Your Score

The College Board developed the ACCUPLACER Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), with the help of committees of college faculty, to provide information about your level of skill accomplishment in reading, English and mathematics. Your college may use the scores you receive and other information that you provide to help determine the English, mathematics, and reading courses most appropriate for you at this time.

There are eight computerized placement tests available in the ACCUPLACER program. Your college will determine which of these tests you should take. The tests cover several skill areas including reading, English, arithmetic, elementary algebra, and college-level mathematics

Score Reporting

When you have completed the tests, you may see a report of your scores on the screen and you may receive a printed report of your scores. The type of reporting depends on how your college has set up the testing. When you have completed the testing follow the instructions of the Test Administrator. Your scores can only be obtained through your college. Your test administrator will tell you how and when you can obtain your score.

You can find out more about how to interpret your scores here.

It is important that you answer each question to the best of your ability. Scores will be used in part to determine course placement. Failure to do your very best may result in course placements that are too low for your current skill level.

Who Must Take the Test

Your college will let you know if you need to take one or more of the ACCUPLACER tests.

When and Where are the Tests Given

Your college will let you know when and where the tests will be given.

Fees for ACCUPLACER

Your college will notify you if there is a fee for taking ACCUPLACER.

Special Arrangements for Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability or temporarily disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard conditions, inform the Test Administrator before taking the test. These requests should be made directly to the Test Administrator at your college. No additional charge should be made for these special arrangements.

What to Take With You To The Tests

On the day of the test, you should be sure to take your student ID number (usually your social security number) and any other special materials or information your college may ask you to bring to the test.

When you arrive to take the assessment, the Test Administrator will ask you to provide photo identification. You will then be seated to take the assessment on a computer.

Testing Regulations

Before taking the tests you will be asked to confirm that you have read the testing regulations and that you agree to comply with them. A copy of the regulations is included with this Student Guide.

Confidentiality

Your test scores and the information you provide when taking the tests will only be provided to The College Board, to the college at which you are taking the tests or at which you are enrolled, and to the state to meet state information requirements. The information may be used for counseling, advisement and placement purposes and may be used to document whether or not you have met state testing requirements. It may also be used by The College Board for research and training purposes. Your test information will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your permission. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please see your Test Administrator.

Tutorial

If you are not comfortable using a computer keyboard or mouse, you may want to take the tutorial available on the Internet at http://www.collegeboard.org. Ask a friend or advisor to help you. If you do not have access to a computer, find out if there is a computer available on campus with Internet connections available for your use.

Computer Delivered Testing

You will take the tests using a computer. You will use either the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers and supply other information. A Test Administrator will always be present should you have any questions or problems. The Test Administrator has the ability to resolve any difficulties that may occur.

Answering the Questions

Because you take the ACCUPLACER tests on a computer, you do not have to answer as many questions as on traditional paper-and-pencil tests. The number of questions on the eight tests range from 12-25. The questions appear one at a time on the computer screen. Most questions are multiple choice, and all you will need to do is use the Enter key or mouse to select an answer. When you have completed the question and confirmed your answer, a new screen will appear with your next question.

Adaptive Testing

Each test is adaptive. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique selects just the right questions to ask without being too easy or too difficult.

Each test is untimed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, once you have selected and confirmed your answer, you can not return to that question.