The test is customized for each educational institution and serves to determine if an incoming student should be placed in freshman courses, if that student needs any developmental courses or help prior to enrolling in regular courses, according to TestPrepReview.com.
The Accuplacer is administered online and is computer adaptive; the questions selected for you are based on your answers to previous questions as to coincide with your ability level.
Accuplacer tests contain sets of multiple-choice questions in reading comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic, elementary algebra and college-level mathematics. There is no time limit for these portions of the test, but the Accuplacer also includes a timed written essay segment.
Students' results are made available to the school as soon as they complete the test; helping to expedite course placement and schedule.
Although the Accuplacer test contains a built-in calculator, contact the host school to see if it allows students to bring any supplemental materials. It's also worth inquiring about the school's policy regarding Accuplacer fees, registration and the specific times when it's administered.
Keep in mind that the Accuplacer is not graded on a pass or fail basis; it's only used for placement purposes. There are a number of online sites that offer free study guides, reviews and practice exams for the Accuplacer Test (see Resources).