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The mission of the Central Lakes College Assessment Department is to provide a supportive environment for learning opportunities that enhance the student’s understanding of their assessment results and how these results relate to their educational plan. We hope this site helps you find the answers to all of your questions concerning assessment.
The Purpose of the ACCUPLACER Test
Central Lakes College is dedicated to supporting student success. As part of that commitment, CLC requires all students complete the student assessment, Accuplacer. The computerized Accuplacer is a series of short basic academic skills tests developed by The College Board Company. The assessment provides you and the college staff information to work together to help you succeed in your educational program. There are no specific scores required to be admitted to the college, however, some programs do require a certain score for admission into the program. The scores indicate basic academic skills in which you are strong, and areas in which you may need help. The Accuplacer helps you to determine the English, reading and mathematics courses most appropriate for you as required by MnSCU policy 3.3.1.
MnSCU Policy 3.3.1 Assessment for Course Placement
Policy Definitions:
• System-Endorsed Tests: Accuplacer, ACT or ESL Accuplacer.
• General Education: courses in the college-level curriculum in college mathematics and composition to which minimum reading standards apply will be determined by the Department of Academic Affairs.
• College Level: courses number 1000 or above which count toward the credit requirements of a certificate, diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree.
• Developmental Education: courses numbered below 1000 intended for students who do not meet minimum assessment standards and which do not count toward a certificate, diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree.
Policy Minimum Standards for Access to General Education Courses:
CLC adheres to MnSCU guidelines for placement into college level courses in reading (reading comprehension score of 78) and math (college level math score of 50). Students placing below college-level coursework shall be placed into developmental coursework as indicated. CLC instructors shall evaluate student’s progress through curriculum and determine next sequenced placement.
Policy for Assessment Options of Incoming Students:
• English as a Native Language
CLC shall administer the Accuplacer to students who self-declare English as their native language (NL): The Accuplacer Assessment takes approximately 2 hours to complete including instructions, general information, grading and printing test results. The testing schedule is available at the Assessment Centers.
• Disability Student Assessment Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to request testing accommodation arrangements.
• Non English Speakers
Students whose native language is not English may request to assess with the ESL Accuplacer. Placement into college level courses will be determined based on assessment results.
Who is Required to Take the Accuplacer Test?
You are required to take the placement test if you are:
• A new student
• A returning student whose test results are more than two (2) years old
• A transfer student who has not successfully completed college level math and/or English classes.
How and where can I take the Accuplacer?
You may take the Accuplacer at any of the 2-year Minnesota State Colleges and University campuses that administers the Accuplacer test. If you take the Accuplacer at a location other than CLC, please have a copy of the results sent to our Assessment Department.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for the Accuplacer test or need to ask questions, please contact one of the following:
Brainerd Campus
The Accuplacer test is normally given in Brainerd at the following times:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday of each week at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Retests - scheduled with Lynn Anderson. Cost of retest is $15.
Lynn Anderson, phone toll-free 1-800-933-0346 ext. 8254, locally 218-855-8254 or e-mail at landerso@clcmn.edu
If you are unable to attend the regular testing times offered, please call to schedule an alternate appointment.
Staples Campus
The Accuplacer test is normally given in Staples at the following times:
Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Retests scheduled with Gayle Wonders. Cost of retest is $15.
Gayle Wonders, phone toll-free 1-800-247-6836 ext. 5114, locally 218-894-5114 or e-mail at gwonders@clcmn.edu
If you are unable to attend the regular testing times offered, please call to schedule an alternate appointment.
What will I need to bring?
You must bring your photo id along with your Central Lakes College tech id number or Social Security number in order to test. All testing materials will be provided by Central Lakes College. Hand held calculators are not permitted.
Could I be exempt from the test?
1. Students who have indicated on their admissions application that they are not seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate and are taking less than six credits in one semester; unless they register for classes in English and mathematics or classes requiring a prerequisite. Information regarding prerequisites can be found in the course listing section of the semester schedule. (NOTE: Students indicating that they are non-degree seeking are not eligible for financial aid.)
2. Students who have successfully completed college level English and math classes (that meet the requirements for your program). A copy of your transcript must be provided to the Assessment Department.
3. Students who have completed the Accuplacer test within the last two years and submit a copy to Central Lakes College.
4. Students who have taken the ACT test and have a score of 24 or better in each section. A copy of test results must be provided to the Assessment Department.
5. Students enrolled in partnership agreements and/or management programs (FBM, SBM, and CSB), non-credit continuing education or customized training classes.
Can I re-test to improve my score?
