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Placement Testing

Blackhawk is dedicated to enhancing student learning and community offerings by providing comprehensive, accessible testing and assessment services. We have a Testing Center located at our Beloit-Janesville Campus, committed to maintaining the highest compliance required by nationally-recognized testing standards and practices, safeguarding confidentiality of student records, and creating an optimal, distraction-free testing environment. 

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Testing Information

Our Testing Center is located in room 2200 of our Beloit-Janesville Campus. Call (608) 757-7666 or email testingcenter@blackhawk.edu for more information.

As part of the registration process, you will be required to complete a placement test. These scores are used to determine appropriate course placement. There is a $10 test/retest fee for apprenticeship students. Testing fees are waived for Blackhawk Technical College or Wisconsin Technical College System students taking the test for the first time. There is a $4 retest fee thereafter.

Testing Schedule

Testing Center, Central Campus

Learning Resource Center (LRC), Monroe Campus

Testing Requirements

  • When you are ready to test, select a date from the Testing Schedule. You may start your test between the hours listed; however, keep in mind that you should allow yourself at least two hours for testing. Due to the length of the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER, tests cannot start after 4:00 p.m.
  • Please bring a photo ID with you (i.e. driver’s license). First-time testers will need to stop at Registration and Records to receive a student ID number before testing.
  • Prior to testing, please review the TESTING POLICIES at the end of this page.

Retest Policy

  • You may retest if you believe your score does not accurately reflect your abilities or skill level. There will be a fee charged for retesting.
  • After reviewing the admission test scores, you may retest in each area once using Next-Generation ACCUPLACER.
  • If you completed the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER as part of the admissions process, you must wait 48 hours before retesting.
  • If it has been three or more years since you last tested, we strongly encourage that you retest for more accurate course placement. 
  • For Course Placement Retests, further retests require approval from the appropriate faculty and/or staff (Dean, Director). 

Online Resources

The following resources can help you prepare for the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER test:​

Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, was established in 1997 and is now the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery, and program management services. Certiport exams are delivered through an expansive network of over 14,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide.

Blackhawk Technical College offers the following Certiport exams:
Registration/Scheduling Instructions:
  1. Register through Certiport and purchase exam voucher(s)
    • Exam voucher fees vary per exam and are paid directly to Certiport
  2. Call the Testing Center at (608) 757-7666 to schedule an appointment
  3. On the day of your exam, bring your Photo ID, Certiport username and password, and exam voucher number
    • Before testing, stop by Registration and Records to pay your $25 BTC Administration Fee
    • Then, head to the Testing Center, located in the Student Success Center, to take your exam

What is a Pearson Differential Aptitude Test (DAT)

  • DAT tests are item-banked and adaptive
  • Tests use item banking so that the test items are selected from a large pool or bank of items
  • Each test contains only 15 items. The test is not timed.
  • Each item is assigned a difficulty value. Test taker are presented with different items with the same values. The test then adapts based on the response, making it harder and easier.
  • Adaptive tests allow the items to be presented at the ability level of the test taker

What do the DAT Tests Measure

  • Abstract Reasoning – Measures the ability to solve unfamiliar problems and learn new things quickly
  • Space Relations – Measures the ability to visualize 2D shapes in 3D, and how this object would look if rotated in space

How to Take the DAT Tests

Payment

  • Each test has a $30 fee, which is paid at Registration & Records (Central Campus)

Registration

Email the Testing Center (testingcenter@blackhawk.edu) with the following information:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Email
  • The name of the DAT test you are registered to take
  • Attach a copy of your receipt of payment from Registration showing payment of the test

The testing center will respond to your email with instructions for test and a link to take the test. The link must be used within 30 days of being issued.

Taking the Test

  • Find a quiet, undisturbed place to take your exam.
  • The test may be completed at your home or at Blackhawk
  • At Blackhawk you are welcome to use study and testing rooms on campus to take your test.  Please let the testing center know when you would like to use this option so a room will be available to you.

The DAT should be completed on a desktop or laptop computer with a dependable internet connection.

