The ACCUPLACER placement tests are designed to assist with the accurate placement of students into classes that appropriately match their skill level. The test content is reflective of relevant texts and tasks that would be encountered within a first-year college course.
This page covers what information these placement tests cover, the number and type of questions you can expect, the score you need to pass, and everything you need to register for the assessment.
About the Test
The ACCUPLACER placement tests are designed to evaluate reading, writing, and math skills to assist with the accurate placement of students into college courses. The contents of the test are consistent with relevant coursework that would be expected within a student’s first year of college.
The ACCUPLACER is divided into the following placement tests:
- Reading
- Writing
- Arithmetic
- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
- Advanced Algebra and Functions
Depending on your school’s policies, you may be asked to write an ACCUPLACER WritePlacer® Essay to further assess your writing skills.
ACCUPLACER Test Outline
Reading Placement Test
Broad knowledge and skill categories on the ACCUPLACER reading subtest include:
- Information and Ideas (7-11 questions)
- Determining central ideas and themes
- Reading closely
- Summarizing
- Understanding relationships
- Rhetoric (7-11 questions)
- Analyzing arguments
- Analyzing point of view
- Analyzing purpose
- Analyzing text structure
- Analyzing word choice rhetorically
- Synthesis (2 questions)
- Analyzing multiple texts
- Vocabulary (2-4 questions)
Writing Placement Test
Broad knowledge and skill categories on the ACCUPLACER writing subtest include:
- Expression of Ideas (14-16 questions)
- Development
- Effective Language Use
- Organization
- Standard English Conventions (9-11 questions)
- Conventions of Punctuation
- Conventions of Usage
- Sentence Structure
Arithmetic Placement Test
The knowledge and skills categories on the ACCUPLACER arithmetic subtest include:
- Decimal Operations (3-5 questions)
- Fraction Operations (3-5 questions)
- Number Comparisons and Equivalents (3-5 questions)
- Percent (3-5 questions)
- Whole Number Operations (3-5 questions)
Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics Placement Test
The knowledge and skills categories on the ACCUPLACER quantitative reasoning, algebra, and statistics subtest include:
- Algebraic Expressions (2-3 questions)
- Descriptive Statistics (1-3 questions)
- Exponents (2-3 questions)
- Geometry Concepts for Algebra I (1-2 questions)
- Geometry Concepts for Pre-Algebra (1-2 questions)
- Linear Applications and Graphs (2-4 questions)
- Linear Equations (2-4 questions)
- Probability and Sets (1-3 questions)
- Ratio and Proportional Relationships (3-4 questions)
- Rational numbers (1-3 questions)
Advanced Algebra and Functions Placement Test
The knowledge and skills categories on the ACCUPLACER advanced algebra and functions subtest include:
- Exponential and Logarithmic Equations (1-3 questions)
- Factoring (1-2 questions)
- Functions (2-4 questions)
- Geometry Concepts for Algebra I (1-2 questions)
- Geometry Concepts for Algebra II (1-2 questions)
- Linear Applications and Graphs (2-3 questions)
- Linear Equations (2-3 questions)
- Polynomial Equations (1-3 questions)
- Quadratics (2-3 questions)
- Radical and Rational Equations (1-3 questions)
- Trigonometry (1-3 questions)
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What is Computer-Adaptive Testing?
Each ACCUPLACER placement test is computer-adaptive, which means that the number of questions it takes to pass the test will vary from person to person.
Here’s a look at how the computer-adaptive system works:
The first question is judged to be of medium difficulty, and depending on your performance, the next question may be easier or harder. If you do well on the first question, the second question will be harder; conversely, if you do poorly on the first question, the second question will be easy.
ACCUPLACER Test Registration
If you would like to schedule an appointment to take the ACCUPLACER test, you will need to contact or visit your college advising and counseling office. In the event your institution is in another state, they will be able to advise you further on options and alternatives.
Test Day
Before you begin the test, you will be asked to provide a test administrator with your legal photo ID for safety and security purposes. Your college may ask you to bring special materials as well, so contact your test center for further details as part of your ACCUPLACER test prep.
You will also need to contact the test center in advance if you will require any disability accommodations.
How the ACCUPLACER Test is Scored
As you prepare to take any of the ACCUPLACER subtests, it is important to remember there are no passing or failing scores. Instead, you will receive a score reflective of your personal skill and knowledge level in order to accurately place you into classes appropriate for your level.
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ACCUPLACER Online Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online ACCUPLACER prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!
Here’s what you’ll find in the ACCUPLACER course:
- 70+ Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- Over 1,250 ACCUPLACER Practice Questions
- 240+ Video Tutorials
- 550+ Digital Flashcards
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- Mobile Access
Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored the ACCUPLACER online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the ACCUPLACER exam.
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