Placement Test Waivers

The placement test can be partially or entirely waived in the following situations:

  • If you are a Guest student, you are not required to placement test.
  • If you are a Non-Degree student, you may choose to placement test or register without placement testing.

You may also be able to waive placement testing according to each of the situations listed below.

Prior College Credit

If you have earned a C- or higher in a college-level English course at another college or university, you will not be required to take the Reading or Writing placement tests. A college transcript is required before the placement test can be waived.

If you have earned a C- or higher in a college-level Math course at another college or university, you will not be required to take the Math placement test. A college transcript is required before the placement test can be waived.

Please note: you may still need to take additional college-level Math or English courses depending upon your program of study. More information will be provided in your transfer evaluation once we receive your official transcript.

AP Exam Scores

If you have earned a 3 or higher on the AP English exam, you may not be required to take the Reading or Writing placement tests. A College Board AP Score Report or high school transcript displaying the AP exam score is required before the placement test can be waived. Please note: An AP English exam score of 4 or higher is required to earn credit for English Composition (COM 121). If you scored a 3, you will be placed into English Composition (COM 121).

If you have earned a 3 or higher on the AP Calculus or AP Statistics exam, you will not be required to take the Math placement test. A College Board AP Score Report or high school transcript displaying the AP exam score is required before the placement test can be waived. Visit the Assessment page for a complete list of articulated credits for AP exams. 

SAT Scores

Students will be exempt from the portions of the placement test with the following documented scores on the SAT. A College Board SAT Score Report or high school transcript displaying the SAT score is required before the placement test can be waived.  SAT exam must have been taken within the past five years

  • (Tests taken prior to March 2016)  Critical Reading – 480 +  Exempt from Reading Placement Testing
  • (Tests taken prior to March 2016)  Writing – 480+ Exempt from Writing Placement Testing
  • (Tests taken after March 2016)  Verbal (Critical Reading & Writing) – 480+  Exempt from  both Reading and Writing Placement Testing
  • Math – 480+ Exempt from Math Placement Testing.  Specific college-level math placement will be determined based on SAT score and the student’s program requirements.  

ACT Scores

ACT scores of 19+ will exempt students from reading, writing and math placement testing.

Prior Placement Test Scores

If you have taken the placement test at RACC within the last 2 years but have not enrolled at RACC since you tested, you will not be required to retest. Instead, you will register for classes based on your prior test scores.

Prior RACC Enrollment

If you have previous RACC credits and are returning to RACC after some time away, you will not take the placement test for any subject (Reading, Writing or Math) if you completed the courses you placed into during your prior enrollment. An advisor will help you select the appropriate courses based on your student record and intended major of study.