Testing Center

The Triton College Testing Center provides testing services for Triton students, staff and community members, and is certified by the National College Testing Association.

Testing Center

Learning Resource Center
A Building, Room A-126
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3252
Email: testingcenter@triton.edu
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Office & Testing Hours

Office Hours (Fall and Spring)
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Office Hours (Summer)
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m

Testing Hours (Fall and Spring)
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - Noon

Testing Hours (Summer)
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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Getting Started

All exams require valid photo identification. All exams (except placement testing) require an appointment.  Appointments need to be scheduled online at least 24 hours in advance and are scheduled by the test taker.  Appointments are not taken by phone or in person. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time for verification and processing. Students needing two or more exams will need to make multiple appointments. Read more about Testing Center policies.

Book Appointment Now

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Placement Testing

ACCUPLACER Placement Test
The ACCUPLACER placement test consists of the following: Math (20 to 40 questions), Reading (20 questions), and Writing (25 questions).  All subjects are untimed, multiple choice, and computer-based.  It is recommended that testers allow 2 hours to complete the test session.

Access free ACCUPLACER study materials at https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login (Select "Next Generation Practice Tests")

  • Outside materials and personal calculators cannot be used on the test.  A calculator icon will be available in the test platform for use on specific math questions. Scratch paper and pencil will be provided.  
  • Scores are valid for two years. Students may be waived from one or more placement test subjects if they have successfully completed college courses in English and/or math or have qualifying ACT or SAT scores. See below for equivalences.
  • Test takers must complete a Triton College application before taking the placement test.  A valid ID with the test taker's name and photo is required to test.  There is no fee for the first attempt.
  • Placement testing is done on a walk-in basis in the Learning Resource Center (A Building), room A-126.  No appointment is required.  

Triton College Placement Chart

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Success Navigator
In addition to ACCUPLACER, all first time college students are required to take Success Navigator.  Other students are highly encouraged to take the assessment.  It can be completed at the Triton College Testing Center or remotely (off campus).  Instructions for completing Success Navigator remotely can be found in the student portal under “quick links".

Success Navigator is an untimed assessment that measures a student’s strengths and areas of opportunity. Success Navigator results help the college better serve and prepare students for success. Results may affect academic placement. It is strongly recommended that you have your ACT/SAT scores and high school GPA available for this assessment.

Success Navigator FAQs

What is Success Navigator?

Who needs to take Success Navigator?

How long is Success Navigator?

What are the steps to complete Success Navigator?

Why does Triton require students to take Success Navigator?

Do Success Navigator results affect course placement?

Retest Policy
The Accuplacer portion of the placement test can be retaken any time after 7 days from your first test date.  You are allowed one retest per year.  Retest fees: Math ($10.00); Reading & Writing ($10.00).  Payments must be paid to the cashier's office on the day of testing.  Bring your receipt to the testing office as proof of payment. There is no retesting for Success Navigator.

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Placement Test Waiver
Students may be exempt from one or more placement test subjects if they meet any of the following requirements and submit the required documentation.

  • ACT scores: English (20 or higher), Mathematics (22 or higher), and/or Reading (20 or higher) within the last two years
  • SAT scores: Reading and Writing (480 or higher on Evidence Based Reading/Writing), and/or Mathematics (530 or higher/26.5 or higher) within the last two years
  • Grade of “C” or higher in a college level English and/or Mathematics course from a regionally accredited institution (Also waived from Success Navigator requirement)
  • AP scores (3 or higher): English and/or Mathematics
  • IB scores (4 or higher): English and/or Mathematics

Illinois Seal of Biliteracy in English Language within last three years

Placement Test Waiver Request Form

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Testing Services

Testing services include placement test, CLEP, TEAS, CASAS, DSST, AP Exams credit evaluation, prior learning assessment, and proctoring services.

Online Course Testing

Make-up Tests

Proctored Tests (Non-Triton Students)

Remote ACCUPLACER Testing (Non-Triton Students)

Constitution Test

Triton Proficiency Exams

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Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Credit is defined as credit awarded for demonstrated college-level learning gained through work, traditional and nontraditional educational experiences and other life experiences. The learning must be relevant to the student’s selected course of study at Triton College. Prior Learning Credit may be awarded through one or more of the following means:

Advanced Placement
Students may be granted college credit through successful performance on any of the advanced placement tests of the College Board. Students are responsible for submitting the scores to the Record Evaluator’s Office and for petitions requesting the granting of such credit. Credit awarded in this manner will be added to the semester hours earned but not the semester hours attempted or the grade points. Students must score the required score set by the department.

