828-395-1298, or for clarification, contact businessoffice@isothermal.edu
We require examination dates and times to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Please keep in mind that we may not be able to accommodate your requested appointment time.
Plan ahead to ensure you have time to seek another testing location if we cannot accommodate the request.
To request services, contact the testing center at testing@isothermal.edu and include the following in your email:
Your instructor must approve the use of our proctoring services. After the testing date and time have been approved, it is your responsibility to notify your instructor that you will be testing through our proctoring services.
The institution requesting test proctoring services is responsible for providing all test materials. This includes books, special paper, graphs, texts, charts, tables, etc. The institution or student must also provide pre-addressed, postage-paid shipping materials if the test is to be returned by mail.
Testing materials may be shipped to the address below:
Isothermal Community College
Attn: Testing Services, The Patriot Hub
P.O. Box 804
Spindale, NC 28160
The Patriot Hub
Student Center, Room 32
Office: 828-395-1436
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - noon
Subject to change depending on availability.