ACCUPLACER is an adaptive test. This means that the questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. This technique selects just the right questions for your ability level. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. Each test is untimed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. You can change your answer to a particular question before moving on to the next question, but you cannot leave a question out or come back to it later to change your answer.

Accuplacer Next-Generation Reading

The Next-Generation Reading placement test is a broad-spectrum, computer-adaptive assessment of test takers’ developed ability to derive meaning from a range of prose 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 (including literature and literary nonfiction, careers/history/social studies, humanities, and science), writing modes (informative/explanatory, argument, and narrative), and complexities (relatively easy to very challenging). Both single and paired passages are included.

Accuplacer Next-Generation Writing

The Next-Generation Writing placement test is a broad-spectrum, computer-adaptive assessment of test takers’ developed ability to revise and edit a range of prose texts for effective expression of ideas and for conformity to the conventions of Standard Written English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas (including literary nonfiction, careers/history/social studies, humanities, and science), writing modes (informative/explanatory, argument, and narrative), and complexities (relatively easy to very challenging).

Accuplacer Next-Generation Arithmetic

The Next-Generation Arithmetic placement test is a computer-adaptive assessment of a test taker’s developed ability for selected mathematics content. Questions will focus on computation, order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. In addition, questions may assess a test taker’s math ability via fluency with mathematical procedures and conceptual understanding and may also present a real-world context that requires them to demonstrate the ability to analyze a situation, determine the essential elements required to solve the problem, represent the problem mathematically, and carry out a solution.

Accuplacer Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics

The Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) placement test is a broad-spectrum, computer-adaptive assessment of test takers’ developed ability for selected mathematics content suited for test takers entering non-STEM fields of study or for test takers who are undecided on a major. Questions focus on a range of topics including computing with rational numbers, applying ratios and proportional reasoning, creating linear expressions and equations, graphing and applying linear equations, understanding probability and sets, and interpreting graphical displays.

Accuplacer Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions

The Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions placement test is a broad-spectrum, computer-adaptive assessment of test takers’ developed ability for selected mathematics content suited for test takers entering STEM fields of study, as well as test takers entering non-STEM fields of study that require some advanced math (e.g., medicine, economics, accounting). Questions will focus on a range of topics including a variety of equations and functions that include linear, quadratic, rational, radical, polynomial, and exponential.

Doing Your Best on the Accuplacer Assessment

It is important to do your best on the assessment. Placement that has not assessed your true skill set may cause up to a year and a half of additional coursework and thus will impact the cost of your education. Being prepared and doing your best will provide the most accurate and appropriate placement.

• Have a positive attitude.
• Brush up on your skills with Placement Study Materials.
• Allow at least three hours to take your Skills Assessment. If you are rushed, you cannot do your best. You may also consider taking the assessment in parts.
• Read all of the directions, answer each question, and check your answers carefully.

Placement Results

• Placement for English and ESL courses is determined using the English and ESL Placement Matrix.
• Placement for mathematics courses is determined using the Mathematics Placement Matrix.