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South Plains College

Levelland Campus

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Is The Accuplacer Test and What Skills Are Tested?
Accuplacer is a computer - adaptive test measuring skills in Reading, English Grammar, Essay, Writing and Mathematics.

MORE ABOUT THE ACCUPLACER TEST

Adaptive Testing

The Accuplacer test is designed using adaptive techniques. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique "zeroes-in" on just the right questions to ask you without being too easy or too difficult. The greater your demonstrated skill level, the more challenging will be the questions presented to you.

Guessing

You should understand that this is an adaptive test. Questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. You cannot omit any question or come back later to change an answer.

You may change your answer on a particular question, but you must do so before continuing on to the next question. Once you go on to the next question, the answer is accepted and you can not return to the question. If you do not know an answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick one of the remaining choices.

SECTIONS OF THE ACCUPLACER TEST:

Accuplacer Reading Comprehension Test

This test is designed to measure how well you understand what you read. It contains twenty (20) questions. Some are of the sentence relationship type in which you must choose how sentences are related. Other questions refer to reading passages of varying lengths.

Accuplacer Sentence Skills Test

This test measures your understanding of sentence structure -- how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence complete and clear. It contains twenty (20) questions. In some questions you will be asked to select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. In other questions you will be asked to rewrite a sentence in your head. You will be told how to begin your new sentence. Your new sentence should be well written and should have essentially the same meaning as the sentence given you.

Accuplacer Math Test - Elementary Algebra

There are three categories in the Elementary Algebra Test. The first category, operations with integers and rational numbers, includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering. The second category is operations with algebraic expressions. It tests your skills in evaluating simple formulas and expressions, and in adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. Both of these categories include questions about multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, evaluating positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring. The third category tests skill in solving equations, inequalities, and word problems. These questions include solving systems of linear equations, quadratic equations by factoring, verbal problems presented in algebraic context, geometric reasoning, the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions, and graphing. Twelve (12) questions are presented.

How Do I Register For The Accuplacer at SPC?
You may register for the Accuplacer test in person at the Testing Office located in the Special Services Office in the Student Services Building on the Levelland Campus.

How Much Will It Cost Me?
Accuplacer testing fee is $30.00 (Full-Test) $20.00 (Partial Test) and must be paid prior to testing.

How Long Does The Test Take To Complete?
Expect to devote 2 1/2 hours to testing.

What Do I Need To Bring With Me To Test?
Photo identifications as describe under Testing Requirements Link, and Testing Receipt. Two number 2 pencils sharpened. Calculators are not permitted. No study material or reference materials may be used during the exam. The SPC Testing Center will provide scratch paper. No other study aids will be allowed.

Students who do not following the following required procedures will be denied admission to testing and will be required to sign a dismissal form indicating the reason they were denied.