Placement testing for new students at St. Cloud State University consists of ACCUPLACER for math and reading comprehension. Other tests, such as biology, chemistry, and music, are available as determined by a student’s intended major.
Placement testing is required for some students due to a low ACT sub test scores in reading and/or English and Math. Students are also able to place in higher level math courses than their ACT sub test score would indicate by taking the Accuplacer exam.
Expiration dates for ALEKS, Accuplacer and ACT scores are as follows:
|
Exam Scores |
Expiration Date |
| Reading Comprehension | Valid for 3 years |
| ESL Reading/Listening/Writing | Valid for 3 years |
| Math (ALEKS PPL, QAS, IA or AAF ) | Valid for 2 years |
| Biology (Anatomy and Physiology Test) | No expiration date |
|
ACT Scores |
Expiration Date |
| ACT Reading | Valid for 5 years |
| ACT English | Valid for 5 years |
| ACT Math | Valid for 5 years |
If you have taken or are currently taking a math course you must follow the sequential order recommended by the math department. Note: ONCE YOU START YOUR MATH SEQUENCE, YOU ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE TO TEST TO ENROLL IN A HIGHER LEVEL MATH COURSE.
St. Cloud State also offers students the opportunity to test directly into major level courses in math and/or biology (Biology 202 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I).
Mathematics: Mathematics and Statistics
Location: 139 Engineering and Computing Center
Telephone: (320) 308-3001
E-Mail: mathstat@stcloudstate.edu
Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/mathstat/placement/
Biology Exam: Department of Biological Sciences
Location: WSB 262
Telephone: (320) 308-2039
E-Mail: biology@stcloudstate.edu
Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/biology
Yes! Reviewing for your placement exam could potentially save you time and money at St. Cloud State University. Below is a list of sample questions and practice exams:
See also these helpful tips for before and during the test.
If you are not satisfied with your initial ACCUPLACER Math assessment scores, you may retest one time within a 12 month period, a two week wait period in-between testing is recommended to allow time for additional review.
If you are not satisfied with your initial ACCUPLACER Reading (English) assessment scores, you may retest one time within a 12 month period, a two week wait period in-between testing is recommended to allow time for additional review.
International students who are non-native speakers of English are required to take ESL courses during their first semester at SCSU; therefore, retesting is not allowed.
You are not able to retake the Biology exam. If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the Biology department directly.
The Chemistry exam is optional and you are not able to retake it. If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the Chemistry department directly.
The Music evaluation is optional and you are not able to retake it. If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the Music department directly.
A current picture ID is required to verify your identification. Your Tech ID number or STAR ID is required to take the test. Unfortunately, if you do not have a student ID we can not administer the test for you.
Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
No outside materials are allowed for testing.
Personal calculators are not allowed on the math test, however, one will be provided on the computer screen if the test determines the test question warrants the use of a calculator. Scratch paper and a pencil are also provided for math calculations.
If you are an international student coming for the ESL tests, it will be helpful if you can bring computer headphones. If you do not have any, we will provide them.
If you are using ACCUPLACER for your admission process or fit the following criteria:
Please contact us by email at placementtesting@stcloudstate.edu. We will respond to your email (within 48 hours) with a confirmation date and time when registration is complete.
The following information is required in your email to be scheduled for a test:
On campus testing is provided at the Placement Testing Center which is located on the 3rd floor of Centennial Hall, Room 366. We also provide online testing when testing on campus is not an option.
As another option, ACCUPLACER tests may be taken at any Minnesota State campus. When making arrangements to test at another campus:
If you live out of state and need to test, please contact us at placementtesting@stcloudstate.edu and we will try our best to accommodate your individual needs.