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What is Accuplacer?
Accuplacer is UAA's approved placement test to assess your skills in English and Mathematics.  You are only permitted to register for English and Mathematics courses at the level indicated by your Accuplacer test results, ACT or SAT scores. Cut off scores for placement in English and Mathematics based on ACT or SAT scores can be found in the Schedule of Classes, however there has been a misprint for the scores for MATH A200. Minimum College Level Math scores on the Accuplacer test should be ≥ 80 to meet the prerequisite for MATH A200. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the Math department at 786-1744.

How long are my scores valid for placement?

Accuplacer scores which place students into English A111 do not expire.

Accuplacer scores which place students into Preparatory English (PRPE classes) are valid for two years.

Accuplacer scores which place students into Mathematics courses are valid for one year.

ACT English scores of 22 or higher and SAT Reading scores of 530 or higher place students into English A111. These scores do not expire.

ACT and SAT scores which place students into Mathematics courses are valid for one year.

Schedule of Classes Placement Chart 

Do I Need to Make an Appointment to Test?
Accuplacer testing is available on a walk-in basis. You may arrive anytime during the Open Testing Lab. The test is administered on a computer and is not timed. Most students take 1 and 1/2  hours to complete the test.  To take the test, report to University Center, to pay a $15 fee at the Cashier's window, and then go to the Advising & Testing Center (across the hall).  You will be using your UA Student ID to log into the test. If you don't know your student ID, one specifically for Accuplacer will be created for you from your date of birth and your social security number.

How Do I Prepare?
For a free Accuplacer preview, please click HERE. Your search engine is also another good resource for Accuplacer previews.

How Do I Get My Results?
You will receive your results at the conclusion of the test.  You will also receive information on how to contact an academic advisor for assistance with program planning, course selection and registration.  It is not possible to "fail" Accuplacer.  Matching your current skill level with the correct beginning courses in English and Mathematics will increase your likelihood of success as you begin your program of study. If you place into a preparatory English or English-as-a-Second Language class, you may meet with a faculty member to discuss your results immediately after you complete your exam.

Can I Retest?
Yes, after a minimum wait of 2 days, students are allowed to retest.  You may test a total of twice in one semester.  Students must pay $15.00 each time they take the Accuplacer. Students testing under Ability to Benefit are required by federal guidelines to wait a minimum of two weeks between tests. 

What is Ability to Benefit?
Degree seeking individuals, 18 years of age or older, who have not earned a high school diploma, GED, or have not earned 60 hours of college credits must demonstrate they have the ability to benefit from a college education.  To demonstrate this ability, the individual must achieve federally determined scores on Accuplacer.  The required scores are:  Arithmetic 34; Reading Comprehension 55; and Sentence Skills 60.  Individuals taking Accuplacer for Ability to Benefit are permitted to retest after a minimum 14 day waiting period.   It is not permitted under the Ability to Benefit provision to retake only a portion of the test.  All three parts of Accuplacer must be completed at one sitting.  It is very important to inform the test proctor if you are testing under Ability to Benefit to insure you will be administered the correct tests.  The regular Accuplacer test cannot be used to validate Ability to Benefit.

If you meet the above qualifying scores, an Ability to Benefit form must be filled out and signed by an advisor.  This form is available in the Advising and Testing Center and can be completed and signed by an advisor on the same day as testing.  The signed Ability to Benefit form must be submitted to Enrollment Services.

What if I Can Not Make it Into Anchorage?
If you have extenuating circumstances where you can not make it into the Anchorage area, remote Accuplacer sessions can be set up. Please click HERE for more information.