ACCUPLACER Math Placement Test Study Guide and Tips
Oct 15, 2025
The Accuplacer Math Placement Test consists of three sections designed to assess math skills and abilities to determine overall readiness for college-level math courses.
Using free Accuplacer math practice tests can help improve your score in preparation for college.
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What Is the Accuplacer Math Placement Test?
The Accuplacer Math Placement Test is a standardized placement test used by US colleges. It helps institutions place students in the most appropriate math courses based on their skill level.
Unlike other standardized tests, the Accuplacer is not an admissions test. It doesn’t determine whether or not a student will be provided with a place.
The results can be used to determine whether you are ready to take a course that earns credits.
This means you can potentially avoid taking remedial math classes if your scores meet the institution's requirements.
It is a computer adaptive test (CAT) so the difficulty of the next question depends on the accuracy of the previous answer.
This adaptive format ensures that each question is matched to your skill level, providing a more accurate assessment of your abilities.
All of the questions are multiple-choice. The test is not timed but most students complete it in around 60 minutes.
This allows you to focus on answering each question accurately and thoroughly without the added pressure of time constraints.
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What Is Included on the Accuplacer Math Placement Test?
The Accuplacer math questions are split across three topics:
- Arithmetic
- Elementary algebra
- College-level math
1. The Arithmetic Test
This section evaluates your skills in basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
It also assesses your ability to work with decimals and percentages.
This section includes questions on:
- Number operations
- Number comparisons
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
2. The AAF – Advanced Algebra and Functions
This section includes the following topics:
- Ratios
- Probability
- Algebraic expressions
- Statistics
- Geometry
- Linear equations
3. The QAS – Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics
This section includes these topics:
- Linear applications
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Radical and rational equations
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Trigonometry
Each section contains 20 to 25 questions.
You are not allowed to take a calculator into the assessment. However, a calculator is provided on-screen for some questions.
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Example Questions on the Accuplacer Math Placement Test
These Accuplacer math practice test prep questions have explanations to help you understand how to answer this style of question.
Arithmetic Sample Questions
1. A recipe needs 2/3 cup of flour. If you want to make half of the recipe, how many cups of flour do you need?
a) 1/3 cup
b) 1/2 cup
c) 2/3 cup
d) 1 cup
The correct answer is: a) 1/3 cup.
To find half of the recipe, you need to divide the original measurement by 2. Dividing 2/3 by 2 gives 1/3.
2. If a jacket is on sale for 25% off and its original price is $80, what is the sale price of the jacket?
a) $20
b) $40
c) $60
d) $75
The correct answer is: c) $60.
To find the sale price, you need to subtract the discount from the original price.
25% of $80 is $20, so the discounted price is $80 – $20 = $60.
3. Sara spent 40% of her monthly salary on rent, 20% on groceries and 10% on transportation.
What percentage of her monthly salary is left?
a) 30%
b) 40%
c) 50%
d) 70%
The correct answer is: a) 30%.
To find the percentage left, you need to subtract the percentages spent from 100%.
40% + 20% + 10% equals 70%, so the percentage left is 100% – 70% = 30%.
AAF Sample Questions
1. A company produces two types of widgets: Type A and Type B. The ratio of the number of Type A widgets to Type B widgets is 3:2.
If there are 120 Type B widgets, how many Type A widgets are there?
a) 36
b) 60
c) 180
d) 90
The correct answer is: c) 180.
The ratio of Type A widgets to Type B widgets is 3:2. If 2 parts are equal to 120, this means 1 part is 60. To find how many Type A widgets there are, simply multiply 1 part (60) by 3.
60 x 3 = 180.
2. A bag contains 5 red marbles, 3 blue marbles and 2 green marbles. If one marble is drawn at random from the bag, what is the probability of drawing a blue marble?
a) 1/5
b) 1/3
c) 3/10
d) 3/8
The correct answer is: c) 3/10.
The total number of marbles in the bag is 5 + 3 + 2 = 10. Since there are 3 blue marbles, the probability of drawing a blue marble is 3/10.
3. Simplify the expression:
2x – 5 + 3x + 7 – x
a) 4x + 2
b) 4x – 2
c) 2x + 2
d) 2x – 2
The correct answer is: a) 4x + 2.
Combining like terms, we have 2x + 3x – x – 5 + 7. Simplifying further, we get 4x + 2.
QAS Sample Questions
1. A car rental company charges a base fee of $30 plus $0.25 per mile driven. If a customer rents a car and drives 150 miles, how much will the rental cost?
a) $30.25
b) $55.00
c) $67.50
d) $75.00
The correct answer is: c) $67.50.
To find the total cost, you need to add the base fee to the cost per mile multiplied by the number of miles driven.
The cost for driving 150 miles is $30 + ($0.25 x 150) = $30 + $37.50 = $67.50.
2. Solve the equation:
4x – 7 = 9
Which of the following values of x satisfies the equation?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 8
d) 3
The correct answer is: a) 4.
To solve the equation, we can isolate the variable x by performing inverse operations. Start by adding 7 to both sides of the equation.
This gives you 4x = 16.
Now divide both sides by 4.
16 divided by 4 = 4.
3.
What is the surface area of a right rectangular prism with length 6 cm, width 5 cm and height 3 cm?
a) 126 cm²
b) 135 cm²
c) 210 cm²
d) 136 cm²
The correct answer is: a) 126 cm².
