Accuplacer Placement
Testing
Some Guidelines
Placement Test Guidelines
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You must take placement tests in English and/or
math if you are:
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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
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You may be exempt from some or all placement
testing if
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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
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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.
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Once the disability counselors have provided the Testing
Center with the materials for the accommodations, you
may take the tests.
Purpose of Evaluation
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Three tests (mathematics, reading, and writing)
assess your entry-level skills in math and English.
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Your scores on these tests allow your advisor to
register you for courses that will give you the best
opportunity for success.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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You will not be timed on any test.
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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
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You will use your mouse to click on the answer you
believe is correct.
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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.
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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
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You may receive questions from three math levels:
arithmetic, elementary algebra, and college-level math.
Your answers will determine which levels you complete.
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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
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This test assesses how well you understand what you
have read. The test has 20 questions of two types:
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A short or long passage followed by a question asking
you to identify the main idea, identify a detail, or draw
a conclusion.
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Two sentences provided for you to determine the
relationship between the two.
Features of Sentence Skills Test
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This test assesses your understanding of sentence logic,
clarity, and completeness. The test contains 20 items of
two types:
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Selecting the best word or phrase for an underlined
portion of a sentence so that the sentence is logical,
complete, clear, and correct.
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Rewriting a sentence that uses a different format but
maintains the meaning of the original sentence.
Resources Available During Testing
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Scrap paper is available on the computer towers. The
proctor will collect and destroy your paper after you have
completed the test.
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Pen or pencil may be used.
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Graphing calculators are available for loan during the
test.
Restrictions During Testing
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Dictionaries, notes, electronic devices, and personal
calculators are prohibited.
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All cell phones or electronic devices must be turned off
and out of sight during testing.
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Bathroom breaks may be taken between, not during, any
of the three tests.
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You may not leave the room unless you have been given
permission by a testing proctor.
Doing Your Best
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PRACTICE using the web resources on Wor-Wic’s web
site found under Diagnostic Testing from either the
“Quick Links” or “Future Students” option.
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Visit the ACCUPLACER website
(http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students)
and PRACTICE using the sample questions provided.
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Make sure you are well-rested and come in with a
positive attitude.
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Take your time and read each set of directions carefully.
Retesting Options
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You are allowed to retest one time only on any or all
parts of the test.
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Research indicates that retesting is most valuable if your
initial score is in the suggested retest range.
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You should complete SIGNIFICANT review before you
retest.
Closing Thoughts
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Completing additional practice before taking the tests
is the best way to assure the most accurate placement
for your college courses.
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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.
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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.