ACCUPLACER

Dakota County Technical College is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (Minnesota State) and, as such, we are required to assess new, incoming students' academic readiness. The test approved by Minnesota State to do this assessment is The College Board’s ACCUPLACER. ACCUPLACER scores are an important tool used by advisors to place students in courses that match their skill level and give them the best opportunities for success. The test is used within DCTC’s admissions and enrollment process. DCTC uses the Reading Comprehension, Arithmetic, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics, and Advanced Algebra and Functions portions of the ACCUPLACER. What portions a student needs to take is based on what DCTC program/major they are pursuing.

ACCUPLACER Preparation Resources

Whether taking the ACCUPLACER the first time or retaking it, students are STRONGLY encouraged to prepare for the test as much as possible. Refer to the various preparation resources listed below to assist in the quest for better test scores. A prepared student can see a significant increase in their test scores and may help avoid having to take extra developmental courses thus saving time and money.

ACCUPLACER PREP Resources via LearningExpress Library (FREE!)

A number of college prep and ACCUPLACER prep resources are available through the online LearningExpress Library. The “Centers” on this website offer a number of resources for students but, in terms of ACCUPLACER preparation, the most helpful will be found in the “College Center” where there are a number of practice tests for each of the ACCUPLACER test areas. Here are the steps to access these resources:

• Visit the Learning Express Library website
• Login or register using the links in the upper right corner.
• Remember your username and password when you return to this site.
• Under the headings, select "College Students".
• Under the Resources heading, select "Prepare for College Placement Exams".
• All the links to the ACCUPLACER practice tests are listed.

For more information, contact our Testing Center at testing@dctc.edu or 651-423-8000.

THE ACCUPLACER Next-Generation STUDY APP (FREE!)

This FREE web-based study app includes interactive practice tests in Reading Comprehension, Arithmetic, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics and Advanced Algebra and Functions. It is accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone, The app will help students become familiar with the content and format of the ACCUPLACER Test questions AND will include “Learn as you go” tests that provides explanation of the correct or incorrect responses.

To access the app and create an account go to accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org

ACCUPLACER SAMPLE QUESTIONS (FREE!)

These free PDF documents gives you examples of the types of questions you will see when you take the ACCUPLACER test. It is useful for some fast and simple preparation prior to taking the test.

 Download the Sample Questions for Advanced Algebra and Functions
 Download the Sample Questions for Arithmetic
 Download the Sample Questions for Quantitative Reasoning
 Download the Sample Questions for Reading

TEST EXEMPTION: HOW TO GET OUT OF TAKING ALL OR PARTS OF THE ACCUPLACER

DCTC may consider waiving all or parts of the ACCUPLACER for students based on the possibilities below:

• ACT Scores: Students who have taken their ACT’s within the last five years and have received scores (or higher) of 21 in Reading, 18 in English and 22 in Math. Official ACT scores must be provided.
• SAT Scores: Students who have taken their SAT’s within the last five years and have received scores (or higher) of 530 in Math and 480 in Evidence Based Writing. Official SAT scores must be provided.
• Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) Scores: Students who have taken their MCA’s with the last five years and have received a 10^th Grade MCA Reading of 1047 or higher, and 11^th Grade MCA Math score of 1148 or higher (placement into Statistics), 1150 (placement into Math for Liberal Arts) and 1158 (placement into College Algebra). Official MCA Score Report must be provided.
• Previous Degree: Students have a previous Associate degree, Bachelors degree and/or a graduate degree. There are some exceptions to this option depending upon certain DCTC programs/majors. Official college transcripts must be provided.
• College Coursework/No Degree: Students who have no degree but have completed English Composition and/or College Algebra (or some other college-level math course). Official college transcripts must be provided.
• Previous ACCUPLACER Scores: Students who have taken the English/Reading portions of the ACCUPLACER within the last five years AND the Math portions within the last two years. Official ACCUPLACER scores must be provided.
• Cumulative High School GPA with a 2.6 or above to be exempt from the Reading portion. Must be within 10 years of high school graduation date.
• Cumulative High School GPA with a 2.8 or above and completion of Algebra II to be exempt from the math portion. Must be within 10 years of high school graduation date.
• Please note, MATS 1300- College Algebra is not included in math exemption.

Printable Exemption Form

TEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Students requiring test accommodations due to documented disabilities should contact accessibility@dctc.edu for an appointment. Accommodations available include:

• Test is already an untimed test
• Audio
• Large Print
• Paper/Pencil
• Braille
• Private Testing Room

ACCUPLACER Testing Schedule

RETEST POLICY/Test Exemption

The retest policy allows students to retake all or parts of the test at a time of their choosing and, preferably, with adequate preparation. However, a student can only retest only once during a 6-month period and must wait a minimum or 24 hours after the initial test date. Students retesting at DCTC must pay a $5 retest fee at the Tuition Office before taking the test. Students are encouraged to check out if they are eligible for a test exemption based on ACT, SAT, or MCA scores, prior degree(s) or prior college coursework.

TEST RESULTS/PLACEMENT

Students will receive their Individual Score Report immediately upon completion of their ACCUPLACER test. In most cases, students will speak with an advisor right away to have their scores interpreted. How a student does on the ACCUPLACER generally does not affect admissions to the college and to its programs. ACCUPLACER results help determine appropriate course placement in reading, writing and math courses.

Get the course placement grid for English, Reading, and Math