Students planning to transfer as part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) should note that passing scores on appropriate AP exams may be used to fulfill general education core requirements for students only if an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree is earned prior to transfer.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Triton College follows the guidelines of the Illinois Community College Board in accepting credit from the general examinations of College Level Examination Program.

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
The DSST Program is an extensive series of 38 examinations in college subject areas that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate courses. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends three semester hours of credit per test. Acceptance of DSST credit is subject to departmental approval.

Military Experience
The college follows the recommendation of ACE in granting four semester hours of undergraduate credit in physical education and two semester hours of credit for health education received in basic training. In addition, courses completed in training may also be accepted for college credit.

Military Credits Table

Proficiency Exams
Academic credit or advanced placement may be granted following either a review of the content of specific courses or a proficiency examination in compliance with individual departmental policies. All credits or advanced placement awarded are subject to approval by the department chairperson and the appropriate dean. Students should contact the department to determine if a proficiency exam is available in the area of study.

Portfolio Evaluations
Students with work experience, military experience, academic experience or certification that translates into having mastered the content of a Triton course may apply to receive credit in accordance with departmental policy.

Transfer Credit
Students may be allowed to transfer courses taken at a Higher Learning Commission or other regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a grade of “C” or above. Students interested in transferring a grade of “D” should contact the Records Department for additional information. Official transcripts must be submitted to the Records Department for evaluation.

State Seal of Biliteracy
Students earning the State Seal of Biliteracy, the equivalent of two years of foreign language coursework taken during high school, are eligible to receive prior learning credit. Students interested in earning academic credit for this distinction must make this request to Triton College within three years after graduating from an approved high school. Click here for Triton College course equivalencies.

International Baccalaureate
Students may be granted college credit through successful performance on International Baccalaureate exams. Students are responsible for submitting the scores to the Record Evaluator’s Office and for petitions requesting the granting of such credit. Credit awarded in this manner will be added to the semester hours earned but not the semester hours attempted or the grade points. Students must score the required score set by the department. Click here for Triton College course equivalencies.

Download Prior Learning Assessment PDF

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Advanced Placement (AP)
Students may be granted college credit through successful completion of any of the Advance Placement (AP) tests of the College Entrance Examination Board. Triton College grants credit for Advanced Placement examinations on which a student scores 3 or higher.

Students are responsible for submitting their scores to the Record Evaluator’s Office and for petitions requesting the granting of such credit. Credit awarded in this manner will be added to the semester hours earned but not the semester hours attempted or the grade points. Students must score the required score set by the department.

Students planning to transfer as part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) should note that passing scores on appropriate AP exams may be used to fulfill general education core requirements for students only if an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree is earned prior to transfer.

In order to receive credit for an accepted AP exam, an official transcript must be ordered from CollegeBoard and sent to the Triton College. To order a transcript, visit CollegeBoard at www.collegeboard.com/ap. Score reports sent directly to a student’s home can be accepted provided they remain in the sealed envelope.

The Advanced Placement Guidelines will be used for students who have Advanced Placement scores evaluated for credit at Triton College.

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CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems)
CASAS tests assess a student's skill levels needed for success in the workplace, community, and family and establishes measurable goals and learning outcomes. CASAS  is used at Triton College to help all potential students entering  the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. ESL courses are designed to help non–native English speakers develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Triton College offers six levels of ESL instruction from very basic to advance.

Steps to Enroll

  • Come to the Adult Education Office located in the A-Building, Room A-203
  • Fill out the Intake Form with a Picture ID
  • Take the CASAS Test
  • Sign up for a Placement Test to determine correct level placement

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CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a group of credit-by-examinations tests used to assess college-level knowledge obtained through prior learning and life experience. CLEP offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in subject areas and bypass undergraduate coursework. More than 2,900 colleges and universities accept CLEP scores and award college credit for passing scores.