The tests are untimed. According to Pearson’s, the average time taken to complete 15 questions is 10-12 minutes.

Test Completion

  • After completion of test, your report will be sent to the testing center. This report will then be sent to you by the testing center.

The testing center will also enter the score into Banner.

Before scheduling GED & HSED exams online, you must attend an orientation course (by appointment only). Click on the button below to view the orientation schedule and make an appointment. You can also contact the testing center for more information at (608) 757-7666 or email testingcenter@blackhawk.edu.

After you have completed GED Orientation, you may schedule testing online through the GED Testing Service. These tests have a fee of $39.75 per test and a Civics test for $10 or a total of $169 for all tests.

Learn More About GED/HSED Testing

When you are ready to test, select a date from the Testing Schedule below. You may start your test between the hours listed; however, you will NOT be able to start an exam 30 minutes prior to closing hours. Please note: computer-based exams are subject to computer availability.

Please bring a photo ID with you (i.e. driver’s license).

Prior to testing, please review the TESTING POLICIES at the end of this page.

Testing Schedule

Current Students

Tests may be scheduled via Starfish in MyBTC.

Testing Center, Central Campus

Tests may be scheduled by appointment at testingcenter@blackhawk.edu.

Learning Resource Center (LRC), Monroe Campus

Tests may be scheduled by appointment at (608) 328-1660.

The Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI A2) for Allied Health exam will be used as part of the admission process for the following programs in the Health Sciences department after February 8, 2025: Dental Hygienist, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Technician, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography, and Surgical Technology.

What does HESI A2 evaluate?

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Grammar
  • Math
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary and General Knowledge
  • Critical Thinking

Preparation

We recommend that you prepare in advance for a competitive HESI score. Admitted students reported preparing through a variety of methods, and have recommended the following resources:

  1. Evolve has an exam prep guide available for purchase.
    1. You may also access a preparation guide through the Blackhawk Technical College Library, which has several copies on reserve. Evolve also provides digital test remediation after a first attempt for future test attempts.
  2. Quizlet, particularly the vocabulary section as well as the math section for conversion ratios.
  3. The Pocket Prep application includes 35 free questions or a student-paid subscription.
  4. Using internet resources, such as Google to search "Free HESI Practice Exams” or using resources such as YouTube.

Testing Dates

All testing will begin in the Testing Center (Room 2219) on our Beloit-Janesville Campus.

Friday, April 4: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, April 28: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, May 16: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monday, May 19: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 22: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, May 30: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 3: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, June 6: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monday, June 9: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, June 13: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tuesday, June 17: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, June 20: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monday, June 23: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, June 26: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, June 30: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, July 2: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Registration

  • Create an Evolve account
    • You will need an Evolve account (username and password) to log in on the day you take your exam. This account will also allow you access to study material and remediation resources provided by Evolve. This account will be used if you choose to retake the exam.
  • Under the box that says HESI Secured Exams, click on the link Register for Results and Remediation
    • Click on the orange “register” button
    • Click on the “redeem checkout” button
    • Fill out student information
    • Review and accept the registered user agreement
    • Click on “payments” tab
    • Proceed to checkout
    • Complete payment information
      • Fee paid $61, plus eCommerce fee

Schedule Test

Email the Testing Center (testingcenter@blackhawk.edu) with the following information:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Blackhawk Student Email
  • The name of the test you are registered to take
  • Attach a copy of your receipt of payment from Registration showing payment of the test
  • Provide the requested Date/Time of exam

The testing center will respond to your email with confirmation of the requested testing date/time.

Taking the Test

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled exam time
  • Location: Testing Center (Room 2219)
  • You will have four hours to complete the exam

Test Completion

  • After completion of the test, your report will be sent to the testing center and report builder in the Evolve student account
  • The testing center will enter the score into Banner
View HESI A2 FAQ

Blackhawk Technical College offers Typing Tests for the following programs:

Medical Assistant

Time Allotted: Three minutes

Speed/Error Goals: 30 wpm/ 3 errors

Other: No cover on keyboard

Medical Administrative Coder

Time Allotted: Five minutes

Speed/Error Goals: 30 wpm/ 5 errors

Other: No cover on keyboard

Administrative Support Professional

Time Allotted: Five minutes

Speed/Error Goals: 40 wpm/ 5 errors

Other: No cover on keyboard

If you are in one of these programs, you may take the typing tests as many times as you want. When practicing, you should put one space after a period, hyphen, backspace, or returns. When completed, a copy of your score will be sent to admissions to be added to your student record. 