Yes, you can re-test to improve your score. A student may re-test only once within 90 days and no more than three times within a 12-month period. Retests should only be taken after the student has reviewed the study material and students will not be allowed to retest on the same day. There is a $15 re-test fee. You will need to schedule your re-test time with the Assessment Center Coordinator. Your re-test fee needs to be paid at the CLC Bookstore and the receipt brought to the Assessment Center to show proof of payment.
Special Assessment Information:
What if I do not have a high school diploma or GED?
Central Lakes College policy states that any student without a high school diploma or GED certificate, regardless of the number of credits he/she is enrolling in or regardless of whether he/she is receiving financial aid, is an Ability to Benefit student. Special circumstances identified during the admissions process may override this policy. Ability to Benefit students must take the Accuplacer and must pass all areas of reading, sentence skills and math on one exam. The Department of Education (Washington, DC) has defined the Accuplacer scores that are required to determine student success. Students who complete the test with the appropriate scores will continue through the Admissions/Registration process. Students who do not complete the test with the appropriate scores will have the following options:
1. Retake the Accuplacer. (Those who do not meet minimum scores must retest within a 90-day period of the initial test. If an additional retest is required there is a waiting period of approximately three months (eleven to twelve weeks) as well as evidence of some instructional intervention that would suggest possible scores improvement.
2. Enroll in up to five credits of classes and one semester to build necessary skills. (No financial aid is available).
Tips for taking the test.
1. Relax! Accuplacer was designed to help you succeed in college. Your score helps you and your Central Lakes College Counselor determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills.
2. Be prepared for the test. For Accuplacer information and sample questions please go to the following site: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/
3. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test
4. You should understand that this is an adaptive test. Questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question; you may change the answer on a particular question before you have moved ahead to another question. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices.
5. Remember to bring a photo I.D.
If I have a disability, can I make special arrangements?
If you have a documented disability and desire testing accommodations, please contact Paula Huss, Disability Coordinator, at 1-800-933-0346 ext. 8175 or 218-855-8175 or by e-mail at phuss@clcmn.edu
Accuplacer-ESL
If you grew up speaking a language other than English, you will need to take the ESL Accuplacer tests, which include reading skills, sentence meaning, language use and listening tests. The scores that you receive on the ESL Accuplacer tests determine your course placements. ESL Accuplacer tests are computer adaptive; that means that your response on one question will determine the level of difficulty on the next question. All tests are untimed and the scores will range from 20 to 120 for each test.
1. ESL Accuplacer Reading Skills
You will read passages of 50 to 90 words and then answer questions about your reading. The reading passages will be about a variety of different topics. You may read about the arts, science or history. Half of the test questions ask about information that is stated in the passage. The other half will ask you to identify the main ideas, fact vs. opinion or the author’s point of view.
2. ESL Accuplacer Sentence Meaning
You will be asked to fill-in a blank with a word or phrase, or combine two sentences. The skills covered are writing skills including the proper use of nouns and verbs.
3. ESL Accuplacer Language Use
This test measures your understanding of English vocabulary. The sentences come from a variety of different subject areas. You will be asked questions about basic and important idioms, particularly terms of beauty, age, greatness, and size, adverbs such as before, after, during, and prepositions of direction and place (from, to, at, etc.) There are 20 questions on this test.
4. ESL Accuplacer Listening
You will listen to a series of brief passages in which one or two speakers are talking. Following each passage, you will hear a question about the passage and will be asked to respond to a multiple choice question about the passage. You may take notes as you listen and may replay the passage and answers twice. There are 20 questions on this test.
5. Math Exams:
Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra and College Level Math
Preparing for the Accuplacer Test:
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacertest.htm
http://www.testpreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm
http://www.math.com
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Occasionally, students have obtained prior knowledge of various general education courses, such as English or sociology. These students may be able to "test-out" of some college level courses. See a counselor or registrar to see if this works out for you.
Credit for CLEP will be evaluated according to the recommendation of the American Council on Education and according to the policies of Central Lakes College (See Records & Registration web site for detailed information.)
Cost:
CLC administrative fee: $20 + CLEP fee $77 = TOTAL $97
Cost: For Military Candidates
CLEP examination fees are funded by Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Examinations and optional essays are provided at no charge for all eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees of the military (with proper ID). DANTES-funded candidates are required to pay the test center administration fee directly to the institution administering the examination if they are taking the examination at a college test center.
See the Counseling staff or the Registrar for detailed information regarding CLEP credit.
To Schedule: Contact Lynn Anderson at 1-800-933-0346 ext 8254 or 218-855-8254 or e-mail landerso@clcmn.edu
The mission of the Central Lakes College Assessment Department is to provide a supportive environment for learning opportunities that enhance the student’s understanding of their assessment results and how these results relate to their educational plan. We hope this site helps you find the answers to all of your questions concerning assessment.
