ACCUPLACER Test

What placement tests are covered on ACCUPLACER?

There are 20 questions for the computer-adaptive Reading Placement Test. Of the 20 questions, 8 will be set-based, while 12 are discrete questions. In addition to being computer-adaptive, there are two optional COMPANION forms associated with this test. There are 40 questions for each COMPANION form.

The questions on the Reading test will concentrate on the informational content of text (information and ideas), craft and structure of writing (rhetoric), combine several sources of information (synthesis), and figuring out the definition of words and sentences based on their context (vocabulary).

There are 25 questions for the computer-adaptive Writing Placement Test. Of the 25 questions, 5 will be based on a literary set, while 20 are based on informational sets. In addition to being computer-adaptive, there are two optional COMPANION forms associated with this test. There are 40 questions for each COMPANION form.

The questions on the Writing test will concentrate on development, organization, effective language use, sentence structure, and conventions of usage and punctuation.

There are 20 questions for the computer-adaptive Arithmetic Placement Test. In addition to being computer-adaptive, there are two optional COMPANION forms for pre-testing and post-testing, that are associated with this test. There are 40 questions for each COMPANION form.

For questions that require the use of a calculator, an onscreen one will appear. Examinees are not allowed to bring their own calculators.

The questions on the Arithmetic test will concentrate on whole number, fraction, and decimal operations, percent, and number comparisons and equivalents.

There are 20 questions for the computer-adaptive Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics Placement Test. In addition to being computer-adaptive, there are two optional COMPANION forms for pre-testing and post-testing, that are associated with this test. There are 40 questions for each COMPANION form.

For questions that require the use of a calculator on the computer-adaptive assessment, an onscreen one will appear. Examinees are not allowed to bring their own calculators. For COMPANION form questions that require a calculator, examinees are allowed to use a four-function calculator.

The questions on the Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics Placement test will concentrate on rational numbers, ratio and proportional relationships, exponents, algebraic expressions, linear equations, linear applications and graphs, probability and sets, descriptive statistics, and geometry concepts related to Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.

There are 20 questions for the computer-adaptive Advanced Algebra and Functions Placement Test. In addition to being computer-adaptive, there are two optional COMPANION forms for pre-testing and post-testing, that are associated with this test. There are 40 questions for each COMPANION form.

For questions that require the use of a calculator on the computer-adaptive assessment, an onscreen one will appear. Examinees are not allowed to bring their own calculators. For COMPANION form questions that require a calculator, examinees are allowed to use a four-function calculator.

The questions on the Advanced Algebra and Functions Placement test will concentrate on linear equations, linear applications and graphs, factoring, quadratics, functions, radical and rational equations, polynomial equations, exponential and logarithmic equations, trigonometry, and geometry concepts related to Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.

The amount of time you have to complete the tests varies from institution to institution.

How do I register for the tests? How much do they cost?

Each institution that administers this exam has its process for registering for the exam and sets the cost. Consult the high school at which you will be taking the test or the college/university to which you are applying.

When can I take the tests?

Check with the institution at which you are taking the tests.

What should I do the day of the exam?

Again, each institution has its requirements for ID and items that are prohibited from the testing area. Generally, this will include a form of identification that includes your name, signature, and recent photo. Examples of prohibited items include study materials, bookbags, and food/drink.

What happens after I take the exam?

You will receive your scores immediately after testing.

How Can I Prepare for the ACCUPLACER Test?

We believe that different learning styles require different tools for success. We have compiled a list of the best study guides, flashcards, and practice tests that we’ve found on the market. Some of these guides have review videos, for you visual learners out there. Others have practice tests, which have been proven to increase student scores by a whole letter grade (in some cases more than that)!