Testing Policies

  • A valid photo ID is required. The photo ID must display your first and last name and should match the name on the test.
  • Coats, jackets, or sweaters that button or zip on the front are NOT permitted. If it zips, buttons, or opens in the front, the clothing must be placed in a locker. If you think you will be cold, please wear a sweatshirt or sweater that does not zip up or button up.
  • Hats of any kind, hoodies, head scarfs, doo-rags, sunglasses, or similar clothing must be removed and placed in a locker.
  • Only items specified by your instructor will be allowed in the testing room. All other belongings must be placed in a locker located outside of the Testing Center. The following items are not permitted in the testing room:
    • Handbags, backpacks, messenger bags, and briefcases
    • Food or beverages
    • Cell phones, pagers, smartwatches, iPods, fitness trackers, or Bluetooth headsets and other electronic devices
    • Notebooks, laptops, tablets, or e-readers
    • USB flash drives or external hard drives
    • These items must be placed in a locker due to testing security issues. If you are caught with any of these items in the testing room, your exam will be terminated. Cell phones must be placed on silent or turned off prior to being placed in the locker.

  • All students must be honest and forthright in their academic studies. To falsify the results of one's research, to steal the words or ideas of another, to cheat on an assignment, or to allow or assist another to commit these acts corrupts the educational process. Students are expected to do their own work and neither give nor receive unauthorized assistance. Any violation of this standard must be reported to the Judicial Affairs Officer and the Department Dean. The faculty member, in consultation with the Department Dean and the Judicial Affairs Officer, will decide whether the matter should be processed through the Student Conduct System or resolved without a formal hearing. In the latter case, the faculty member must have the agreement of all students directly affected.
  • Homework cannot be accepted by the Testing Center. Please make arrangements with your instructor.
  • Going in and out of the testing room is not allowed. If you leave the room, you will have completed your test and it must be turned in to the Testing Center staff. Once a test is handed in, it cannot be returned to you for any reason.
  • Please use the restroom before you enter the testing room. If you leave the room without permission of the test proctor, your exam will be considered complete and must be turned in as is.
  • If you require special arrangements, such as extensions and/or additional materials, you must make those arrangements with your instructor. The instructor must indicate these special arrangements on the make-up exam request form.
  • No exams are given beyond the specified date without VERBAL or WRITTEN permission from your INSTRUCTOR to the Testing Center staff.
  • Children are not allowed in the testing room. If you have children, please make arrangements for their care while you take your exam.
  • You will only need to make an appointment if a computer is needed for your test OR if you are taking a proficiency exam. All other tests are on a walk-in basis. Due to FERPA regulations, you must make your own appointments.
  • Please allow adequate time to check-in and receive instructions for your exam. No tests are distributed the last half-hour prior to closing under any circumstances. All tests will be collected at closing time of make-up exam specified times, regardless of your testing time remaining.
  • Come prepared and know the length of time allowed for your exam. Give yourself enough time to complete the exam and please be aware of Testing Center make-up exam hours. Multiple tests are proctored in the Testing Center and make-up exams have specific day and times.

If any of the following items are observed during placement testing, the Testing Administrator will stop your test session and invalidate your test scores.

Your scores will be entered as a zero, you will need to wait 48 hours before retesting and pay for your test at Express Services ($4 per section or $10 for the entire test).

  • Use of notes or dictionary
  • Any attempt to remove test content or scratch paper
  • Talking to other test takers
  • Discussing test content with others
  • Possession or use of unauthorized materials (including an electronic device such as a cell phone, smartwatch, calculator, etc.)

