Placement assessment practice
Important: This page provides study material for the previous Math Placement Exam. You're welcome to use it if you would like additional study material, but it only applies to the previous placement exam.
About the placement exam
- The actual placement exam is multiple choice and a calculator is allowed only on select portions of the first part. Be sure to practice without one.
- Placement is determined using a combination of your scores from each part you take. Below are general guidelines for placement levels, however, you may take higher-level sections than your placement goal, for further placement opportunities.
Mathematics placement chart
Please see the course placement table for restrictions on placement.
Practice for the assessment
The placement exam begins with a subtest called Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (QRAS). All students, regardless of what course they are attempting to place into, will start with this subtest. It is designed to give initial placement into Level 2.
Practice for QRAS subtest
All students, regardless of what course they are attempting to place into, must take this subtest of the exam.
Practice for arithmetic subtest
Use this if you would like to practice your arithmetic skills.
If you would like to experience a sample of what the exam is like, use the free Accuplacer practice app. Only use the app tests for the Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (QRAS) and the arithmetic test (if you would like to practice your arithmetic).
The following are practice materials for parts B and C of the exam.
Practice for placement exam, Part B
This subtest covers college algebra and is for placing into Level 3.
Students must score sufficiently high in the QRAS and part B subtests before taking subtest C, but taking C will either place you into MAT 1800 or MAT 2010 depending on your combined scores for the QRAS, B and C.
Additional practice for part B is available by working previous MAT 1050 final exams (which can also be used to practice most MAT 1070 material.
Practice for placement exam, Part C
This subtest covers pre-calculus and is for placing into Level 4.
Important: Additional practice for part C is available by working on previous MAT 1800 final exams.
Do you need extra help?
Students should review thoroughly before taking the placement exam. The Mathematics Resource Center, located in room 1198 FAB, is available for assistance. The Academic Success Center also offers tutoring and math literacy services.
Students may visit STARS to schedule an appointment with a Department of Mathematics academic advisor to discuss their placement situation.