assessment center :: accuplacer testing

Accuplacer Testing

The Accuplacer is a placement test that is required by all two- and four-year colleges and universities in the state of Colorado. The test is designed to help determine which class placements are most appropriate for a student, based on aptitude in college-level reading, writing, and mathematics. The Accuplacer is internet-based, and is taken on a computer. Red Rocks students may take the test in the Assessment Center at the Lakewood or Arvada campus. You cannot "pass" or "fail" the Accuplacer; your score indicates the correct course placement for you, and you may take the test as many times as you wish. The scoring sheet shows the score ranges for each subject area and the course placements.

For anyone planning to take the Accuplacer, we strongly recommend that you review one of the general preparation study guides shown below. These are helpful web-based guides that have sample questions and suggestions for Accuplacer test preparation. We have also included more in-depth study guide sites for individual test areas. The first administration of the Accuplacer test is free for RRCC students. There is a $5 charge if you choose to retest.

The Accuplacer is untimed, but plan on around 90 minutes to complete all three sections. You must provide a picture ID to take any test in either of our Assessment Center locations. The score results on the test will help you and your Academic Advisor determine the correct course placement for you.

If you are a student located out of state or out of the country and you need to take the Accuplacer, please contact our office directly at the number shown on this page on the right hand margin. We can help set up a remote test for you.

About the Accuplacer

The test is not timed, so pace yourself. There is no need to hurry.
This is a multiple choice test; no writing samples are required.
The test is adaptive; you must answer each question to trigger the next question.
Do not bring a calculator. One will pop-up on the screen for questions that might require a calculator.
The math test begins with 17 Algebra questions. After that, it may direct you to 20 arithmetic questions.
You will receive your scores as soon as you finish the test.