What is the Purpose of the Accuplacer?

The purpose of the assessment test is to provide you and the college with information about your current academic skill levels in reading and mathematics. Your scores will help in determing whether your educational path will begin in the “Steps for College Success” program or directly into your program major or Liberal Arts coursework.


ACCUPLACER//MyFoundationsLab identifies areas of strengths and weaknesses for each student and then builds a personalized learning path linking students to tutorials, interactive instruction and practice exercises with instant feedback to master core concepts for college and career readiness. Accuplacer/MyFoundations Lab Brochure

• What will I be tested on?
• How will I be tested?
• Can I fail the test?
• Can I retake the test?
• Who needs to take the assessments?
• Who does not need to take the assessments?
• Can accommodations be made for students with a disability?
• What if English is not my primary language?

What will I be tested on? Reading: You will be asked to read a passage and then answer several questions about the passage. Mathematics: This portion measures your understanding of arithmetic through problem solving. Skills in operations of whole numbers and fractions, decimals and percents, ratios, measurement, and geometry will be assessed.

How will I be tested? You will take the tests using a computer. You will communicate with the computer by using the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers. A test proctor will be present if you need assistance. The tests are untimed and no prior computer skills are required.

Can I fail a test? NO! These tests indicate your current skill level – not your potential. However, you will want to study for the test to make sure you do your very best. Your scores will help in determing whether your educational path will begin in the “Steps for College Success” program or directly into your program major or Liberal Arts coursework.

Can I retake the test? Yes, you may retake all or a portion of the test. There is a $20 retest fee. Please refer to the retest policy for the specific guidelines for retesting.

Who needs to take the assessments? The MnSCU system is using the placement test to help students achieve success in their education. Riverland Community College requires that all degree seeking students take the assessment before they register for their first semester courses. Students must begin any coursework in reading and mathematics at their assessed level.

Who does not need to take the assessments? You may not be required to take the entire placement test for the following reasons: You have received an Associate or Baccalaureate degree; you have completed comparable tests or the ACT within the last three years; you have completed college level coursework in Math or English. ACT scores and/ or transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Can accommodations be made for students with a disability? If you need accommodations in order to take the test due to a disability, please call 507-433-0646 prior to your test date. Documentation from an appropriate licensed medical practitioner or agency may be required before accommodations can be arranged. There is no fee for this service.

What if English is not my primary language? If English is not your first language, you may be given an ESL assessment. The Accuplacer ESL test assesses the English skills of students who have learned English as an additional language to their native or first language. The Accuplacer ESL test is divided into three sections: reading skills, sentence meaning and language usage.