Qualifying scores may vary by institution and exam. Candidates are encouraged to check with their credit-granting institution to verify that the exam will meet their curriculum needs.

Triton College follows the guidelines of the Illinois Community College Board in accepting credit from the general examinations of College-Level Examination Program.

View List of CLEP Exams

Registration, Scheduling, and Payment
Taking a CLEP exam requires a CLEP registration ticket, an appointment at the Triton College Testing Center and payment for exams.

  • To obtain a registration ticket, create an account at http://clep.collegeboard.org/register/exam and pay the exam fee of $87 per title.
  • Payment of $20 per test – payable to Triton College by cash, credit card, check, or money order. Payment is made at the Cashier’s Office (B-130), before checking in at the Testing Center front desk (A-126).
  • Schedule an appointment with The Triton College Testing Center. Most CLEP exams are 90 minutes in length. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Effective July 1, 2019, the new CLEP® exam fee will be $89. The current $87 fee will still apply to all exams purchased through June 30, 2019.

Test Preparation
Visit the CLEP website at http://clep.collegeboard.org/ for test samples and study resources. In addition, the CLEP Official Study Guide is available at the Triton College Library Circulation Desk.

What to bring to the test
Candidates must bring their CLEP registration ticket and provide one form of valid photo identification in order to be admitted into the testing room. The primary identification must be current, must bear the test-taker’s full name in English language characters, and must contain a recognizable photograph and signature.

Military test takers should bring their military ID and Social Security card. Home schoolers who do not have the required government issued ID should visit the CLEP website at https://clep.collegeboard.org/exam-day-info to complete a Student ID Form. This form is valid for one year and must be accompanied by a recognizable photo with a school or notary seal overlapping the photo.

Test scores/Requesting Credit
Candidates will receive immediate test results by viewing their unofficial score report at the end of their testing session, except exams with essays.

In order to earn credits for your qualifying CLEP exam score at Triton College, the Triton College Testing Center must receive an official score transcript from CLEP and the candidate must fill out a general petition. Petitions can be obtained from the Testing Center or the Welcome Center and should be submitted to the Testing Center.

Retest Policy
Candidates are eligible to retest three months after their last test date in the same CLEP title(s).

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DSST
DSSTs (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) are credit-by-examination tests used to measure knowledge acquired from prior learning. The DSST program is an extensive series of 38 examinations in college subject areas that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in college courses. DSSTs offer students a cost-effective, time-saving way to accomplish their educational goals. More than 2,000 colleges and universities recognize the DSST program and award college credit for passing scores.

Prior to taking any DSST exam, candidates are encouraged to check with their credit-granting institution to verify that the exam will meet their curriculum needs.

View List of DSST Exams

Test Preparation
Visit the DSST website at getcollegecredit.com for review materials.

Registration and Payment
Test candidates should call the Testing Center at 708-456-0300, X-3252 to check if their specific DSST subject exam is available. To take a DSST exam, you must schedule an appointment at the Triton College Testing Center and pay for exams. Exams are two hours in length and are computer-based. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to make your payment to the cashier and to check in at the Testing Center (Room A-126).

Exam Fees

  • Candidates must make two payments to take a DSST exam.
  • Pay the exam fee of $85 per test (paid at the time you take your exam; credit or debit card only).
  • Pay the administrative fee of $20 per test (payable to Triton College by cash, credit card, check, or money order). Payment is made to the cashier before checking in at the Testing Center front desk (A-126).

Members of the military can visit www.getcollegecredit.com for exam fee and funding information.

What to bring to the test
In addition to exam fees, a valid photo ID is required. Acceptable identification includes driver’s licenses, state/military IDs, or a current passport. All testing supplies will be provided. If you have previously taken a DSST exam, you will need to know your user ID and password prior to arriving to take your test.

Test Scores/Requesting Credit
Candidates will receive immediate test results by viewing their unofficial score report at the end of the testing session. Test results can also be viewed at http://getcollegecredit.com/scores_transcripts by entering the username and password created when the test was taken.

If you want an official transcript of your scores sent to a college or university, you must provide the correct DSST code number of the school on your answer sheet at the time you take the exam. Prior to taking your exam, go to http://getcollegecredit.com/institutions/search/ to find the DSST code number for the school where you would like your score report sent.

