The Accuplacer is a computer-adaptive college placement exam developed by the College Board. It assesses skills in reading, writing, and math to determine appropriate course placement. Unlike fixed-length tests, Accuplacer adapts question difficulty based on your responses, and there's no time limit (except for the optional WritePlacer essay).
A common question is: How many questions are on the Accuplacer? The answer varies by section, as the test isn't one single exam but a suite of individual assessments. Institutions typically require 2–5 sections depending on your program.
Here's the breakdown for the current Next-Generation Accuplacer (used since 2016 and still standard in 2026):
- Reading: 20 multiple-choice questions
- Writing: 25 multiple-choice questions
- Arithmetic: 20 multiple-choice questions
- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS): 20 multiple-choice questions
- Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF): 20 multiple-choice questions
- WritePlacer (optional essay): 1 essay prompt (300–600 words)
Most students take 3–4 sections (e.g., Reading, Writing, and one or two math tests), totaling around 60–85 questions. Math sections often combine QAS and AAF for broader placement.
Since the test is adaptive, you answer a fixed number per section but the exact path depends on performance. Focus on accuracy, as it influences placement in college-level courses versus remedial ones.
Tips to Prepare for Accuplacer Questions
- Use free official practice tests and sample questions on the College Board website.
- Review key topics: reading comprehension, grammar/editing, arithmetic, algebra, and statistics.
- Practice with adaptive-style questions to build confidence.
Proper preparation can help you place higher and save time/money on unnecessary courses. Search for "Accuplacer practice test" or visit accuplacer.collegeboard.org for resources. Good luck with your college placement!