ACCUPLACER Test

Students are tested using a computer. The questions are multiple choice. Students also respond to a series of background questions such as birth date, ethnicity, and high school, etc. Students need to know their TCC student ID number. A Test Administrator is present to assist those who are taking the test. Each section of the test (Reading, Sentence Skills and Math) takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, the assessment test is un-timed and students may take as long as they need to complete each test.

The assessment test is designed using adaptive technology. When students answer questions correctly, the test challenges the student. When students answer questions incorrectly, the test questions are less challenging. Questions must be answered in the order they are given. Once you have answered a question and clicked on the next question you cannot go back. The Assessment Center provides test takers with a basic function calculator, scratch paper, and pencil for use on the test. Talking to other testers, the use of a dictionary, an electronic dictionary device, or an unauthorized calculator is not allowed during the test. 

When students complete the assessment test, the test administrator will give them a copy of their test results, including scores and course placements in reading, English, and math. Retests are available, please discuss this option with the Test Administrator. 

Tacoma Community College requires new students who are registering for more than 5 credits for English or math courses, or a course with an English or math prerequisite, to have their skills in English, reading, and math assessed to assure that they enroll in college at a level compatible with their skills. If you have attended another college your transcripts can be evaluated for placement.  

Students who wish to take the Assessment test, must apply to the college, obtain their Student ID number, and pay a $18.00 assessment fee at the Cashier's Office in Building 18 before taking the test. Assessment testing is available on a WALK-IN basis (picture I.D. is required). Call 253.566.5158, 24-hours a day to hear testing dates/times for a two-week period. For more information, please call the Assessment Office at 253.566.5093.  Testing is done at the Gig Harbor Campus (3993 Hunt Street, Gig Harbor WA 98335) by appointment only - please call 253.460.2424 for an appointment.

If you would like to refresh your skills before taking the test, you may click here for a Math Review Guide  / English Review Guide  / Online sites for all subjects and Oklahoma University Practice. You may stop by the Assessment Office in Building 7 for a review guide. Online-only students (also called distance education students) who are not able to come to the TCC campus should follow the special instructions for Online-Only students below. 

Distant learners who cannot come to the TCC campus for testing should speak to Assessment at 253.566.5093 or e-mail the department about options to be assessed or proctored at a location in their area. 

Students who have taken the Asset, Compass, or CPT (Accuplacer) test at another college prior to testing at TCC within the previous two years, may use their scores in place of TCC's assessment test. They must submit a copy of their test score report to TCC's Assessment Center for review and course placement. Students can submit their test scores by fax at 253.566.6011 or by requesting that the testing center email a copy to Assessment. Students who have taken TCC's placement test may not use scores from another test for TCC placement. 

Application to the college must be completed prior to reading of unofficial transcripts or assessment. Students who wish to be assessed through review of their previous college transcripts may submit official or unofficial copies of their transcripts to the Assessment Office in Building 7. Students may submit their transcripts by fax to 253.566.6011. When faxing transcripts please include TCC Student ID number.  In reviewing college transcripts for placement purposes, the assessment staff looks for college level course work in reading, English, and math. A student's reading placement is determined by considering the student's performance in college level courses that typically require extensive reading, such as psychology, philosophy, and science. The English placement is determined by considering the student's performance in previous English composition courses. The math placement is determined by looking at the student's performance in math courses completed. If it has been more than two years since a student has taken a math course the Math Department recommends taking the placement. 

Departmental guidelines indicate that grades of C- or lower do not indicate the student has mastered the respective skill at a level high enough to enable the student to enter a course designed for students at the next level. Students who have received grades of C- or below in previous college courses may repeat the courses for better grades or take the assessment test to establish skill levels required to enter subsequent courses. 

When the transcript review has been completed, the student's placement scores will be in the system for advising. A student would need to take unofficial transcripts to the advising appointment if an Official Transcript evaluation has not yet taken place.

If you plan to transfer credit from another college to be used to satisfy prerequisites at TCC, or intend to apply transfer credits toward a degree or certificate program at TCC, you must provide TCC with an official transcript. Credit evaluations usually take 2-4 weeks. You will receive a copy of the evaluation in the mail. If unofficial transcripts were used in the Transcript Review process, official transcripts must be supplied before credit will be evaluated and posted to your TCC record. FAXed copies of transcripts are not accepted as official transcripts.  (Official Transcripts must be sent/taken to the Enrollment Services Office, Bldg. 7, 253.566.5325)