Accuplacer Placement Testing Some Guidelines

Placement Test Guidelines You must take placement tests in English and/or math if you are:  A new student who is still in high school.  A new student who does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent.  A new student who has declared a major or who is undecided about a major.  A special student who registers beyond nine cumulative credit hours.  A student who is interested in taking a math course, an English course, or a course that has a math or an English prerequisite.

Placement Exemptions You may be exempt from some or all placement testing if  You have achieved at least a 550 on a subset score of the SAT within the last two years.  You have scored at least a 21 on the reading, writing, or math sections of the ACT within the last two years.  You are transferring English or math credits from another university AND the registrar at Wor-Wic has awarded you transfer credit.  You are a special student who wants to take only one course during the semester and that course does not have a math or an English prerequisite.

Students with Special Accommodations If you believe you are eligible for special accommodations, you should visit the Disability and Counseling Office (AAB 109) immediately to determine the accommodations for which you may be eligible. Once the disability counselors have provided the Testing Center with the materials for the accommodations, you may take the tests.

Purpose of Evaluation  Three tests (mathematics, reading, and writing) assess your entry-level skills in math and English.  Your scores on these tests allow your advisor to register you for courses that will give you the best opportunity for success.  You will not be denied admission based on your scores; however, if you scores indicate that you need skills development, you will be required to register for developmental courses.

Importance of Evaluation  If you test into a developmental course in math or English, the course(s) will not count toward your degree and you will not be able to take some 100 courses that require college-level English or math scores as prerequisites.  If you test into the first-level developmental courses in reading or English, you will initially be limited to those courses only and will not be eligible for financial aid.

Accuplacer Test Features You will be expected to point and click with a computer mouse. A tutorial is available for you to practice this skill before you begin a test. You will not be timed on any test. Each test has a set number of questions, which are selected from a pool of test items. The level of difficulty will vary throughout the testing session depending on the answers you provide. This method provides a more accurate placement in a shorter time period.

Taking Accuplacer You will use your mouse to click on the answer you believe is correct. You may change an answer while you are working on that screen. However, once you have clicked on “OK” to confirm an answer, you will not be able to return to that question. You may not skip any question. If you are not sure of an answer, you must click on your best guess.

Features of Mathematics Test You may receive questions from three math levels: arithmetic, elementary algebra, and college-level math. Your answers will determine which levels you complete.  Arithmetic: 17 questions assessing your understanding of whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents and your ability to solve problems involving rates, percents, or measurements.  Elementary Algebra: 12 questions assessing your understanding of integers and rational numbers, algebraic expressions, and equations, inequalities, and word problems. A calculator is provided.  College-Level Math: 20 questions assessing your ability to answer questions in six areas, including coordinate geometry, algebraic operations, and trigonometry. A calculator is provided.

Features of Reading Comprehension Test This test assesses how well you understand what you have read. The test has 20 questions of two types:  A short or long passage followed by a question asking you to identify the main idea, identify a detail, or draw a conclusion.  Two sentences provided for you to determine the relationship between the two.

Features of Sentence Skills Test This test assesses your understanding of sentence logic, clarity, and completeness. The test contains 20 items of two types:  Selecting the best word or phrase for an underlined portion of a sentence so that the sentence is logical, complete, clear, and correct.  Rewriting a sentence that uses a different format but maintains the meaning of the original sentence.

Resources Available During Testing Scrap paper is available on the computer towers. The proctor will collect and destroy your paper after you have completed the test. Pen or pencil may be used. Graphing calculators are available for loan during the test.

Restrictions During Testing Dictionaries, notes, electronic devices, and personal calculators are prohibited. All cell phones or electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight during testing. Bathroom breaks may be taken between, not during, any of the three tests. You may not leave the room unless you have been given permission by a testing proctor.

Doing Your Best PRACTICE using the web resources on Wor-Wic’s web site found under Diagnostic Testing from either the “Quick Links” or “Future Students” option. Visit the ACCUPLACER website ( and PRACTICE using the sample questions provided. Make sure you are well-rested and come in with a positive attitude. Take your time and read each set of directions carefully.

Retesting Options You are allowed to retest one time only on any or all parts of the test. Research indicates that retesting is most valuable if your initial score is in the suggested retest range. You should complete SIGNIFICANT review before you retest.

Closing Thoughts  Completing additional practice before taking the tests is the best way to assure the most accurate placement for your college courses.  When you exit this PowerPoint presentation, you should look at the list of practice site links provided for you. Click on the links that relate to the test or tests you are scheduled to take.  When you feel you are ready to take the placement tests, return to the Admissions office at the College to pick up your testing referral form.