The Accuplacer tests a student in six areas: sentence structure, reading comprehension, arithmetic, elementary algebra, college-level math and written essay. All sections except the written essay are multiple choice with an average of 18 questions per section.
Each of the six sections of the Accuplacer is given a scaled numerical score and a percentile score. The scaled score shows what the score would be if the test-taker answered 120 questions with a similar competency. The percentile score shows what percentage of students who took the test the test-taker did better than. For example, a percentile score of 70 means she scored higher than 70 percent of others who took the test.
The Accuplacer gives the test-taker and the college he plans to attend an idea of where he stands in relation to other incoming students. This helps the college adviser suggest appropriate courses. Some colleges require certain scores to register for certain classes.