Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the placement exams offered?
Exams are offered throughout the year at both the IU South Bend campus and at the Elkhart Center. Placement exams are occasionally offered at the Plymouth Center. See the reservations for dates, times, and locations.
Can I be waived from taking any of the exams?
If you have taken courses at another college or university, or have taken courses at IU South Bend as a high school student, you may be exempt from taking one or more of the exams. The Office of Admissions determines your status based on your official transcript.
How much do the exams cost?
There is no charge to take the English, Mathematics, and Reading exams. There is a $13 fee for the World Languages Exam.
Do I need to pre-register?
Reservations are required for most exams. Please see the reservations page for details.
How should I prepare for the exams?
There is no advance preparation necessary for the Reading and English exams. However, preparation workshops are offered for the Math placement exam throughout the year. Contact the Office of Student Services for dates and times.
What should I bring to the exams?
You need a photo ID and you also need to know your IU South Bend student identification number (If you have not yet been admitted, your date of birth). Please bring #2 pencils for the Reading exam, 2 pens for the English exam, and a calculator for the Math exam.
How long do the exams take?
All placement exams are timed tests. The English exam lasts one hour, the Math exam is 90 minutes, the Reading exam is 35 minutes, and the World Languages Exam is one hour.
When will I know my results?
Results of the Reading exam are available in two to three business days. If you take the computerized version of the Math exam, you receive your results instantaneously (otherwise, results are available in two to three business days). Results for the English exam take seven to ten business days to process. When you take the exams, you receive a handout with detailed instructions on how to access your results online and a summary of the testing levels. To protect the confidentiality of student records, placement exam scores are not released over the phone.
Can I retake the exams if I am unhappy with my results?
Yes. You can take the Math and Reading exams once every 30 days. The English exam can be taken once a semester until you enroll in a writing course.
How long are my placement exam results valid?
Two years
Can accommodations be made for students with disabilities?
Yes. Students with a documented disability should contact Disability Support Services at (574) 520-4832 to arrange for accommodations, such as extended test time.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Gateway Information Center.
