Accuplacer Assessment Testing

Course Placement

Northland will determine course placement by:

• Scores from ACT, SAT and/or Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA)
• High school GPA for students who have graduated from high school within the last 10 years. In the absence of an official high school transcript, self-reported high school GPA may be submitted to admissions@northlandcollege.edu.
• Completion of college-level coursework from an accredited college or university
• Accuplacer assessment
• Guided self-placement with an academic advisor will be used for students who have earned a GED, graduated from high school more than 10 years ago, or have no other means of course placement. It is recommended to have your GED test results available during the meeting with an academic advisor.

See Northland's Assessment for Course Placement Procedure (3340P) for more information.

Preparing for Accuplacer

Accuplacer is an adaptive, internet-based assessment. As you answer each individual question, the computer will provide another question best suited to your ability. Therefore, it is important to take as much time as needed to be confident in your answer. Calculators are provided by the assessment and allowed on select questions, but students are not allowed to bring their own calculators.

Northland uses the following modules: Reading (R), Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF), Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) and Arithmetic (ARTH).

The free online Accuplacer study app gives you access to Accuplacer practice materials anytime, anywhere. You may also click on the links below to print a paper copy of the Accuplacer.

• Accuplacer - Reading Sample Questions
• Accuplacer - Advanced Algebra and Functions Sample Questions
• Accuplacer - Quantitative Reasoning Sample Questions
• Accuplacer - Arithmetic Sample Questions
• Ed Ready Math
• Adult Basic Education (ABE) offers face-to-face assistance for individuals age 17 or older who are not currently enrolled in high school. ABE is conveniently located on the EGF and TRF campuses near the Academic Success Center.

Minimum ACT/SAT/MCA Scores

Area	ACT	SAT	MCA
Reading	21	ERW 480	1047
English	18	ERW 480	N/A
Mathematics	22	530	College Algebra: 1158 Statistics: 1148 Contemporary Math: 1150

ACT, SAT, and MCA test scores are valid for a limited time of five (5) calendar years, inclusive of the current calendar year.

Accuplacer Expiration Period

Area	Expiration	Continuous Enrollment Expiraton
Reading	5 years	5 years
Mathematics	2 years	3 years

What to expect on test day

Arrive to campus early with a current, official government-issued photo ID. Students will not be allowed to test if they do not have a physical, valid copy of their ID in hand, due to Accuplacer requirements.

Acceptable forms of photo identification with current name.

• Current (unexpired) driver’s license
• State-approved ID
• Current passport
• Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship
• Current state or federal ID (military)
• Current other state issued driver’s license/ID card
• Middle school/high school/college photo ID
• Tribal ID

Check in at Student Services (the front desk area) to be directed to the testing area.

The average time to complete the test 2-2.5 hours.

After completing the assessment you can meet with an academic advisor to register for classes. After registering for classes, a student ID card can be issued.

Assessment Attempts

Attempts	Cost	Remarks
Initial	Free
First Retake	$10.00 or free if taken after remediation and three-day preparatory period.	Review scores with Academic Success Center for advisement prior to retake
Second Retake	$10.00 or free if taken after remediation and three-day preparatory period.	Review scores with Academic Success Center for advisement prior to retake.