The Purpose of the ACCUPLACER Test
Central Lakes College is dedicated to supporting student success. As part of that commitment, CLC requires all students complete the student assessment, Accuplacer. The computerized Accuplacer is a series of short basic academic skills tests developed by The College Board Company. The assessment provides you and the college staff information to work together to help you succeed in your educational program. There are no specific scores required to be admitted to the college, however, some programs do require a certain score for admission into the program. The scores indicate basic academic skills in which you are strong, and areas in which you may need help. The Accuplacer helps you to determine the English, reading and mathematics courses most appropriate for you as required by MnSCU policy 3.3.1.
MnSCU Policy 3.3.1 Assessment for Course Placement
Policy Definitions:
• System-Endorsed Tests: Accuplacer, ACT or ESL Accuplacer.
• General Education: courses in the college-level curriculum in college mathematics and composition to which minimum reading standards apply will be determined by the Department of Academic Affairs.
• College Level: courses number 1000 or above which count toward the credit requirements of a certificate, diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree.
• Developmental Education: courses numbered below 1000 intended for students who do not meet minimum assessment standards and which do not count toward a certificate, diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree.
Policy Minimum Standards for Access to General Education Courses:
CLC adheres to MnSCU guidelines for placement into college level courses in reading (reading comprehension score of 78) and math (college level math score of 50). Students placing below college-level coursework shall be placed into developmental coursework as indicated. CLC instructors shall evaluate student’s progress through curriculum and determine next sequenced placement.
Policy for Assessment Options of Incoming Students:
• English as a Native Language
CLC shall administer the Accuplacer to students who self-declare English as their native language (NL): The Accuplacer Assessment takes approximately 2 hours to complete including instructions, general information, grading and printing test results. The testing schedule is available at the Assessment Centers.
• Disability Student Assessment Accommodations
Students with documented disabilities should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to request testing accommodation arrangements.
• Non English Speakers
Students whose native language is not English may request to assess with the ESL Accuplacer. Placement into college level courses will be determined based on assessment results.
Who is Required to Take the Accuplacer Test?
You are required to take the placement test if you are:
• A new student
• A returning student whose test results are more than two (2) years old
• A transfer student who has not successfully completed college level math and/or English classes.
How and where can I take the Accuplacer?
You may take the Accuplacer at any of the 2-year Minnesota State Colleges and University campuses that administers the Accuplacer test. If you take the Accuplacer at a location other than CLC, please have a copy of the results sent to our Assessment Department.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for the Accuplacer test or need to ask questions, please contact one of the following:
Brainerd Campus
The Accuplacer test is normally given in Brainerd at the following times:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday of each week at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Retests - scheduled with Lynn Anderson. Cost of retest is $15.
Lynn Anderson, phone toll-free 1-800-933-0346 ext. 8254, locally 218-855-8254 or e-mail at landerso@clcmn.edu
If you are unable to attend the regular testing times offered, please call to schedule an alternate appointment.
Staples Campus
The Accuplacer test is normally given in Staples at the following times:
Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Retests scheduled with Gayle Wonders. Cost of retest is $15.
Gayle Wonders, phone toll-free 1-800-247-6836 ext. 5114, locally 218-894-5114 or e-mail at gwonders@clcmn.edu
If you are unable to attend the regular testing times offered, please call to schedule an alternate appointment.
What will I need to bring?
You must bring your photo id along with your Central Lakes College tech id number or Social Security number in order to test. All testing materials will be provided by Central Lakes College. Hand held calculators are not permitted.
Could I be exempt from the test?
1. Students who have indicated on their admissions application that they are not seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate and are taking less than six credits in one semester; unless they register for classes in English and mathematics or classes requiring a prerequisite. Information regarding prerequisites can be found in the course listing section of the semester schedule. (NOTE: Students indicating that they are non-degree seeking are not eligible for financial aid.)
2. Students who have successfully completed college level English and math classes (that meet the requirements for your program). A copy of your transcript must be provided to the Assessment Department.
3. Students who have completed the Accuplacer test within the last two years and submit a copy to Central Lakes College.
4. Students who have taken the ACT test and have a score of 24 or better in each section. A copy of test results must be provided to the Assessment Department.
5. Students enrolled in partnership agreements and/or management programs (FBM, SBM, and CSB), non-credit continuing education or customized training classes.
Can I re-test to improve my score?
Yes, you can re-test to improve your score. A student may re-test only once within 90 days and no more than three times within a 12-month period. Retests should only be taken after the student has reviewed the study material and students will not be allowed to retest on the same day. There is a $15 re-test fee. You will need to schedule your re-test time with the Assessment Center Coordinator. Your re-test fee needs to be paid at the CLC Bookstore and the receipt brought to the Assessment Center to show proof of payment.
