Placement Testing

Haywood Community College uses the Reinforced Instruction for Student Excellence (RISE) placement test to ensure academic readiness of incoming students. 

 

Do I Need to Take the Placement Test?

For students enrolling at HCC Fall 2020 or beyond you DO NOT need a placement test if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  1. You have graduated from a US high school
  2. You have completed the GED since 1/1/14 and have a score of 165 or higher on all areas, or taken the HiSET with a score of 15 or higher on all areas and 4 or higher on essay
  3. You have successfully completed a college level English and mathematics course 
  4. You have taken the ACT or SAT and met the minimum score requirements.  Click here for the minimum score requirements
  5. Completed another eligible placement test
  6. Earned appropriate level of developmental course credit

You will need to provide official documentation of the above criteria in order for the placement test to be waived. If you have questions about whether or not you meet any of the above criteria you can contact Student Services at (828) 627-4500.  If you do not meet any of the above criteria you may schedule an appointment to take the test.

How do I Schedule a Placement Test?

You may contact Learning Support Services at (828) 627-4696 or HCC-learningsupport@haywood.edu to schedule a test. The placement test is offered by appointment only Monday through Friday (available times may vary).

Does it Cost Anything to Take the Test?

There is no charge to take the RISE placement test at Haywood Community College.  If you are testing remotely at another institution, you will need to check with their testing center to determine if there is a cost.

What is Covered on the Test?

The test consists of two sections:  English and Math

The English section consists of two tiers. 

  • Students who score less than 70 on the first tier will be placed in a transitional English course. 
  • Students who score 70 or above on the first tier will progress to the second tier. 
  • Students who score less than 70 on the second tier will be placed into an English corequisite support course along with their college level English gateway course. 
  • Students who score 70 or above on the second tier may take the college level English gateway course without taking the corequisite support course.

Concepts Covered on the English Test

Tier 1

Tier 2
  • Introduction to college reading & writing
  • Identifying main ideas
  • Discovering implied meaning
  • Interpreting bias
  • Analysis through definition
  • Learning across disciplines
  • Exploring comparative elements
  • Informed opinions through causal chains
  • Applied critical analysis
  • Using sources in critical reading & writing

 

The math section consists of three tiers. 

  • Much like the English section, students must score 70 or above to progress to the next tier. 
  • Students who score less than 70 on the first tier will be placed in a transitional math course. 
  • Students who score 70 or above on the first tier may be able to take their required college level math course with a corequisite support course or may choose to advance to the second tier. 
  • Students who score 70 or above on the second tier may qualify to take their gateway level math course without taking a corequisite support course or to take a higher level math course with a corequisite support course. (HCC Success Coaches will assist students in determining which tiers are needed for their individual programs)  
  • Students who score 70 or above on the second tier may also choose to advance to the third tier. 
  • Students who score 70 or above on the third tier will qualify to take any gateway math course without taking the corequisite support course.

Concepts Covered on the Math Test

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3
  • Whole numbers
  • Fractions & mixed numbers
  • Decimals
  • Ratios, rates & proportions
  • Percentages
  • Measurement
  • Geometry
  • Real numbers
  • Concepts in statistics
  • Solving equations & inequalities
  • Exponents & polynomials
  • Graphing
  • Factoring
  • Systems of equations & inequalities
  • Rational expressions
  • Radical expressions & quadratic equations
  • Functions

How can I Prepare for the Test?

Online Placement Test Preparation resources are available through Learning Support Services (828) 627-4696.  Below are the official RISE Placement Test Practice Tests:

Additional Online Resources:

Can I Receive Testing Accommodations?

Yes.  Please contact the Student Wellness office at (828) 627-4504 in advance to discuss accommodations.

What can I Expect on the Day of the Test?

You need to bring a valid picture ID.  You also need to be able to access your email account.  Pencils, scratch paper, and calculators will be provided by the testing center.  External calculators are not permitted.  Please allow 2-4 hours for completion of the test, however the test is not timed and will depend on the student’s pace.  Each section of the test (English and Math) should be completed in a single sitting.  You may choose to take each section on separate days or on the same day.  Please report to Learning Support Services at least 10 minutes before your scheduled testing time.  Once you are finished testing, someone from the testing center will discuss your results and next steps with you.

What if I am not Happy with my Test Results?

You are permitted to re-test one time during a 10 year period.​

Additionally, we recommend that students wait a minimum of two weeks before re-testing. This allows the student time to study the provided resources for English and/or math to focus on any areas they may have missed on their first attempt. 

Contact Us

Alder Building
  • Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm