Accuplacer Test Scores: A Detailed Guide

When a course or facility has specific entry requirements, it’s important to make sure that the students are able to meet them. 

Accuplacer testing is typically used by colleges and universities to indicate whether students are likely to be suitable candidates for further education courses.

Students taking Accuplacer tests will be asked to complete assessments in math, writing and reading. The information provided by these scores will allow educators to place students at an appropriate level or offer alternative courses if required.

In this guide, you will find information about how Accuplacer test scores are calculated, how to interpret your test scores, and tips for how to improve your Accuplacer test performance. 

How Accuplacer Exam Scores Are Calculated

Testing is provided as a computerized-multiple choice assessment, with computer-adaptive questioning. This means that the difficulty of subsequent questions will adjust based on whether the previous answer was correct. 

Put simply, if you answer a question correctly, then the next one will be more difficult. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier.

Accuplacer exam scores range from 200 to 300, with higher scores indicating better levels of understanding and ability. These scores are then presented as bands to make them easier to understand.

There can be some variation of the banding system due to different institutions having different requirements. 

Some of the typical score bands are:

• Below 200 – A student scoring at this level is likely to need a significant number of remedial classes before being able to access college-level education.
• 200 to 236 – It’s likely that some additional courses will be required to help a student engage with college work.
• 237 to 249 – Students are likely to be ready for college-level work, but there may be some areas needing additional support.
• Above 250 – This student is ready for college-level work without any additional support or remedial courses.

What Is an Accuplacer Passing Score?

Because different colleges and universities will have their own requirements for students, there isn’t a specific Accuplacer passing score, or even average Accuplacer scores. Institutions will set their own benchmark scores for students to be awarded places on a course.

However, there are typical scores that are more commonly used:

• Reading: A score above 250 will usually indicate students who are able to read and comprehend written information at a college level.
• Math: Scores above 230 will often indicate a readiness for introductory math college courses. Higher scores will suggest students capable of engaging with higher level math content.
• Writing: Students scoring above 250 will generally be allowed to bypass remedial English classes and begin their preferred course.

Candidates who do not score within the required range will likely be asked to complete remedial classes before taking their preferred course.

What Are Good Accuplacer Scores?

It can be difficult to understand what good Accuplacer scores look like, as it often depends on the college or university you have applied for and the course you are hoping to do. Which means that there really aren’t good, bad or average Accuplacer scores. 

Typically, a score above 250 will be considered good, with students achieving these scores often being accepted onto their preferred courses without the need for remedial classes.

In general terms, the higher your score is, the better your changes are for a place at the institution you want. Higher scores can also provide options to study advanced course options, rather than starting at a beginner level.

Accuplacer Test Scores Percentiles

Accuplacer test scores percentiles are used to compare individual students to their peers.

Your Accuplacer score will be converted into a percentile score, which indicates how well you have scored in comparison to other test takers. You will be given a score out of 100, with higher scores indicating a better performance.

For example, if you receive a percentile ranking of 75, this means that you have performed better than 75% of other Accuplacer test takers.

Next-Generation Accuplacer Scores

When the Next-Generation Accuplacer test was introduced, it was designed to provide more insight to educators, which would allow them to place students more accurately based on ability. 

Whereas the previous test consisted of three sections: reading, writing and math, the Next-Generation test contained two further math papers. 

The information provided by testing is considered along with school transcripts and additional information to gauge a student’s readiness for college or university courses.

The scoring system for the Next-Generation Accuplacer test is very similar to the original Accuplacer tests, with candidates receiving scores between 200 and 300 for each section of the assessment. The higher the score, the more prepared a student is for college-level work. 

How to Improve Your Accuplacer Exam Scores

If you want to give yourself the best-possible chance of a place on your desired course, it’s a good idea to spend some time preparing and improving your scores.

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your scores are as good as they can be.

Take Practice Tests 

Free Accuplacer practice tests are an excellent resource for familiarizing yourself with the format and style of questioning you will find on the assessment. 

TestHQ offers free Accuplacer test practice packages with additional information to help you understand what your scores mean.

Use Study Guides

Accuplacer study guides will help you to prepare for the assessment by outlining test requirements, providing revision tips, and explaining what to expect during testing.

Be Consistent

However you choose to revise, consistency is key. Accuplacer practice tests and study guides will help to identify any areas of weakness, but a consistent approach to improving these areas is vital.

Incorporate Feedback

Feedback can provide valuable insight into the common and avoidable mistakes you might be making. Take time to read through any feedback you get and implement strategies that help to improve your performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accuplacer test used for?

Accuplacer testing is used to determine an individual candidate’s suitability for college and university courses. By assessing core skills in reading, writing and math, educators are able to see whether students will be able to perform to the required level.

What is considered a good score on the Accuplacer test?

Although different colleges and universities will have their own requirements, a score above 250 is usually enough for students to achieve a place on their desired course.

What is the highest Accuplacer score?

The highest Accuplacer score you can achieve is 300. However, any score above 250 indicates a student who is ready for the course they have applied for.

How are Accuplacer scores calculated?

Accuplacer tests use computer adaptive testing to assess the difficulty of questioning a student is able to answer. 

Generally, the more difficult a question is, the higher the point value it will have. These points are then calculated to form an overall score.

What is an Accuplacer passing score?

The exact score you will need will vary depending on the college or university you’ve applied for, and the course you want to do. 

Typically, the higher your score is, the better, with scores above 250 often giving students immediate acceptance onto their preferred courses.

What are Accuplacer Test scores percentiles?

These are scores that rank your performance in comparison to other test takers. Percentile scores are shown as a percentage, with higher results indicating a better performance.

Final Thoughts

Accuplacer tests play a vital role in ensuring that students have the skills and knowledge required to do well at college or university. If you are setting out on your further educational journey, you will want to be as prepared as possible for your preferred course.

Preparing in advance for your Accuplacer test not only involves making use of free Accuplacer practice tests, but also making sure you fully understand what your scores mean. Your scores will help to indicate any areas of weakness you may have and can guide your focus in revising any areas that need it.

Careful preparation – through the use of free Accuplacer tests and resources – and a clear understanding of your scores will mean that you have the best possible chance of achieving a place on the courses you want.