Accuplacer Assessment

Review Computer Requirements for Remote Testing BEFORE paying and scheduling:

Because of the current ‘COVID Guidelines’ from the state, we are temporarily testing remotely using ZOOM. To test virtually you will need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a webcam and headset/mic. Unfortunately other devices such as cell phone iPads, Surface, and other tablets will not work. Chromebooks are allowed, but strongly discouraged.

Please complete the following steps BEFORE you schedule and pay for your assessment:

• Go to the Zoom website, download and install Zoom: https://www.zoom.us/download#client_4meeting.
• To check that Zoom was set up correctly, click here: https://www.zoom.us/test.
• Check that your computer can run ACCUPLACER by clicking here: https://www.accuplacer.org/#/systemRequirement.

When assessing Virtually, we ask that students:

• Test in a clear and quiet environment, not surrounded by people or distractions - away from any items that may be considered an inappropriate resource such as phones, iPads, textbooks, flash cards, smart watches, dictionaries, calculators, etc.
• Have a stable and reliable internet connection. ZOOM requires a minimum download speed of 1.5Mbps. You may check your connectivity speed here.
• Know how to operate their computer device (PC | MAC), open and navigate a web browser.

If you do not meet the requirements stated above during your exam appointment, we will ask you to reschedule your session to a later time so that you can meet our requested requirements.

The Next-Generation (NG) ACCUPLACER is an untimed computer-based placement assessment that evaluates reading, writing, and math skills. Placement based on ACCUPLACER indicates the appropriate starting point in math and/or English courses to enroll in when you start college. The correct placement will give you the best chance at being placed in the courses which match your skills. 

Accuplacer Placement scores are valid for two (2) years from date of testing. The Accuplacer assessment cannot be used to skip over courses in a student's English or math sequence.  Once classes are taken based on an initial Accuplacer (or other placement tool's) placement, the Accuplacer assessment cannot be taken again to create a new placement and/or to skip over courses to a higher English or math course. Exceptions to this policy can only be granted by Instructor Approval.

A Score Report with corresponding course placements is isssued upon completion of the assessment.  Score Reports are official documents.

If you are seeking information on whether or not you are required to take this assessment for course placement, please speak with our Welcome Center or schedule an appointment to review your qualifications with Advising. More information on exemptions from taking the NG Accuplacer assessment can be found below tab titled, "Think you may be Exempt?"

Please Note: On January 28th, 2019 CollegeBoard retired the classic version of the Accuplacer. Olympic College will still honor classic Accuplacer scores for placement as long as scores are not expired.

If you have taken the classic or Next-Generation version of the Accuplacer, you can find corresponding placement below.

• Placement Based on Classic Accuplacer
• Placement Based on Next-Generation Accuplacer
• Accuplacer Comparison Chart/ Content Domains

• About Next-Generation Accuplacer
• Test Breakdown & Practice
• Next-Gen Accuplacer Sample Questions
• Algebra Practice
• Reading Practice
• Prepare with KahnAcademy
• Interactive Practice with CollegeBoard
• YouTube Videos for Accuplacer Brush Up
• Placement Based on Next-Generation Accuplacer
• Accuplacer Comparison Chart/ Content Domains

All Assessment & Testing services (testing, re-takes, scores/results) will require the following:

• A current government-issued or school-issued Photo Identification
• Your OC SID or a Student ID Number created for the assessment (Think you applied to OC a long time ago but don't remember your SID? Check here)

If you are driving to campus, the following is also required:

A Visitor's Parking Pass from Campus Security or your current OC Parking Decal. Place the Visitor's Parking Pass face side up on your dashboard before checking in for the assessment. OR, if you did reserve a session and pay online already, the emailed confirmation can be used as a Parking Pass. Place the printed email confirmation on your dash showing the date/time of the appointment. If the emailed confirmation is not in your Inbox, please check the Junk Mail folder.

No cell phones, calculators, electronics of any kind, or personal belongings including but not limited to watches, wallets or hats are allowed in the testing room.  Be prepared to store personal items in available lockers or limit items brought to the testing session. 

*We are a Fragrance-Free Environment*  Please refrain from using cologne, perfume, essential oils and other scented products/chemical substances prior to entering or when visiting the Assessment & Testing Center. This is for the health, safety and comfort of students, staff and visitors with asthma, allergies and chemical injury.

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA Scores and High School Transcript Placement)

Students may use SBA scores, HS transcripts, or a combination listed here to place into English. Only HS transcripts are used to place into Math. To have SBA scores and/or HS Transcripts evaluated for placement, submit a SBAC/HS Transcript Form and upload your document(s). Completed evaluation results will be emailed to students.

Science, Engineering and Math (SEM) Course Review

If you think you may be exempt from taking the assessment because you have completed an intermediate algebra course or higher in college, submit a prerequisite review by completing a SEM Online Form and uploading your unofficial transcript(s). You may also be exempt from English placement if you have qualifying AP scores or have completed a college level English composition 101 course.  

PSNS & IMF

Future applicants to the PSNS & IMF Apprentice Program should be prepared to meet the placement requirements for Olympic College's BSTEC 150 and Math 94.  

Please Note:  The PSNS and IMF Apprentice Program does not accept transcripts as an alternative.  Only qualifying Accuplacer scores will be accepted.

NURSING

The  Accuplacer Reading test is required for application consideration for the Nursing Programs, regardless of previous higher education or degrees acquired.  There is no waiver or exception from the requirement to complete at least the Reading portion of the Accuplacer for application to the Nursing Programs.  The results for the NG Accuplacer Reading do not expire for entrance into the ADN/TADN & PN Programs.  If you plan on using your Accuplacer results for English/math course placement, please note scores expire after two (2) years. 

Candidates are limited to three (3) attempts per section in a calendar year when using the Next-Generation (NG) Accuplacer assessment for placement into Olympic College courses. Additional attempts may be available if using the Accuplacer assessment for qualification into a particular program. Ask Assessment & Testing Center staff if you qualify for additional retakes.

As a reminder, the Accuplacer assessment cannot be used to skip over courses in a student's English or math sequence.  Once classes are taken based on an initial Accuplacer placement (or other placement tool), the Accuplacer assessment cannot be taken again to create a new placement and/or to skip over courses to a higher English or math course.  Exceptions to this policy can only be granted by Instructor Approval.

A Score Report with corresponding course placements is issued upon completion of the assessment.  Score Reports are official documents.

Scores transfer to another Academic Institution

If you would like your Accuplacer score(s) transferred to another community and/or technical college, or university please complete and sign our Test Score Transfer Form and send it to AccuplacerQuestions@Olympic.edu. Please make sure to include a valid fax or email address for the receiving institution. 

Receiving scores from another Washington Community and/or Technical college for Olympic College course placement 

If you've taken an Accuplacer assessment within the last year, you may request the institution at which the assessment was taken to fax it to us at 360.475.7470 or email it to us at: AccuplacerQuestions@Olympic.edu to see if it can be used for Olympic College (OC) course placement. Students will be contacted via student email regarding corresponding OC course placement.

Please Note:  We cannot accept score reports from students, either hand-carried or electronically transmitted.  The report must be sent from the institution at which it was taken.  The only exception is for Smarter Balance score reports and transcripts to be used for placement purposes; these can be accepted directly from the student.

Requests for accommodations are approved through Access Services located in Room 206 of the Humanities and Student Services Building. Please note that the Accuplacer assessment is not timed, however, it is limited to the current posted hours of operation.