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Before taking an English or math course at UMUC, you are required to take a free placement test. Please use the following links to learn more:
- Introduction to Placement Testing
- About the Placement Tests
- Best Time to Your Take Placement Tests
- Where to Your Take Placement Tests
- Test Information for Students With Disablities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Taking the Placement Tests
Introduction to Placement Testing at UMUC
To assess your skill levels in English and math, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) uses a diagnostic tool called Accuplacer. We have found that proper placement in the critical core courses of English and math helps to ensure student success and allows students to advance more quickly to their degree goals. Our testing is done online in a proctored setting. There is no cost to you for a placement test.
Placement testing is required before you can enroll in an English and/or math class. You are exempt from the placement requirement only if you are transferring credit demonstrating successful completion of ENGL 101 or MATH 105 or 107 or if you choose to begin with MATH 009. You are expected to take ENGL 101 and MATH 105 or 107 within your first 15 credit hours at UMUC. Your academic advisor is your best resource for answering questions regarding this requirement.
About the Placement Tests
English Placement Test
The English placement test covers two areas: sentence skills, measuring your understanding of sentence structure, and reading comprehension, or how well you understand what you have just read. There is no essay requirement.
Math Placement Test
The math placement test covers three areas. An arithmetic test measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. The elementary test measures your ability to perform algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts. The college-level test measures your ability to solve problems usually found in college-level mathematics concepts.
Best Time to Take Your Placement Tests
We recommend students take placement tests immediately upon enrollment in the university. Please remember that you cannot register for an English or math course until you have completed placement testing.
Test Result Posting
While test results are generally downloaded to student records on a daily basis, it is strongly recommended that placement tests be taken at least four working days before the last day of term registration. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee your results can be posted with sufficient time before the registration deadline.
Your final score is used to determine course placement. UMUC uses standard guidelines for placement as established by the state of Maryland. You cannot fail a placement test.
Where to Take Your Placement Tests
Making Reservations with Local Centers/Sites:
Locally, students can sit for placement tests at the Adelphi Testing Center, one of the regional centers (Annapolis, Shady Grove, and Waldorf) or at regional sites located on local military bases. Outside the local area, students can use a UMUC approved alternate site.
Adelphi: The Testing Center accepts both walk-ins and reservations. Check the center schedule for test session dates and times. A seat reservation can be made by accessing the Placement Exam Registration page after logging into MyUMUC.
Directions to Adelphi: From I-95, take Exit 25B (U.S. Route 1 South). Turn off at Route 193 West (University Boulevard). At Adelphi Road, make a U-turn onto Route 193 East to enter the UMUC parking garage. UMUC’s Student and Faculty Services Center and Inn and Conference Center are both accessible from the parking garage. There is an hourly fee for the parking garage. The testing center is located in the Student & Faculty Service Center (SFSC) building - Room 1252. When you enter the building from the parking garage, make a left at the Starbuck’s coffee kiosk. The testing center is down the hall on the right hand side.
Regional Centers & Local Military Sites: Placement tests at these locations are done by appointment only. Contact the facility directly by phone for a schedule and to make reservations. Contact information can be found at www.umuc.edu/locate/.
Taking Tests at Alternate Sites:
Alternate Sites: Submit alternate site information by accessing the Placement Exam Registration page after logging into MyUMUC, at least five to seven working days in advance of the date you’d like to take the test(s). Follow the prompts to register your alternate site information. Upon alternate site approval, you will be sent an e-mail confirmation with a “take-by” date. At the same time, your proctor will be e-mailed all necessary information as well as your “take-by” date.
If your site is not approved, you will need to submit new information. The site you choose must have Internet access. Any site or proctor fees for approved alternate sites are your responsibility.
Test Information for Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability or temporary disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard test conditions, please contact the Office of Disabled and Veteran Student Affairs by e-mail at vdsa@umuc.edu, or call 800-888-UMUC, ext 7260, for information on testing accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare to take a placement test?
Students may use resources such as SAT preparation books, CLEP review books, or practice tests to review for the placement test. Many students find that a GED or SAT review book (available at most bookstores and public libraries) is helpful in reviewing for the placement tests.
Some helpful practice tests are available at:
- www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/critical_reading.html
- www.mymathtest.com/
- www.math.com
- www.purplemath.com
How long should it take for me to complete a placement test?
On average, each placement test takes about one hour to complete.
How many questions will I have to answer?
Questions are presented in a multiple-choice format and appear one at a time on the computer screen. Each test is designed using adaptive techniques, meaning that the computer will determine the sequence in which questions are asked based on your responses to previous questions. You will generally answer 17-22 questions in each section.
Can I take both placement tests at one sitting?
Depending upon the site, you can take both tests at one sitting. At Adelphi, all testing must be completed within the posted testing center hours.
Is there a cost to take the placement test?
There is no cost for the test itself. If taking the test at an approved alternate site, you may incur a cost for the proctor and/or the site.
Can I register for an English or math class without the placement test results being posted?
You will be unable to register for an English or math course besides MATH 009 without the placement results being entered into the system.
How soon will my placement test results be posted?
Placement results are generally downloaded to student accounts the next business day.
When will I know my placement test results?
Immediately following the test, your placement score will be available on the computer screen.
What should I bring with me to the testing site?
A picture ID is required to sit for a placement test regardless of site location.
Can I use a calculator or other study guide during the placement test?
Calculators, other electronic devices, or study aids cannot be used during the placement test session.
Does the University allow me to retest?
Yes. A retest can be rescheduled ninety days after the original test date.
Can the placement test requirement be waived?
Only students transferring a course equivalent to ENGL 101 and/or MATH 105/107 are exempt from taking the placement test unless you choose to begin with MATH 009. Placement testing will not be waived.
Tips for Taking Placement Tests
- Relax! Arrive early to the test site, acquaint yourself with the environment, and gather your thoughts. Even though the test is online the system is easy to use and the test is easy to take.
- Make sure you understand all administrative directions given to you – don’t be afraid to ask your proctor to repeat any instructions you may not have understood. When prompted for your Student ID number, type in your social security number.
- Remember to answer each question as it is presented to you on the screen. You can’t skip the question and go back later; because questions are multiple-choice, take a few minutes to logically eliminate one or more choices before picking your final response.
- Remember – there is no failing grade. Just answer each question to the best of your ability.
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