Welcome to the ACCUPLACER® practice test page!
Click “Start Test” above to take a free ACCUPLACER practice test!
ACCUPLACER Practice Tests by Subject
If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific ACCUPLACER practice test.
ACCUPLACER Exam Outline
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.
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.
Scoring
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.
Study Tips
How to Study Effectively
Your success on ACCUPLACER test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking ACCUPLACER practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free ACCUPLACER exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
- The questions you got wrong
- The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
- The ones you found difficult or slow to work through
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Answer Explanations
Additionally, many ACCUPLACER practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
Comprehend Each Topic
As you go along, keep in mind that the ACCUPLACER practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
Strategy for ACCUPLACER Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and ACCUPLACER study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
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Online ACCUPLACER Test 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:
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 test.
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FAQs
Q
What is on the ACCUPLACER?
A
The main ACCUPLACER placement tests are Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics, and Advanced Algebra and Functions. Some schools may also use the WritePlacer essay or ESL tests.
Q
Can you fail a placement test for college?
A
No, you cannot fail a placement test. However, a placement test will determine what courses you will need to be placed in when you begin college classes.
Q
Are you allowed to use a calculator on the ACCUPLACER?
A
You are allowed to use a calculator on the ACCUPLACER. However, you are not permitted to bring your own personal calculator. There will be an on-screen calculator provided for you.
Q
How long does it take to do the ACCUPLACER test?
A
The ACCUPLACER is an untimed exam. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable to you.
Q
Is the ACCUPLACER multiple choice?
A
The ACCUPLACER is a multiple-choice test.
Q
What is ACCUPLACER test for?
A
The ACCUPLACER exam uses your scores to help place you where you would be most likely to thrive in college, assessing which classes would be best for you.
Q
How many questions are on the ACCUPLACER math test?
A
There are three different ACCUPLACER math tests and each contains 20 questions.
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