Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to test?
Placement testing for new students at St. Cloud State University consists of ACCUPLACER for math and reading comprehension. Other tests, such as 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 5 years |
ESL Reading/Listening/Writing | Valid for 3 years |
Math (ALEKS PPL, QAS, or AAF ) | Valid for 2 years |
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.
For more information or advising please contact the offices:
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/
Should I study and prepare for the exam?
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:
- ACCUPLACER Practice App
- Reading Sample Questions
- Khan Academy
- ACT Test Preparation
- SAT Practice
See also these helpful tips for before and during the test.
Is it possible to fail a placement exam?
Can I retake my placement test?
Math
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.
Reading
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.
Chemistry
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.
Music
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.
What do I need to bring for the test?
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:
- A current driver's license
- A state approved ID
- A high school ID
- A college ID
- A current state or federal ID card
- A current passport
- A tribal ID card
- A naturalization card or certificate of citizenship
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.
I have a disability. Can I get test accommodations?
What if I'm not a St. Cloud State University student?
If you are using ACCUPLACER for your admission process or fit the following criteria:
- Have not yet received your St. Cloud State student ID number
- Are enrolled in the Community College Connection Program through St. Cloud Technical & Community College
- Planning on attending a College/Institution other than SCSU
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:
- First and last name
- Telephone number (for questions or for notification of cancellation)
- Two choices of dates and times that will work for your schedule (be specific)
- Which exam you are requesting to take (ex. Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics, Reading Comprehension etc.)
- The school that you will be testing for
What is adaptive testing?
Where is testing available?
On campus testing is provided at the Placement Testing Center which is located on the 3rd floor of Centennial Hall, Room 351. 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:
- Make an appointment at the campus you choose.
- Contact St. Cloud State Advising and Student Transitions to determine which test you need to take.
- Contact St. Cloud State Placement Testing to obtain a voucher for the appropriate test.
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.