- Who needs to take the Accuplacer
- If you have not yet taken a math course at EdCC, you generally need to take the Accuplacer math placement test to determine the course(s) for which you are eligible. (Students may also need to take the Accuplacer for placement into English courses at EdCC.)
- How do I take Accuplacer?
- The Accuplacer math placement test is offered year-round in the EdCC Testing Center. Generally students take Accuplacer when they initially enroll at EdCC.
- What is Accuplacer like?
- The Accuplacer math placement test consists of a number of multiple-choice questions on a computer in an enviroment much like a standard Web browser interface. You are allowed to use a pencil and paper but are not allowed to use a calculator. The test is not timed, but you should allow at least an hour to complete the test.
- What material does Accuplacer cover?
- The math portion of the Accuplacer placement test begins with algebra problems at the level of Math 80 and Math 90. If you answer most of these questions correctly, you are automatically sent from the Algebra test to the College Level Math Test, which includes material at the level of Math 141 and Math 142. It is not expected that you have seen all of the material on the Accuplacer before and you do not need to answer every question correctly to place into a college-level math class. If you answer too many of the algebra-level questions incorrectly, you may be sent to the Arithmetic test, with questions at the level of Math 40.
- What can I do to review for the test before taking the Accuplacer?
- We have complied a list of online resources that may be helpful in reviewing material you have previously studied and in practicing taking tests in a format similar to the Accuplacer.
- What does my Accuplacer score mean?
- When you complete the Accuplacer test you will receive a printout with your Accuplacer score(s) and a list of the math courses in which you are eligible to enroll. The following table lists the scores required for placement into various math courses.
| Accuplacer Cutoff Scores for Initial Placement | ||
| Test | Score Range | Placement Recommendation |
| Arithmetic (16 questions) |
0–29 | Math 40; consult a Dev Ed advisor. |
| 30–120 | Math 60 or Business 130 | |
| Elementary Algebra (12 questions) |
0–34 | Arithmetic test |
| 35–62 | Math 80 | |
| 63–104 | Math 90 or Math 91 or Math 95 | |
| 105–120 | College Level Math test | |
| College Level (20 questions) |
0–24 | Math 90 or Math 91 or Math 95 |
| 25–65 | Math 107, Math 121, Math 140, Math 141 or Math 146 | |
| 66–120 | See below... | |
- What class do I take if I score above 65 on the College Level test?
- There are several possibilities, and your choice depends at least in part on your degree program and
intended field of study; you should consult an advisor in your area of interest for guidance.
You may choose to enroll in Math 107, Math 121, Math 140 or Math 146. Much of the content of these courses is neither tested by the Accuplacer nor covered in the usual high school curriculum. Math 121 is specifically intended for students who are preparing to become elementary school teachers.
You may choose to enroll in Math 141. Much of the material covered in Math 141 and Math 142 is tested on the Accuplacer and may have been covered in more advanced high school courses. For many students, however, it is advisable to take these courses, even though they may be partly review. By doing so, a student can strengthen his or her understanding of mathematics and problem-solving ability, and establish a firm foundation for more advanced math courses.
You may register for Math 148 or Math 151. This is advisable only for a student with a strong high school background (high grades in math courses up to or even including calculus) and an Accuplacer score high in the 66–120 range. A student in this situation who registers for Math 148 or Math 151 should contact the instructor of the class prior to the beginning of the quarter to determine if the student is ready for calculus. (Contact information for all instructors teaching these courses may be found on this Web site by visiting the course page and clicking on the name of the instructor.) The instructor's permission must be obtained in order for the student to remain enrolled in the class beyond the third day of the quarter. - What if I was unprepared for the Accuplacer and know I can do better?
- A student is allowed to retake the Accuplacer math test once. An additional fee is charged for any retake. Contact the Testing Center to arrange a retake. You may wish to review material you have previously studied before retaking the Accuplacer.
- For how long are placement results valid?
- Accuplacer scores are used for initial placement only and remain valid for placement purposes for
two years. Grades in prior college-level coursework remain valid as a placement indicator for five years.