Math Placement - Accuplacer

Purpose The Accuplacer brand Math Placement test is used by the University of Utah to identify the proper level of Math class for which a student should register.
Explanation

Beginning Math courses at the University of Utah are taken in sequence:

990 > 1010 > 1030/1050/1090 or Higher

Where a student begins in this sequence depends upon where he or she placed on the Math Placement test. If a student wishes to challenge his or her original placement this may be done by retaking the test.

Schedule

Current students, those admitted for the coming Spring or Summer Semester, and all those seeking a retake, may take the Math Placement Test in the Testing Center, by appointment, during the following hours:

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,
Start times from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Tuesdays, and Thursdays,
Start times from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM

For those admitted for the coming Fall Semester, the Math Placement test is generally administered during Orientation in an assigned computer lab outside of the Testing Center. Thus, such individuals do not need to make an appointment with the Testing Center unless, for whatever reason, they did not take it at that time.
Appointments The test is given on computer in the Testing Center by appointment.  Space is limited, so it is best to make your appointment well in advance by calling the Testing Center at 801-581-8733.  However, walk-ins are accommodated if a computer is available.
Location For students taking the Math Placement test during Orientation, it is administered in an assigned computer lab on campus. (You will be told where to go during Orientation.) For those not taking it during Orientation, and all those who would like to retake the test, it is administered in the Testing Center, Room 498 of the Student Services Building.
Retakes Candidates must wait one complete week before retaking the Math Placement test.
Timing The Accuplacer is not timed by the online program.  But, the realities of running a testing center require that there be some kind of predictability in scheduling.  Thus, because the average test taker finishes within 90 minutes, the Testing Center allows test takers a maximum of two hours to finish the exam.
Cost Students must pay $15.00 each time they take the test. For those first admitted to the University after Summer Semester 2011, the cost of taking the test once is covered by the Matriculation Fee, so there is no additional charge for the first administration. Thereafter, all retakes are charge at the usual $15.00 rate.
Identification Photo Identification (drivers license, school I.D. card, passport, etc.) is required for admittance to the test. 
Calculators Calculators are not permitted.
Structure The Accuplacer is a computer-based test, and this allows it to be adaptive to your particular skill level.  For example, if you do well on the first questions, it may skip questions that may be too easy for you, and move directly on to a more difficult type of question.  Thus, as part of the testing process, you may advance through three different tests:
  • Arithmetic (AR)
  • Elementary Algebra (EA)
  • College Level Math (CLM)
Scores
Accuplacer Score(s)
Placement
AR < 120 or EA <= 54 Math 990
54 < EA <= 90 or CLM < 50 Math 1010
CLM >= 50 Math 1030, 1040, 1070
CLM >= 60 Math 1050, 1060, 1090
CLM >= 80 Math 1100
(or Math 4010 if your major requires this)
95 <= CLM <= 120 Math 1210
Print-outs A score report print-out will be available immediately after taking the test.  However, at times there may be a 24-hour delay or more before the University's computer registration system is updated.
Orientation Students with specific questions or concerns regarding Orientation may discuss these with the following:
Advising Students with specific questions or concerns regarding their placement may discuss these with the following:
  • Kelly MacArthur
    Undergraduate Math Advisor
    Room 226, John Widstoe Building
    801-581-6837 - Phone
    801-581-4148 - FAX
    advisor@math.utah.edu
     
  • University College Advising
    Room 450, Student Services Building
    801-581-8146
    www.sa.utah.edu/advise
Preparation The Math Placement Test primarily covers Algebra, with a little Trigonometry.  A variety of Math study guides are generally available at most bookstores and libraries.  Besides these, there are also online resources.  The following links, for example, lead to free practice tests and study materials:

Note: The Testing Center does not necessarily endorse any of these resources and is not responsible for their content.
Related Links