Accuplacer information Sheet
includes online accuplacer websites
provided by the Alamo Community College District
PURPOSE OF THE TEST
Alamo Community College District, (ACCD) requires that all students take a basic skills tests. The results of these tests determine a student’s eligibility to take dual credit classes. Under specific conditions, i.e. high TAKS scores, a student may have his/her placement test requirement waived. For information about waivers, speak with Mr. Hope.
ACCUPLACER
The College Board TM developed the ACCUPLACERTM Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), with the help of committees of college faculty, to provide information about your level of skill and accomplishment in reading, writing, English and mathematics.
Depending on your level of academic accomplishment prior to admission, you may be required to take as many as five computerized tests: Arithmetic; Elementary Algebra; Written Essay; Reading Comprehension; and Sentence Skills. Except for the Written Essay, the tests are multiple choice. All tests are untimed.
It is important that you answer each question to the best of your ability. Scores will be used in part to determine course placement. Failure to do your very best may result in eligibility to take dual credit classes.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU TO THE TESTS
On the day of the test, you should be sure to bring photo identification, your social security number and $15. When you arrive to take the test, the Test Administrator will ask you to provide these items. You will then be seated to take the test on a computer.
TESTING REGULATIONS
No cellular phones or other electronic devices, books, dictionaries, calculators or paper of any kind are allowed in the testing room. No food or drinks are allowed. Anyone who gives or receives help during the test or uses any prohibited materials of any kind will not be permitted to continue the test.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your test scores and the information you provide when taking the tests will only be provided to The College Board, to the college at which you are taking the tests or at which you are enrolled, and to the state to meet state information requirements. The 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.
COMPUTER DELIVERED TESTING
You will take the tests using a computer. You will use either the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers, write your essay, and supply other information. A Test Administrator will always be present should you have any questions or problems. The Test Administrator has the ability to resolve any difficulties that may occur.
The Multiple Choice Tests
ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS
Because you take the ACCUPLACERTM tests on a computer, you do not have to answer as many questions as on traditional paper-and pencil tests. The number of questions on the tests ranges from 12-25. The questions appear one at a time on the computer screen. Since most questions are multiple choice, all you will need to do is use the Enter key or mouse to select an answer. When you have completed the question and confirmed your answer, a new screen will appear with your next question.
ADAPTIVE TESTING
Each 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 to ask without being to easy or too difficult.
Each test is untimed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, once you have selected and confirmed your answer, you cannot return to that question.
WHICH TESTS WILL BE ADMINISTERED?
The ACCUPLACERTM Test is comprised of four multiple choice tests and an essay. The multiple choice tests are untimed and the essay has a time limit. Here is a summary of each of the five tests that students take in this examination:
Arithmetic Test (17 questions): This test measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic functions and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. Questions will test your knowledge of decimals, fractions, and percents and must be answered without the use of a calculator.
Elementary Algebra Test (12 questions): This test is divided into three types of questions. The first type measures your ability to understand operations with integers and rational numbers, and includes computation with integers and negative rationales, the use of absolute values, and ordering. The second type, which involves operations with algebraic expressions, tests minimal monomials and polynomials. The third type of question involves the solution of equations, inequalities and word problems.
Reading Comprehension Test (20 questions): This test measures your ability to understand what you read. Some questions will ask you to read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Questions are answered on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.
Sentence Skills Test (20 questions): This test measures your understanding of sentence structure – how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence complete and clear. Some questions will ask you to select the best version of the underlined part of a sentence.
Written Essay: You will be asked to prepare a multiple paragraph writing sample of at least 300 words on a specific topic. Your writing sample will be scored on the basis of how effectively it communicates a whole message to the readers. Your score will be based on your ability to express, organize and support your opinions and ideas, NOT the position you take on the essay topic.
Please check out the following websites for accuplacer practice and study.