Special Assessment Information:
What if I do not have a high school diploma or GED?
Central Lakes College policy states that any student without a high school diploma or GED certificate, regardless of the number of credits he/she is enrolling in or regardless of whether he/she is receiving financial aid, is an Ability to Benefit student. Special circumstances identified during the admissions process may override this policy. Ability to Benefit students must take the Accuplacer and must pass all areas of reading, sentence skills and math on one exam. The Department of Education (Washington, DC) has defined the Accuplacer scores that are required to determine student success. Students who complete the test with the appropriate scores will continue through the Admissions/Registration process. Students who do not complete the test with the appropriate scores will have the following options:
1. Retake the Accuplacer. (Those who do not meet minimum scores must retest within a 90-day period of the initial test. If an additional retest is required there is a waiting period of approximately three months (eleven to twelve weeks) as well as evidence of some instructional intervention that would suggest possible scores improvement.
2. Enroll in up to five credits of classes and one semester to build necessary skills. (No financial aid is available).
Tips for taking the test.
1. Relax! Accuplacer was designed to help you succeed in college. Your score helps you and your Central Lakes College Counselor determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills.
2. Be prepared for the test. For Accuplacer information and sample questions please go to the following site: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/
3. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test
4. You should understand that this is an adaptive test. Questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question; you may change the answer on a particular question before you have moved ahead to another question. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices.
5. Remember to bring a photo I.D.
If I have a disability, can I make special arrangements?
If you have a documented disability and desire testing accommodations, please contact Paula Huss, Disability Coordinator, at 1-800-933-0346 ext. 8175 or 218-855-8175 or by e-mail at phuss@clcmn.edu
Accuplacer-ESL
If you grew up speaking a language other than English, you will need to take the ESL Accuplacer tests, which include reading skills, sentence meaning, language use and listening tests. The scores that you receive on the ESL Accuplacer tests determine your course placements. ESL Accuplacer tests are computer adaptive; that means that your response on one question will determine the level of difficulty on the next question. All tests are untimed and the scores will range from 20 to 120 for each test.
1. ESL Accuplacer Reading Skills
You will read passages of 50 to 90 words and then answer questions about your reading. The reading passages will be about a variety of different topics. You may read about the arts, science or history. Half of the test questions ask about information that is stated in the passage. The other half will ask you to identify the main ideas, fact vs. opinion or the author’s point of view.
2. ESL Accuplacer Sentence Meaning
You will be asked to fill-in a blank with a word or phrase, or combine two sentences. The skills covered are writing skills including the proper use of nouns and verbs.
3. ESL Accuplacer Language Use
This test measures your understanding of English vocabulary. The sentences come from a variety of different subject areas. You will be asked questions about basic and important idioms, particularly terms of beauty, age, greatness, and size, adverbs such as before, after, during, and prepositions of direction and place (from, to, at, etc.) There are 20 questions on this test.
4. ESL Accuplacer Listening
You will listen to a series of brief passages in which one or two speakers are talking. Following each passage, you will hear a question about the passage and will be asked to respond to a multiple choice question about the passage. You may take notes as you listen and may replay the passage and answers twice. There are 20 questions on this test.
5. Math Exams:
Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra and College Level Math
Sample Accuplacer Exams
For those who wish to prepare for the Accuplacer, or for those who have taken the exam once and are in the need of additional practice, the following samples are available for your use.
Reading Comprehension (pdf)
Elementary Algebra (pdf)
College Level Math (pdf)
For those who wish to prepare for the Accuplacer, or for those who have taken the exam once and are in the need of additional practice, the following samples are available for your use.
Reading Comprehension (pdf)
Elementary Algebra (pdf)
College Level Math (pdf)
Preparing for the Accuplacer Test:
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacertest.htm
http://www.testpreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm
http://www.math.com
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Occasionally, students have obtained prior knowledge of various general education courses, such as English or sociology. These students may be able to "test-out" of some college level courses. See a counselor or registrar to see if this works out for you.
Credit for CLEP will be evaluated according to the recommendation of the American Council on Education and according to the policies of Central Lakes College (See Records & Registration web site for detailed information.)
Cost:
CLC administrative fee: $20 + CLEP fee $77 = TOTAL $97
Cost: For Military Candidates
CLEP examination fees are funded by Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Examinations and optional essays are provided at no charge for all eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees of the military (with proper ID). DANTES-funded candidates are required to pay the test center administration fee directly to the institution administering the examination if they are taking the examination at a college test center.
See the Counseling staff or the Registrar for detailed information regarding CLEP credit.
To Schedule: Contact Lynn Anderson at 1-800-933-0346 ext 8254 or 218-855-8254 or e-mail landerso@clcmn.edu