Placement Tests

Placement Testing Directions and Information

1. You must be admitted to the college and set up your NetID before scheduling a placement test.
2. Request an English or math placement test.
   • You can take tests online from home or another location. For those that need it, we do offer appointments for on-campus testing. Just indicate on the form if you want to make an appointment to take your test on campus. We then send you information about how to schedule an appointment. 

Use this link to view the English and math course sequence chart [PDF]. The chart helps you plan your education path.

English Placement

As of 11/6/2023, Bellevue College uses GUIDED SELF PLACEMENT for English.

• Guided Self-Placement is a online tool – where students access information about English courses, and decide for themselves which course they think they are ready for.
• You will read some written material, and answer some questions about – if you understood what you read and how difficult you think it is.
• You receive a recommended level, but you may enroll in one higher and one lower level.
• For example, if your recommended level is English 92 or 93, you may also enroll in English 101 or English 72.
• You do not need a webcam to complete the Guided Self Placement

Math Placement

We use ALEKS for math placement.

• You can prepare to take this test by going to the Math Department’s website and using the materials sample final exams. Below are other helpful websites that provide practice options and short instructional videos.
  • Khan Academy
  • The World of Math Online
  • MyOpenMath
• We send you instructions on how to set up an ALEKS account, which you need to do before you can take a test..
• You are required to use a webcam for online testing. If you don’t have a webcam, we will send instructions for on-campus appointments
• WE RESERVE THE RIGHT – to dis-allow your online test if irregularities are observed.
• There is no additional charge to take your first test. A $15 retest fee applies for each additional try.
• After you take your first test, you are given access to customized practice materials, called Prep Modules.
  • The Prep Modules help prepare you to retake the test if you choose to do so. You must use the Prep Modules before you can retake the test.
  • Your account and Prep Modules are available to you for up to one year of unlimited study and practice time.
  • Your account limits you to taking the test a total of five times.
• The ALEKS math assessment is timed at 4 hours. Most students take about an hour and a half.
• For students taking this test off-campus, you are proctored remotely through the ALEKS software.
• Your math placement is good for 4 quarter registration periods.
• The highest level this test can place you is MATH& 151 Calculus. If you need placement at a higher level you must tell us at the time we contact you with instructions on setting up an account.
• You are eligible to enroll in courses that are lower numbered than the one you placed into. For example, if you place into Math& 142, you may also enroll in Math& 141 if you feel more comfortable with that level.

ALEKS Score Requirements