What is ACCUPLACER?

The College Board’s ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG) is an adaptive, computerized test used to assess a student’s college-readiness in reading, writing and mathematics. PHSC primarily uses the ACCUPLACER NG to assess placement in advanced mathematics coursework. The test is also used as a retake option for common placement testing if a student has met the two-attempt limit for the PERT.

Accommodations

Available accommodations include a distraction-free room, extended time and accessible seating. Students may use the built-in Accessibility Wizard to adjust the high contrast color scheme, background color, text color, text size, text font, line spacing and cursor. 

To request an accommodation, students must:

  1. Request Accessibility Accommodations through the Student Accessibility Services Accommodations Form.
  2. Contact Testing Services once an exam is registered to verify available accommodations.
  3. Provide your accommodation approval letter from Student Accessibility Services at check-in on exam day.

Availability

The ACCUPPLACER is offered by appointment on all campuses during regular operational hours.

Fee

There is no initial fee for students with an application on file. A retake is $5. The non-student fee is $25.

Identification

A valid, photo identification must be presented at check-in on exam day to test. A PHSC ID card may be used for identification. Students without photo identification must contact Testing Services about identity verification options.  

Prior Test Scores

Candidates may submit official test scores to Admissions and Student Records. Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Registration

Students must schedule an exam appointment through Testing Services.

Students who are unable to test with PHSC may email Testing Services to request a proctor from another institution. Students will receive a test voucher if approved.

Students must score a 135 or higher on the PERT Math to register for the ACCUPLACER NG AAF subtest.

Retake Policy

Students are allowed two attempts at PHSC in a two-year period. This includes PERT attempts. Test scores are valid for two years.

Scores

The score range for each subtest is between 200 and 300. Refer to the Student Testing and Placement Chart located on the Common Placement webpage for official course placement guidelines.

Student Testing and Placement Chart

The official Student Testing and Placement Chart is found on the Common Placement webpage. It identifies the minimum cut-off scores for college-level courses based on PERT, ACCUPLACER, SAT and ACT test scores. It also identifies the placement requirements for advanced math courses.

Study Resources

The College Board offers free study resources for students to prepare for the ACCUPLACER. Resources include practice tests, learning resources and sample questions. A mobile app is also available.

Students who take the ACCUPLACER will also receive a Learning Locator code on their score report to access targeted learning materials based on their performance.

Subject Areas

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
    • Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)
      • PHSC uses the AAF test for placement into advanced math coursework.

Time Limit

As an adaptive exam, the ACCUPLACER has no time limit.