The Accuplacer test is a widely used college placement exam designed to assess skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike traditional tests, there is no universal passing score on the Accuplacer. Developed by the College Board, it's primarily a placement tool to determine if you're ready for college-level courses or need remedial classes. Scores help institutions place students appropriately, avoiding frustration in overly advanced classes.
Accuplacer scores for core tests (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics, and Advanced Algebra & Functions) range from 200 to 300. These are divided into score bands, with higher scores indicating stronger college readiness. The WritePlacer essay is scored 1–8 separately.
Since Accuplacer passing scores vary by college and program, what counts as "passing" depends on the institution's cutoffs. Many community colleges consider scores around 250+ sufficient for direct placement into credit-bearing courses without remediation, while others may require 263+ for full college-level eligibility. For example, some schools place students scoring below 237 in developmental classes.
To achieve a strong Accuplacer score:
- Aim for 263–300 to demonstrate advanced skills and bypass remedial work at most institutions.
- Review official College Board Skills Insight statements for detailed band descriptions.
Always check your target college's specific Accuplacer score requirements and placement guidelines, as they set their own benchmarks. Preparing with practice tests can significantly improve your results and ensure optimal course placement.