Accuplacer
What is Accuplacer?
The Accuplacer is a computerized placement test. It is not a timed test; students may take their time when taking it. It is offered during our walk-in hours without an appointment and by appointment the rest of the time. To verify our testing hours, please click here.
The Accuplacer was developed by The College Board. To learn more about this test, click here. (Please note that this link leaves the PCC website and is not considered endorsed by PCC.) To get an idea of the type of questions that the Accuplacer asks, click here.
Should I prepare for the Accuplacer?
Some students prefer not to prepare to take the placement test, while most students benefit from some test review. Because this test determines your starting point for English and math classes and can affect the other classes that you are eligible to take, it is important to take this test seriously.
PCC Placement Testing encourages students to take some time to become familiar with the test and to review the information that it contains. The College Board has some sample questions available. You may click here to view and print them. Other Accuplacer Study Resource links which are not a part or considered endorsed by PCC are as follows:
- http://www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_test_breakdown.htm
(contains practice tests and additional resources for areas you need to review) - http://Literacyworks.org
(learning resources and reading comprehension modules) - http://cms.cerritos.edu/reading-center
(diagnostic reading exams) - http://www.valenciacc.edu/assessments/cpt/cptprep.cfm
(website links to review English, reading, and mathematics) - http://www.mathgoodies.com
(offers free interactive tutorial, worksheets, and math games) - http://www.algebrahelp.com
(algebra review) - http://www.khanacademy.org
(video instructions for various topics) - http://www.purplemath.com
(selection of pre-algebra and algebra practice questions and resources) - http://xyalgebra.org
(free algebra and verbal problem tutor program download)
How much does it cost to take the test?
PCC does not charge students to take the placement test, however you must have a PCC application on file in order to take the test. Students may take the test no more than twice in any 3 year period.
What score do I need to be placed into the class I want?
To view the minimum required scores for each class, please click here.
What if I am a distance education student and cannot come onto campus?
If a student is unable to come to Pitt Community College to take the placement test, they are encouraged to locate a community college nearby who will allow them to take the placement test on their campus site. Pitt Community College accepts three placement tests: Compass, Asset and Accuplacer.
If there are no colleges nearby offering these services, the student must then find a suitable proctor and proctor location. The only test available using a proctor location is the Accuplacer. The Accuplacer must be proctored in an educational facility such as a library or school by an individual experienced in test administration and who is generally not known by the student or is known solely in a professional capacity (i.e. teacher, librarian). Family members may not proctor an exam for each other. Athletes may not have athletic directors or coaches proctor the exam for them. All proctors must be approved prior to proctoring the test. To print a proctor approval form, click here. The student is responsible for any fees charged by the proctor. Pitt Community College does not charge for the placement test.
