Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Accuplacer?
• Where tests are given?
• What do I need to bring to the test?
• Students with Disabilities
• Confidentiality / Background Information
• Score Reporting
• Retesting
• Testing Tips

Other Resources

• Accuplacer Practice Tests, Sample Questions & Study Guide
• Testing Schedule - Red Wing Campus
• Testing Schedule - Winona Campus

What is Accuplacer?

Each Accuplacer 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 for you that are neither too easy nor too difficult. Because the Accuplacer tests are adaptive, you do not have to answer as many questions as you would on a traditional paper-and-pencil test.

Accuplacer provides us with accurate information about your skill levels in reading, English, and mathematics, which will help in determining the right courses for you. This assessment is the first step towards achieving academic success as it helps us ensure that you and your courses are a good fit.

Tests are taken on a computer, using either a keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers and supply other information. During your test a Testing Coordinator will be present should any questions or problems arise.

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.com. Ask a friend or advisor to help you.

The tests are not timed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, you cannot leave a question and come back to it later. You must answer a question in order to go to the next question. Once you go on to the next question, you cannot return to previous questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, you should try to eliminate one or more of the choices.

Where tests are given?

Accuplacer testing can be completed at any public institution with your results being sent to the attending college. Tests are given in the Learning Resource Centers on both the Red Wing and Winona campuses. You may call for an appointment or to learn more about testing at another public institution by calling 877-853-TECH (877-853-8324).

What do I need to bring to the test?

On the day of the test, you will be asked to provide photo identification and your social security number. (No dictionaries or calculators allowed.)

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability or temporarily disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard conditions, please contact the college counselor. The counselor will make arrangements for your testing.

Confidentiality / Background Information

You will be asked to enter some background information such as your name, address, birth date, etc.

Your test scores and background information will only be provided to the College Board, Southeast Technical and to the State Department for state information requirements. This 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. The College Board may also use it 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 Testing Coordinator.

Score Reporting

When you have completed the testing, the Testing Coordinator will give you a printed report of your scores. There is no passing or failing score instead your score report will be used by your advisor during registration to help chose the courses best suited to your skills and needs. View Accuplacer's score chart.

Retesting

Students who choose to take any Accuplacer test at Southeast Technical a second time must consult with the campus counselor prior to signing up to test.

Testing Tips

1. Relax! Accuplacer was designed to help you succeed in school. Your score helps you and your counselor determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills. Once you identify your academic strengths and needs, you can get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills before they can interfere with your learning.
2. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test. You should also arrive a few minutes early so you can find the testing area, bathrooms, etc., and gather your thoughts before the test begins.
3. Pay careful attention to directions and be sure you understand the directions before you begin each test.
4. You should understand that this is an adaptive test. Questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. You cannot omit any question or come back to change an answer. You may change your answer on a particular question, but you must do so before continuing on to the next question. If you do not, the answer is accepted and you cannot return to the question.
5. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick one of the remaining choices.
6. Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators, or other paper of any kind (except scratch paper provided by the Testing Coordinator for use with the mathematics tests) are not allowed in the testing room. Further, anyone who gives or receives help during the test, or uses notes or books of any kind, will not be allowed to continue the test. Following the test period, no test materials or notes may be removed from the room.
7. Remember to bring your social security number and a picture ID (identification). On the day you are scheduled to take the assessment, you will be required to show a picture ID before you can test.