How to Pass the Accuplacer Math Test in 2024
Updated November 29, 2023
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- What Is the Accuplacer Math Placement Test?
- What Is Included on the Accuplacer Math Placement Test?
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- Example Questions on the Accuplacer Math Placement Test
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- Accuplacer Math Test Prep: How to Prepare for the Accuplacer Math Test
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is the Accuplacer Math Placement Test?
The Accuplacer Math Placement Test is part of a suite of tests created by the College Board to evaluate US students coming into college.
The Accuplacer tests are not used to determine whether a student gets admission to the college; instead, they are used to ensure that students are placed on the right course at the right level, and that they receive any additional support they might need to succeed.
The College Board created the Accuplacer suite of tests, alongside other student evaluation tools like the SATs as part of its mission to make access to higher education within reach for more students.
Founded in 1900, the College Board works with more than 6,000 of the top educational institutions around the world, and it is a not-for-profit organization that supports about seven million students every single year.
There are several different Accuplacer tests used to assess students who are headed to college, including:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Math – Arithmetic
- Math – Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (QAS)
- Math – Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)
- WritePlacer (essay questions)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) – Reading Skills
- ESL – Sentence Meaning
- ESL – Language Use
- ESL Listening
- WritePlacer ESL
Students usually take the Accuplacer Math test as part of the application process for the college of their choice, although sometimes they are used to evaluate high school students who might be taking college-level subjects or those who are transferring from another college.
For information on how the Accuplacer Test is scored, read our dedicated article.
Prepare for the Accuplacer Math Test with TestPrep-Online
What Is Included on the Accuplacer Math Placement Test?
As with the other Accuplacer assessments, the Accuplacer Math tests are usually administered in the college you have applied for, although some do take place in specific test centers.
Each Accuplacer test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and there is no time limit to complete the assessment, although most students finish in about two hours.
Accuplacer tests are computer-adaptive tests, which means that the difficulty of each question in the assessment depends on how well you answered the previous question.
In essence, this means that if you answer a question correctly, you can expect the next question to be more challenging, whereas if you answer a question incorrectly the next one will be easier.
You won’t be allowed to take a calculator into the assessment, but if one is needed during a question, it will be provided onscreen.
This makes the Accuplacer Math test suitable for testing students at all levels of math knowledge and it can accurately depict each student’s relative skill.
There are three subtests under the Accuplacer next generation math test umbrella.
Accuplacer Math – Arithmetic
The Accuplacer Math – Arithmetic test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions with no time limit and is suitable for most students entering college.
The test covers the following areas:
- Whole number operations: word problems and calculations involving basic operations, order of operations, rounding and estimation
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Number comparisons and equivalents
Accuplacer Math – Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (QAS)
The Accuplacer Math – QAS test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is used as part of the entry process for non-STEM subjects where math knowledge will be needed.
The test covers the following areas:
- Rational Numbers
- Ratio and Proportional Value
- Exponents
- Algebraic Expressions
- Linear Equations
- Graphs
- Probability
- Descriptive Statistics
- Geometry Concepts
Accuplacer Math – Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)
The Accuplacer Math – AAF test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is usually used for entry onto STEM-related courses or those that need advanced math skills (such as doctors or accountancy).
This test covers the following areas:
- Linear Equations, Applications and Graphs
- Factoring
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Equations: Radical, Rational, Polynomial, Exponential, Logarithmic
- Geometry Concepts
- Trigonometry
Example Questions on the Accuplacer Math Placement Test
Accuplacer Math – Arithmetic
1. If a book costs $12.50, and you have a 20% off coupon, how much will you pay for the book after applying the discount?
a) $2.50
b) $9.00
c) $10.00
d) $15.00
2. If a recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar, and you want to make half of the recipe, how many cups of sugar will you need?
a) 1/2 cup
b) 1/4 cup
c) 1 1/4 cups
d) 3/8 cup
3. If a car travels at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour, how many miles will it travel in three hours?
a) 120 miles
b) 150 miles
c) 180 miles
d) 200 miles
If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership.
Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
Get a Family Membership with 12-Month Access
1. The sum of three consecutive odd integers is 63. What are the integers?
a) 19, 21, 23
b) 17, 19, 21
c) 15, 17, 19
d) 13, 15, 17
2. If a rectangle has a length of 8 inches and a width of 5 inches, what is its area in square inches?
a) 13 square inches
b) 26 square inches
c) 35 square inches
d) 40 square inches
3. If 20% of a number is 50, what is 40% of that same number?
a) 100
b) 120
c) 200
d) 250
1. In a right triangle, the length of one leg is 8 units, and the length of the hypotenuse is 10 units.
What is the measure of the acute angle (θ) between the leg and the hypotenuse, expressed in degrees?
a) 36.87 degrees
b) 45 degrees
c) 53.13 degrees
d) 90 degrees
2. An equation of the line that passes through the points (3, 4) and (-1, -2) is:
a)
b)
c)
d)
3. Sara invests $8,000 in a bank account that pays 6% annual interest, compounded annually.
How much money will be in Sara's account at the end of two years?
a) $9,048
b) $9,408
c) $9,120
d) $9,216
Accuplacer Math Test Prep: How to Prepare for the Accuplacer Math Test
Step 1. Take Accuplacer Math Practice Test Papers
Practice makes perfect, and there are many ways that you can practice for the Accuplacer Math test.
TestPrep-Online has practice tests and Accuplacer Math study guide materials that you can use, aimed at each of the Math subtests.
Take an Accuplacer Math practice test before you start revising. This has a couple of benefits.
First, you will get used to the type of Accuplacer Math questions that will be asked, the content of the assessment and the way that it is structured, which will make you feel more familiar with it.
Second, you can use your results to see if there are any areas where you might need to refresh your knowledge – the Accuplacer Math questions that you got wrong or took more time to answer.
When doing your math placement testing practice, make sure you are somewhere that you won’t be disturbed and that you switch all your notifications off – treat it like the real thing for the best results.
Step 2. Revise Basic Math Practices
If there are areas that you know are weaker, or parts of the practice test that you found particularly difficult, then you can use this information to create a study plan and revisit the basics you learned in school.
During your Accuplacer Math test prep, be realistic in your revision, make time for other activities and remember that although a good score is helpful here the test is not used to deny you entry to college.
Step 3. Check Directions to Testing Location
The majority of Accuplacer tests will take place in the college that you have applied for, so make sure you know where you need to go, what time you need to be there and how you are going to get there.
Be sure to leave plenty of time to account for traffic and delays – arriving late will make you flustered and you might not be allowed to take the test.
If you are taking it at home, you will need to make sure that your internet connection is secure and that you are somewhere without distractions.
Step 4. Get Plenty of Rest, Drink Plenty and Eat Well
Preparing for college and going through assessments can be mentally taxing – and that means you need to make time for yourself.
Self-care covers the basics like sleeping and eating, and you need to make sure that you are giving yourself the best chance for success by looking after your body and mind.
Aim for at least six to eight hours of good-quality sleep a night – any less (or more) can have a negative impact on your cognitive function.
You also want to make sure that you are eating healthy and nutritionally balanced meals as well as staying hydrated.
Fueling your body and brain will help you perform better.
To pass the Accuplacer Math test, you need to revise basic math principles and take paid-for or free Accuplacer Math practice test papers.
You can find these on the Accuplacer website and at TestPrep-Online.
There are 20 multiple-choice questions on each subset of the Accuplacer Math test, and there is no time limit to complete them.
There are 20 questions on each subset of the Accuplacer Math exam, but there is no time limit. Most people finish within a couple of hours.
To prepare for the Accuplacer Math test, you need to take practice tests like the ones at TestPrep-Online, and use the results to create a study plan that covers any areas that you are less confident in.
As part of your Accuplacer Math test prep, refresh yourself on basic principles and operations and follow an Accuplacer Math study guide.
You can find practice questions for the Accuplacer Math test at TestPrep-Online – full-length practice tests, revision materials and top tips for success are included.
You can also sign up at the College Board to get relevant Accuplacer Math prep practice.
You can retake the Accuplacer Math test if you are unhappy with your result, but you need a student advisor to arrange it on your behalf. Your Math test score remains valid for one year.
Final Thoughts
The Accuplacer Math tests are used to help colleges place students appropriately in college, and while they are not used to determine eligibility, scoring highly will help ensure that you can study the subjects you are most interested in at a level that suits your ability.
Practice and preparation will help you feel more prepared for the assessment, so that you can enter college ready to start learning something new.