To find the surface area of the right rectangular prism, we need to calculate the sum of the areas of all its faces.
The front and back faces have the same area, which is the product of the length and height:
6 cm x 3 cm = 18 cm² each.
The top and bottom faces also have the same area, which is the product of the width and length:
5 cm x 6 cm = 30 cm² each.
The left and right faces also have the same area, which is the product of the width and height:
5 cm x 3 cm = 15 cm² each.
To find the total surface area, add up the areas of all the faces:
18 cm² + 18 cm² + 30 cm² + 30 cm² + 15 cm² + 15 cm² = 126 cm²
How to Prepare for the Accuplacer Math Exam
The test is very important, so it is vital to do some Accuplacer math test prep. There are several preparation options for candidates.
Take Practice Tests
Math placement testing practice is essential before test day. Free Accuplacer math practice tests are valuable resources.
You can also access an Accuplacer math study guide online. These help familiarize you with the format, content and types of questions you can expect on the Accuplacer math test.
They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your studying efforts more effectively.
Make sure to simulate test conditions by setting a timer and working on the practice tests in a quiet environment.
Revise Basic Math Practices
The Accuplacer math questions cover various fundamental math concepts. Many of these were learned during high school education.
This makes it essential to review your understanding of them.
These include:
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Graphs
- Linear equations
Remind yourself of these subjects to help you feel prepared on test day.
Practice solving problems and ensure you're comfortable with the underlying principles.
Read Questions Properly
Pay close attention to the wording and details of each question. Misinterpreting a question can lead to incorrect answers, even if you have the necessary mathematical knowledge.
Read each question carefully, identify what is being asked and determine the appropriate approach to solve it.
Take note of any specific instructions, units of measurement or restrictions mentioned in the question.
Take Your Time
Take the necessary time to carefully read each question, understand the problem and devise an appropriate solution strategy.
Avoid rushing through the test; instead, focus on accuracy and thoroughness.
Use the untimed format to your advantage by double-checking your answers, showing your work and reviewing any challenging questions.
By taking your time, you can approach each question with confidence and maximize your chances of achieving accurate and precise solutions.
Check Travel Directions
Make sure to allocate time to plan your journey to the test center effectively.
Research the address and location of the test center in advance, noting any specific directions or parking instructions.
Plan your route, considering factors such as traffic conditions and potential delays.
By checking travel directions ahead of time, you can ensure a smoother and stress-free journey on the test day, allowing you to arrive on time and in a calm state of mind.
Look After Yourself
Test preparation isn't just about studying; it also involves taking care of your well-being.
Prioritize a healthy lifestyle during your preparation period.
Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals and take part in physical activity to keep your mind and body in optimal condition.
Taking breaks during study sessions can help prevent burnout and maintain focus.
You can also manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation to stay calm and composed during the test.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Accuplacer math test?
The difficulty level of the Accuplacer next generation math test can vary based on your math skills and familiarity with the content.
It is designed to assess a range of abilities, from basic arithmetic to college-level math.
How to pass the Accuplacer math test?
To pass the Accuplacer math test, it is crucial to review and practice math concepts covered in the test.
Take Accuplacer math practice tests, use an Accuplacer math study guide, revise basic math skills, read questions carefully and manage your time effectively to improve your chances of success.
How many questions are on the Accuplacer math test?
The number of questions on the Accuplacer math test can vary, but typically there are around 20 to 25 questions per section.
How long is the Accuplacer math test?
The duration of the Accuplacer math test can vary depending on the institution.
Generally, it takes around 60 to 90 minutes to complete all sections of the Accuplacer math exam.
What to study for the Math accuplacer test?
As part of your Accuplacer math test prep, focus on reviewing arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebraic operations, equations, inequalities and basic geometry concepts.
Understanding and practicing these topics will be beneficial.
How many times can you take the math Accuplacer test?
The number of times you can take the math Accuplacer test depends on the policies set by the institution administering the test.
Some institutions may allow multiple attempts, while others may have restrictions or requirements regarding retaking the test.
How to prepare for the math Accuplacer test?
To prepare for the math Accuplacer test, take free Accuplacer math practice tests and revise basic math concepts.
Start your Accuplacer math test prep early to help improve your knowledge and understanding before test day.
How is the math Accuplacer test graded?
The math Accuplacer test is typically computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on your performance.
The test is graded based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of those questions. It is not a pass-or-fail test but is used to place students in appropriate-level classes.
On what parts of the Accuplacer math test can you use a calculator?
The Accuplacer math test may have a section where you can use a calculator. However, students are not allowed to bring their own calculators.
A calculator will appear on the screen when it is needed.
Where can I get more sample questions for the Accuplacer math test?
You can find more sample questions for the Accuplacer math test from various sources, including official Accuplacer study guides.
There are also free Accuplacer math practice tests on various sites to help you with your Accuplacer math prep.
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Final Thoughts
Preparing for the Accuplacer math test can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and dedication, you can improve your skills and increase your chances of success.
By taking practice tests, revising basic math practices, reading questions properly and looking after yourself, you can enhance your performance on the test.
Remember to take your time when sitting the test, as it is untimed. Read each question carefully, show your work and aim for accuracy.
Use the untimed format to your advantage, ensuring thoroughness in your solutions and maximizing your understanding of mathematical concepts.
