Future students

Placement Testing

At HACC, we want to ensure our students have the necessary skills to succeed in college-level courses. Through examination criteria and placement testing, our students can provide evidence of these skills . Placement testing provides HACC with the tools to help our students achieve their goals no matter where they are in their educational journey.

New students who need English or Math placement testing will receive testing information in their New Student Orientation Next Steps email. For additional information or questions, students may contact orientation@hacc.edu. 

If you are interested in studying English for Academic purposes (ESL, ELL), contact the HACC Welcome Center to schedule an oral interview for placement into ESL classes.

 

You do not need to take a math or English placement test if you have achieved one of the following grades/scores or higher. 

Math Exemption Criteria1 Minimum
Grade/Score		 English Exemption Criteria3 Minimum
Grade/Score
High School Algebra II Grade B Transfer in Credits of
College-level Coursework		 12
Hgih School GPA2 3.0 High School GPA** 3.0
SAT Math Score 530 SAT Evidence-based Reading & Writing (ERQ) or
Critical Reading Score		 480
ACT Math Score 21 ACT Reading Score and
ACT English Score		 18
21
General Equivalency Diploma Math Score 175 PSAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing Score 450


1 Math scores must have been recorded within the past five years; eligible for MATH 100, 103, 104, 111, 113, 114 and 202
2 High School GPA is valid from half-way through senior year or final transcript
3 English scores must have been recorded within the past 10 years; eligible for ENGL 101

**High School GPA is valid at the end of the third quarter of junior year.

If you are exempt from math and English placement testing, you are eligible to enroll in college-level math and English courses.

Please email to admission@hacc.edu or mail to:

HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2999

Send official transcript to transcripteval@hacc.edu or mail to:

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College
Office of the Registrar
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110

For transfer information, please visit our Transcript Evaluation page. 

If you require accommodations beyond extended time please contact Student Access Services before testing.

  • Students who do not meet the exemption criteria in math will take the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) test. The PPL test is designed to measure a student’s math foundation, allowing for review and refreshment of math skills. Students do not need to schedule a time to take the online test. A link to the test will be sent to their HAWKmail account by HACC’s New Student Orientation Department.
  • To practice before taking the assessment, please visit  aleks.com/free_trial.

Math courses are determined by your desired major/program. Please speak with an advisor about your math pathway and course selection. Please view the ALEKS PPL Score Interpretation here. (pdf) 

Once you complete your math placement test please allow 48 hours for the scores to upload. Our advising office is here to help! Please see our hours and contact information by giong to the advising office website.

  • Students who do not meet the exemption criteria in English should complete the Reading and Writing Self-Placement Questionnaire to determine which course is appropriate. To complete the questionnaire, be sure you are logged into myHACC with your username and password.
  • Please allow 24 hours for your scores to upload in our system after completing and submitting the questionnaire. Students should contact the advising office to meet with an advisor for results and assistance with course selection. Visit the advising webpages for more information.
  • Students may enroll in one of the following combinations of courses:
    • English 003 (reading) AND English 051 (writing)
    • English 057 (integrated reading and writing)
    • English 002 (Strategy Based Reading II) and English 050 (Fundamentals of College Writing I)
  • Please review "Which English Course is Best for YOU ?" for more information about making the best choice for your academic needs.

To inquire about the credit by exam and test out option, please contact the advising center.

The ATI TEAS® was developed to evaluate the academic readiness of applicants to health career programs. Currently our dental hygiene, RN and LPN programs require applicants to take the TEAS in order to apply for clinicals. Refer to program websites for complete admission criteria and minimum scores required.

Learn more about the TEAS test here. Includes link to the ATI website to register, remote proctoring, contact information, study groups and TEAS information sessions.

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