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What's on the Tests

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 multiparagraph 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

WritePlacer Essay

The WritePlacer essay measures your ability to write effectively, which is critical to your academic success. Your score is based on your ability to express, organize, and support your opinions and ideas. The position you take on the essay topic doesn’t affect your score. The following characteristics of writing will be considered:

  • Purpose and Focus: The extent to which you present information in a unified and coherent manner, clearly addressing the issue
  • Organization and Structure: The extent to which you order and connect ideas.
  • Development and Support: The extent to which you develop and support ideas.
  • Sentence Variety and Style: The extent to which you craft sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure.
  • Mechanical Conventions: The extent to which you express ideas using Standard Written English.
  • Critical Thinking: The extent to which you communicate a point of view and demonstrate reasoned relationships among ideas.

ACCUPLACER for English Language Learners

If English isn't your first language, you may be asked to take one or more ACCUPLACER placement tests for English language learners to assess your English language skills.

  • The ESL Language Use test measures your proficiency in using correct grammar in English sentences.
  • The ESL Listening test measures your ability to listen to and understand one or more people speaking in English. Conversations take place in a wide range of locations including lecture halls, grocery stores, and libraries.
  • The ESL Reading Skills test measures your ability to read English through the comprehension of short passages.
  • The ESL Sentence Meaning test measures how well you understand the meaning of sentences in English.