ACCUPLACER
ACCUPLACER® helps place College Credit Plus (CCP) students in appropriate courses
You may not be required to take ACCUPLACER
Before you take ACCUPLACER, please check with a Gateway staff member to discern whether you may be able to use another measure for placement, such as High School GPA or scores from another test, such as ACT.
If you must take ACCUPLACER, please watch this video first:
Writing Test:
WritePlacer determines whether you are eligible for placement into Composition I and other courses which have an English prerequisite.
Students taking WritePlacer are presented with a prompt and asked to write an essay of 300 to 600 words with a time limit of 60 minutes.
In order for a student to achieve a score which would make them eligible for ENGL-112 (Composition I) and other courses which have an English prerequisite, it is recommended that a student spend at least 51 minutes writing an essay comprised of at least 450 words.*
*based upon an informal survey of essays submitted and scored during 2019
Resources to help you prepare for the Writing test
ACCUPLACER WritePlacer Sample Essay
This document provides sample prompts and sample essays (for
different score levels) along with helpful explanations.
(resource developed by The College Board)
Introductory WritePlacer Plus
This document provides a thorough explanation of WritePlacer.
(resource developed by Northeast Iowa Community College)
WritePlacer Testing Tips
This document provides WritePlacer testing tips.
(resource developed by Northeast Iowa Community College)
Math Test(s):
QAS (Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and
Statistics) (no time limit, 20 questions)
This test determines eligibility for credit-level math
courses, such as MATH-110 (Trigonometry),
MATH-130 (Introduction to Statistics), MATH-140 (College
Algebra), and MATH-150 (Pre-Calculus).
Resources to help you prepare for the QAS Math Test
Sample Questions Booklet
This document, which may be viewed online or downloaded, includes a description of the test, 20 sample/practice questions, an answer key, and rationales (explanations) for the correct answers for all questions.
Web-based study app
https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login
On this app, use the resource for “Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics.” The resource ”Advanced Algebra and Functions” may be used for the math test described below. However, please do not use the resources for “Reading,” “Writing,” and “Arithmetic,” since COTC does not use the tests for these areas.
The app is designed for you to use the Learn as You Go test first and then take the Sample Test. The Learn as You Go test provides immediate feedback after each question is submitted and includes an explanation for the correct response. Use this version to review the test content areas and to prepare for the Sample Test version. The Sample Test is not an actual ACCUPLACER® test, but it resembles the test-taking experience. Use this version after you have had a chance to review the test content with the Learn as You Go version.
AAF (Advanced Algebra and Functions) (no
time limit, 20 questions)
This test determines eligibility for MATH-200 (Calculus
I).
Resources to help you prepare for the AAF Math Test
Sample Questions Booklet
This document, which may be viewed online or downloaded, includes a description of the test, 20 sample/practice questions, an answer key, and rationales (explanations) for the correct answers for all questions.
More Sample Tests
These practice tests are designed to familiarize you with the content, format, and timing of the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) Placement test. Each test includes complete answer explanations and instant scoring.
AAF Sample Tests 1 and 2:
Click on this link
Then,
click on GET STARTED to the right side
of Accuplacer®,
click on CONTINUE on the Confirmation
Required screen,
click on Next-Generation
ACCUPLACER® Preparation on the drop-down
menu,
click on Start Test under
Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® Advanced Algebra and
Functions Practice Test 1
or 2
Web-based study app
https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login
On this app, use the resource for “Advanced Algebra and Functions.“ The resource ”Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics” may be used for the math test described above. However, please do not use the resources for “Reading,” “Writing,” and “Arithmetic,” since COTC does not use the tests for these areas.
The app is designed for you to use the Learn as You Go test first and then take the Sample Test. The Learn as You Go test provides immediate feedback after each question is submitted and includes an explanation for the correct response. Use this version to review the test content areas and to prepare for the Sample Test version. The Sample Test is not an actual ACCUPLACER® test, but it resembles the test-taking experience. Use this version after you have had a chance to review the test content with the Learn as You Go version.
Calculator Guidelines for All ACCUPLACER Math Tests
You are not allowed to bring your own
calculator.
On some test questions, a calculator will be available on
the computer screen.