Academic Honesty Statement and Student Code of Conduct

By utilizing and testing in the Blackhawk Technical College Testing Center, students agree to the following Academic Honesty statement and Student Code of Conduct:

All test takers (in-person and online) must present at least one form of photographic identification to confirm identity. Failure to present photo id will result in rescheduling or cancellation of the test.

All students must be honest and forthright in their academic work. To falsify the results of one's research, to steal the words or ideas of another, to cheat on an assignment, or to allow or assist another to commit these acts corrupts the learning environment. Students are expected to do their own work and neither give nor receive unauthorized assistance.

This includes, but is not limited to, use of the following before, during, or after testing sessions unless previously established by the assigned instructor(s):

  • Communication between test takers, students, and those demonstrating knowledge through assessment in the Testing Center rooms, surrounding areas, and online locations
  • Any devices, materials, resources, and/or technology not previously approved by instructors
    • Cell phones (all makes and models)
    • Smart devices & technology (flash drives, thumb drives, zip drives, smart watches, smart glasses, fit bits, tablets, computers, and recording devices)
    • Notes (cards, sheets, documents, and materials containing support content)
    • Books, binders, reference materials, and supplemental resources, including AI programs/resources
  • Use of websites, downloaded or online reference materials, PDFs, digital documents/resources/tools

Any violation of this standard must be reported to the Conduct Officer and the Department Dean. The faculty member, in consultation with the Department Dean and/or the Conduct Officer, will decide whether the matter should be processed through the Student Conduct Procedures or resolved without a formal hearing. In the latter case, the faculty member must have the agreement of all students directly affected.

Non-students utilizing the Blackhawk Technical College Testing Center to proctor in-person and remote testing are to follow these policies, as well. Should violation(s) occur, cases will be reported immediately to those requesting/requiring the individual to take the assessment (employers, union halls, supervisors, faculty, etc.).

More About Student Code of Conduct

Student HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2) FAQ

$61, plus an eCommerce fee

Three years

Students are allowed to take short breaks during the exam to use the restroom or to get a drink of water or a snack. Drinks and food are not allowed in the testing labs, but you may bring them and leave them in a locker in the Testing Center. During breaks students are not allowed to look at reference materials, use the internet or check email.

You will need to prove your identification using a government issued ID card such as a driver’s license, Blackhawk Technical College student ID, passport or state issued ID card. The name on the ID card must match the name used to make your appointment and the Evolve account you have set up. The Testing Center will provide a calculator and other items you may need for the test. You will not be allowed to take any personal items into the testing area such as your own calculator, pens, cell phones, MP3 players, books, or notes. There are lockers in the Testing Center where you can secure personal items while you are taking the exam.

Dental Hygienist

  • Cumulative: 75%
  • A&P: 75%
  • Biology: 75%
  • Chemistry: No minimum
  • Grammar: 75%
  • Math: 75%
  • Reading Comprehension: 75%
  • Vocabulary General Knowledge: 75%
  • Critical Thinking: 750

DMS/VT

  • Cumulative: 80%
  • A&P: 80%
  • Biology: No minimum
  • Chemistry: No minimum
  • Grammar: 80%
  • Math: 80%
  • Reading Comprehension: 80%
  • Vocabulary General Knowledge: 80%
  • Critical Thinking: 800

Nursing

  • Cumulative: 75%
  • A&P: 75%
  • Biology: No minimum
  • Chemistry: No minimum
  • Grammar: No minimum
  • Math: 75%
  • Reading Comprehension: 75%
  • Vocabulary General Knowledge: 75%
  • Critical Thinking: 800

Physical Therapist Assistant

  • Cumulative: 75%
  • A&P: 75%
  • Biology: No minimum
  • Chemistry: No minimum
  • Grammar: 75%
  • Math: 75%
  • Reading Comprehension: 75%
  • Vocabulary General Knowledge: 75%
  • Critical Thinking: 800

Radiography

  • Cumulative: 75%
  • A&P: 75%
  • Biology: No minimum
  • Chemistry: No minimum
  • Grammar: No minimum
  • Math: 75%
  • Reading Comprehension: 75%
  • Vocabulary General Knowledge: 75%
  • Critical Thinking: 800

Surgical Technology

  • Cumulative: 75%
  • A&P: 75%
  • Biology: 75%
  • Chemistry: No minimum
  • Grammar: No minimum
  • Math: No minimum
  • Reading Comprehension: 75%
  • Vocabulary General Knowledge: 75%
  • Critical Thinking: 750

All students will complete the full exam to create an accurate cumulative score. While some areas may not have score minimums, they do calculate into the cumulative score.