If no code is entered at the time of testing, there is a charge of a $30 transcript fee to send scores to your college.

In order to earn credits for your qualifying DSST exam score at Triton College, the Triton College Testing Center must receive an official score transcript from DSST and the candidate must fill out a general petition. Petitions can be obtained from the Testing Center or the Welcome Center and should be submitted to the Testing Center.

Retest Policy
Candidates must wait 90 days from their last test date to retest on the same DSST title(s). Any attempts to retest on the same title in less than the specified time will automatically generate an invalid score report.

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TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The TEAS consists of four parts (Reading, Math, Science, and English/Language Usage) and the total test time is 209 minutes. The Testing Center is administering the ATI TEAS on the dates listed below.

Applicants for admission to the Triton College Nursing Program are welcome to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).

How to Register

  • Set up a student account at: http://www.atitesting.com.
  • Schedule your test date and pay the required test fee online at http://www.atitesting.com. Applicants will not be permitted to register on the day of examination.
  • Arrive at the Testing Center (A-126) with receipt and proper ID (valid government-issued photo ID with a signature) on your scheduled test date and time. Students without proper ID will not be permitted to test and will be responsible for repaying for and rescheduling a new test. No admission will be allowed once testing begins.

Review Materials/Resources
The Academic Success Center offers TEAS informational sessions, tutoring and TEAS study materials. For additional information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3341.

Official TEAS study materials are available at the Library Circulation Desk under Nursing Resource materials. The study manuals are kept on reserve and are for in-library use only. For additional information, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3215 or 3216.

Additional study material is available for purchase at http://www.atitesting.com and the Triton College bookstore.

Scores and Retest Policy
Examinees will receive immediate test results at the end of their testing session. Examinees are eligible to test three times within a two-year period. There is a 30-day wait period between retakes. Triton College accepts passing TEAS scores from other colleges; test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted. Students may request a transcript of their scores from ATI at http://www.atitesting.com. Any scores submitted will count as an attempt.

TEAS Administration Summer 2019 Schedule

As of Aug. 31, 2016, an updated version of TEAS (“ATI TEAS”) will be administered for all registered test candidates. This version of the exam allows the use of a four-function calculator that is built into the test software. Outside calculators are not allowed. Test candidates preparing for this version of the exam should use the new ATI TEAS preparation materials.

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WorkKeys
WorkKeys is a series of exams used to measure skills for various job-related proficiencies and requirements, including the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Testing requires a current and valid photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, student ID with photograph) and a scheduled appointment.

Note: Test takers will need to know which specific WorkKeys subjects they need to complete.  If unsure, test takers should contact their organization/company prior to their test date for clarification.

Triton charges a fee for each WorkKeys subject test.  Test candidates should check in at the Testing Center front desk on the day of their exam for specific payment instructions.

WorkKeys Fees

  • Applied Math ($27.00)
  • Workplace Documents ($27.00)
  • Graphic Literacy ($27.00)
  • Business Writing ($35.00)

National Career Readiness Certificate
To receive the National Career Readiness Certificate, test takers need to earn qualifying scores in three subjects: Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy.  Additional information on NCRC.

Review Materials
WorkKeys Preparation materials.  For additional information about WorkKeys preparation materials, call WorkKeys customer service at 800-967-5539.

Test Scores
Score reports are available at the end of your testing session (except for Business Writing).  Score reports are also available at myworkkeys.com.  Check with your company/organization for qualifying scores. Business Writing scores are available approximately three to 5 days after the date of testing.

Candidates who complete the National Career Readiness Certificate test package with qualifying scores can access their NCRC certificate at myworkkeys.com approximately one week after the date of testing.

Retest Policy
Test takers are eligible to retest after 30 days.

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Placement Test FAQs

What is the college placement test?

Do I need to take the placement test?

How does the placement test impact my success at Triton?

How long are test scores valid?

Can I retake the placement test if I don’t like my scores?

How can I qualify for a waiver of the placement test?

How can I prepare for the placement test?

Is there a fee for the placement test?

How long does it take to complete the test?

How can I receive accommodations to take the placement test?

Do I have to take all three subject placement tests at the same time?

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