ACCUPLACER

All ACCUPLACER tests use a multiple-choice format except for WritePlacer®, which is an essay test. There’s no time limit on the tests, so you can focus on doing your best to demonstrate your skills.

ACCUPLACER uses the latest computer-adaptive technology, which means the questions you see are based on your skill level. Your response to each question determines the difficulty level of the next question, so it’s important to give each question as much thought as you can before selecting your answer.

Remember: No one passes or fails ACCUPLACER tests, but it’s important to complete the test using your best effort, so you can get an accurate measure of your academic skills and be placed in the appropriate course.

Get resources to help you practice for the tests.

Inside the Tests

Reading Test

The Reading test assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes, and complexities. Both single and paired passages are included.

Writing Test

The Writing test evaluates your ability to revise and edit multi-paragraph text.

Math Tests

The Arithmetic test focuses on computation, order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. 

The Arithmetic test assesses the following knowledge and skills:

• Whole Number Operations

• Fraction Operations

• Decimal Operations

• Percent

• Number Comparisons and Equivalents

The Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) test assesses the following knowledge and skills:

• Rational Numbers

• Ratio and Proportional Relationships

• Exponents

• Algebraic Expressions

• Linear Equations

• Linear Applications and Graphs

• Probability Sets

• Descriptive Statistics

• Geometry Concepts

The Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) test assesses the following knowledge and skills:

• Linear Equations

• Linear Applications and Graphs

• Factoring

• Quadratics

• Functions

• Radical and Rational Equations

• Polynomial Equations

• Exponential and Logarithmic Equations

• Trigonometry

ACCUPLACER Reading, Writing, Quantitative Reasoning and Statistics, and Advanced Algebra and Functions tests each have a score range of 200–300. To help you understand what your score means, you can review the Skills Insight™ statement for each test. The Skills Insight statements break down the scores into five score bands:

• 200–236

• 237–249

• 250–262

• 263–275

• 276–300

For each score band, each test's Skills Insight statement describes what a student scoring within that band is likely to know and be able to do.

It's a good idea to review the Skills Insight statements with your advisor to make sure you understand what you need to know and demonstrate to achieve a desired score. For example, if your goal is to score in the 263–275 score band on the Writing test, read the statement for that score band so you know how to prepare for the test.

Score Interpretation Sheet 

Download sample ACCUPLACER questions and sample essay prompts and register to take free practice tests to make sure you’re prepared for test day.