Prepare for the Accuplacer Test

You should plan on taking the time to get ready for the Reading and Math Accuplacer tests. (Note, we do not give the Writing test.) We strongly encourage you to prepare for tests by reviewing the following study materials:

Testing Tips:

  1. Get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test. Please arrive 10 minutes before the test begins.
  2. Please follow and make sure you understand the directions given before each test.
  3. This is an adaptive test. Questions are chosen on the basis of your answers to previous questions. You must answer every question. You cannot omit questions or come back to an answer. You may change your answer on a particular question, but you must do so before continuing on to the next question. If you do not, the answer is accepted and you cannot return to the question. The Proctor is not permitted to help you with any test questions. However, if you need anything else during the test, please inform the Proctor.
  4. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices and pick one of the remaining choices.

Which math assessment test will I be taking?

The test is based on your answer to this background question: “What is the highest level math class you have completed?”

  • If the answer is “Lower level math course” you will begin with the Arithmetic test. If you score high on this test, you will be branched up to the Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics test.

  • If the answer is “Algebra or higher" you will begin with the Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics test. If you score high on this test, you will be branched up to the Advanced Algebra and Functions test. If you score low on this test, you will be branched down to the Arithmetic test.
  • Click here for more information about what is tested in each math section.

The reading test measures your ability to understand what you read.  You will be asked 20 questions. Some will ask you to decide how two sentences are related. Other questions ask you about reading passages of various lengths. You will be asked to interpret and draw conclusions from what you have read.