ACCUPLACER Test
What is the HiSET test and how can it help you earn your high school equivalency credential?
The HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) is a nationally recognized exam that offers individuals who didn’t finish high school a second chance to prove their academic skills. Accepted in many U.S. states, the HiSET covers five key subjects—reading, writing, math, science, and social studies—and is designed to reflect high school-level knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for college, career advancement, or personal growth, passing the HiSET can help you move forward with confidence.
What Is the ACCUPLACER Test? Complete Guide for U.S. Students
The ACCUPLACER Test is a college placement exam administered by the College Board to help determine a student’s readiness for college-level coursework. Instead of a pass or fail result, the ACCUPLACER assesses skills in subjects like reading, writing, and math to place students in appropriate college courses. It’s widely used by community colleges, technical schools, and some universities across the United States.
Whether you’re a high school student planning for college or an adult returning to education, understanding how the ACCUPLACER works can help you start your academic journey on the right foot.
Why Take the ACCUPLACER?
The ACCUPLACER test helps colleges identify whether you need developmental (remedial) classes before starting credit-bearing courses. Proper placement prevents students from struggling in advanced classes they aren’t ready for or wasting time and money on unnecessary review.
ACCUPLACER Test Sections
The ACCUPLACER is a suite of computer-adaptive tests, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your answers. The main sections include:
1. Reading
This section measures your ability to comprehend and analyze written texts. You’ll read passages and answer questions that evaluate how well you understand vocabulary, arguments, and logical structures.
2. Writing
Also known as the WritePlacer, this test assesses your ability to craft an organized, clear, and grammatically correct essay. You may also take a multiple-choice Writing test that evaluates grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and usage.
3. Arithmetic
Focuses on basic math skills such as operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. It’s ideal for determining readiness for non-credit math courses.
4. Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
This section includes topics like rational numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations, and probability. It helps assess readiness for college-level algebra and statistics courses.
5. Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)
Geared toward students entering STEM fields, this section covers quadratic equations, functions, trigonometry, and geometry.
Essay Writing: WritePlacer
For many colleges, the WritePlacer essay is part of the ACCUPLACER. You’ll be given a prompt and must write a multi-paragraph essay that presents a clear position with supporting evidence. The essay is evaluated on coherence, grammar, organization, and critical thinking.
Prepare for the ACCUPLACER with free practice tests online. Boost your skills in reading, writing, and math, and gain the confidence you need to succeed on test day.
How Is the ACCUPLACER Scored?
The ACCUPLACER test uses a scaled score system ranging from 200 to 300 for its multiple-choice sections. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your responses—making your score more reflective of your actual skill level.
Score Breakdown by Section:
Each section is scored separately. Here’s how to interpret your results:
200–236: Indicates a need for developmental (remedial) coursework.
237–249: Suggests partial readiness for college-level courses; may still require some review.
250–262: Generally considered college-ready.
263–300: Strong performance; ready for higher-level coursework.
Essay Score (WritePlacer):
If your college includes the WritePlacer essay, it will be scored on a scale from 1 to 8, based on:
Focus and meaning
Organization and development
Sentence variety and style
Grammar and mechanics
Critical thinking
A score of 5 or higher is typically required to demonstrate readiness for college-level writing courses.
ESL ACCUPLACER Scores:
For English as a Second Language tests, scores also range from 20 to 120 per section (such as Listening, Reading, Language Use), and placement depends on the institution’s specific criteria.
Important Notes:
The ACCUPLACER is not timed, allowing you to focus on accuracy rather than speed.
Scores are usually available immediately after testing.
Each college sets its own placement cutoffs, so check with your institution for specific guidelines.
Sample Questions by Subject
Reading (4 Sample Questions)
1. What is the main idea of a passage discussing renewable energy?
A. Solar panels are expensive.
B. Renewable energy is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
C. Wind turbines are loud.
D. Oil is no longer needed.
Answer: B
2. The tone of a passage describing a war memorial is most likely:
A. Humorous
B. Informative
C. Respectful
D. Sarcastic
Answer: C
3. Inference questions ask you to:
A. Repeat facts
B. Make educated guesses based on the text
C. Predict the author’s background
D. Write a summary
Answer: B
4. A passage states: “The artist’s use of color evokes emotion.” What does “evokes” mean?
A. Hides
B. Weakens
C. Triggers
D. Paints
Answer: C
Writing (4 Sample Questions)
5. Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
A. Her and I walked to the store.
B. Me went to the movies last night.
C. He doesn’t have any money.
D. Them is going to class.
Answer: C
6. Identify the sentence with correct punctuation:
A. She’s always late, but I like her anyway.
B. Its a beautiful day.
C. The dogs bone is buried.
D. I went to the store and I bought apples oranges and bananas.
Answer: A
7. Which word best completes the sentence:
“Although it was raining, they decided to ____ hiking.”
A. goes
B. going
C. go
D. went
Answer: C
8. Which revision improves clarity?
Original: Running fast, the gate was missed.
A. The gate missed while running fast.
B. Running fast, he missed the gate.
C. The fast gate was missed.
D. He missed, fast running gate.
Answer: B
Arithmetic (2 Sample Questions)
9. What is 15% of 80?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 18
Answer: B
10. Simplify: 34+12\frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{2}
A. 1
B. 1 ¼
C. 1 ½
D. 2
Answer: C
QAS (Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics) (4 Sample Questions)
11. Solve: 2x−4=102x – 4 = 10
A. 3
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
Answer: B
12. A student scored 85, 90, and 95 on tests. What is the mean?
A. 87
B. 90
C. 91
D. 92
Answer: B
13. Which of the following is a solution to the inequality x+5<12x + 5 < 12?
A. 9
B. 7
C. 6
D. 10
Answer: C
14. Convert 0.75 to a fraction.
A. 14\frac{1}{4}
B. 35\frac{3}{5}
C. 34\frac{3}{4}
D. 23\frac{2}{3}
Answer: C
AAF (Advanced Algebra and Functions) (2 Sample Questions)
15. Factor: x2−9x^2 – 9
A. (x−3)(x+3)(x – 3)(x + 3)
B. (x−9)(x+1)(x – 9)(x + 1)
C. (x−1)(x−9)(x – 1)(x – 9)
D. Prime
Answer: A
16. What is the value of f(x)=3x2f(x) = 3x^2 when x=2x = 2?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 12
D. 4
Answer: C
Frequently Asked Questions About the ACCUPLACER Test
The ACCUPLACER is a college placement exam used to evaluate a student’s skills in reading, writing, and math. It helps colleges place students in appropriate courses—either college-level or developmental (remedial) classes.
No. The ACCUPLACER is not pass/fail. It’s a placement tool. Your score helps determine which course level you should begin with in college. Higher scores may allow you to skip remedial classes.
Typically, incoming college students, adult learners returning to school, and ESL (English as a Second Language) students may be required to take the ACCUPLACER, depending on the institution.
Each section is scored on a scale from 200 to 300. The WritePlacer essay is scored from 1 to 8. Scores determine whether you’re ready for college-level work or need developmental courses.
No, the ACCUPLACER is untimed. You can take as much time as you need for each section, though most students complete the test in 2 to 3 hours total.
Yes. Most colleges allow retakes, but policies and waiting periods vary. Some schools may limit how many times you can retest in a given semester.
Some colleges offer remote proctoring for ACCUPLACER tests, especially for placement during online admissions. Always check with your school to see if this option is available.
