What is ACCUPLACER?
ACCUPLACER is an online math and English placement exam. It is designed to place you in the most appropriate math and English course.
Why is ACCUPLACER necessary?
ACCUPLACER was developed to assess your math and English skill levels. The results of the assessment are used to make recommendations for placement. This information is used by the University to plan appropriate academic programs based on the levels of competency of our undergraduate students.
Do I need to take the exam?
All new undergraduate students who have not taken or successfully passed college level math and/or English course work are required to take ACCUPLACER.
I am enrolled in an online program, how would I take the exam?
ACCUPLACER testing requires that you be monitored while taking your exam. You must submit a proctor approval form to the Testing Center and your proctor must be approved prior to taking your exam. Click here to access the Proctor Approval form.
Where and when is it offered?
ACCUPLACER is offered at most centers. Because the exam is given only in a proctored setting, contact the center nearest you for its schedule.
What should I bring?
You will need your National University student ID number and a photo ID. No books, notes, calculators, or other devices are allowed in the testing room. Scratch paper will be provided.
How soon do I need to take the exam?
Right away. You must take the placement exam within 30 days after enrollment. Your advisor will not be able to schedule you for math or English courses until you complete the exam.
What is covered on the exam?
ACCUPLACER is an adaptive test. This means that the questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions.
The English exam has two sections: Sentence Skills and Reading Comprehension. Sentence Skills measures your understanding of sentence structure: how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence complete and clear. Reading Comprehension tests your ability to understand what you read.
The math exam will start with Elementary Algebra. The Algebra exam measures your ability to perform basic algebraic operations and solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts. Depending on your skill level, you will then be given either the Arithmetic or College-Level Math exam. The Arithmetic exam measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. The College-Level Mathematics exam measures your ability to solve problems that involve college-level mathematics concepts.
Click here for Accuplacer study guides.
How long will it take?
There is no time limit; it takes on average two hours to complete both the math and English exams.
When do I find out how I did?
Your score report is available as soon as you complete the exam.
I think I can do better. When can I retake ACCUPLACER?
You must wait 14 days to retake the exam. If you retake ACCUPLACER prior to the 14 days, those scores will be void and you have to wait an additional 14 days to retest. You may retake the exam two times and there is a $5.00 fee per retake.
How will my advisor know that I took the exam?
You will receive a printout of your ACCUPLACER results at the end of the test. Take the printout to your next meeting with your advisor; at that time, your advisor will be able to schedule the appropriate course for you.