Once every three months.

It is recommended to wait until pre-core requirements are complete. This will allow more knowledge to be available and applied to the admission assessment. The HESI A2 requirement does not need to be done until just before the goal of being deemed core ready. Students should allow themselves time to retake, if necessary.

Example for a student with a goal of becoming core ready by January 1:

  • First attempt August 17
  • Retake could be done then after November 17

The time restriction between each attempt allows for meaningful remediation to improve success on the next attempt.

The attempt will be invalidated and will not count towards academic preparedness requirements. The student can retake the HESI A2 three months from the original date.

Health science programs require a cumulative score from the HESI so you will need to retake the entire exam.

When the HESI A2 is completed, applicants are provided personalized, electronic remediation content at no cost. Remediation content is available for all exam sections. Remediation materials can also be added to a printable study packet for the student to review.

Students who have been notified of a program seat being available for them, may have the program chair/lead approval to attempt to retake HESI with a one-time exception at 30 days from the prior attempt. This requires proof that the HESI remediation packets have been completed and to approve the attempt outside of three months to attempt to allow the student to improve the score to register for the program. This is not an action a student who are not pending Core Active may implement.

No, there are multiple versions, and each are updated 1-2x times per year to avoid duplicative content. Students will take the full exam if they elect to repeat the exam. Once the exam is repeated, all scores from the next attempt will be recorded.

Yes, there are student resource materials available in the student success center to prepare for the exam. Students may also purchase their own resources directly from Elsevier.

  • If the TEAS test was completed after January 1, 2022, you do not need to complete the HESI A2 exam.
  • If the TEAS test was completed before January 1, 2022, you will need to complete the HESI A2 to meet the admitted: core ready requirement. 

February 7, 2025

February 8, 2025, unless TEAS was completed between January 1, 2022, and February 3, 2025. 

Anatomy and Physiology

  • 30-item exam
  • Provides coverage of general terminology and anatomical structures and systems

Biology

  • 30-item exam
  • Covers biology basics, water, biological molecules, metabolism, cells, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis 

Chemistry

  • 30-item exam
  • Contains test items that cover matter, chemical equations and reactions, the periodic table, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, and chemical bonding

Grammar

  • 55-item exam
  • Contains basic grammar, including parts of speech, important terms, and their uses in grammar, and commonly occurring grammatical errors

Math

  • 55-item exam
  • Focuses on math skills needed for health care fields, including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, household measures, and general math facts that are useful, for example, when calculating drug dosages and solutions

Reading Comprehension

  • 55-item exam
  • Reading scenarios that are not health related. Provides reading scenarios to measure reading comprehension, including identifying the main idea, finding meaning of words in context, passage comprehension, making logical inferences, etc. 

Vocabulary and General Knowledge

  • 55-item exam
  • Contains basic vocabulary that is often used in health care fields

Learning Styles

  • 14-item assessment of preferred learning style
  • Students receive a printout with study tips based on their learning style and personality profile

Personality Style

  • 15-item assessment of personality related to preferred learning style
  • Students receive a printout with study tips based on their learning style and personality profile

Critical Thinking

  • 25-item assessment
  • All answers are correct; Each choice reflects a different degree of critical thinking skills regarding general health situations
    • Problem Solving
      • These questions refer to the process of inquiry in which the health program student seeks multiple facts to remove obstacles or resolve patient care problems
    • Biases and Ethical Dilemmas
      • These questions address ethical, legal, and moral issues, as well as biases health program students may have about patients and others
    • Argument Analysis
      • These questions refer to situations in which the health program student seeks to resolve conflicts or disagreements by considering multiple points of view
    • Analysis of Data
      • These questions address the need to interpret patient data correctly, and decide if further action is required