Career Readiness
ACCUPLACER is an integrated system of computer-adaptive assessments designed to evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing and mathematics. The ACCUPLACER Next Generation system consists of six main tests presented in a computer-adaptive mode. All tests are untimed except for WritePlacer, which has a one-hour limit.
For career readiness testing, clients can have their English, Math or English and Math skills assessed.
Test Descriptions
The ACCUPLACER System is designed to provide placement, advisement, and guidance information for students entering Thompson Rivers University (TRU). A detailed description of each of the six main tests is provided below. More information, sample questions and a free study app are available at the College Board ACCUPLACER website.
English Tests
Reading Test
Each student taking this test will be presented with a series of 20 multiple choice questions. Questions are either discrete (standalone) or part of sets built around a common passage or passages. Four broad knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Information and Ideas (reading closely, determining central ideas and themes, summarizing, understanding relationships)
- Rhetoric (analyzing word choice rhetorically, text structure, point of view, purpose, arguments)
- Synthesis (analyzing multiple texts)
- Vocabulary
Writing Test
Each student receives 25 multiple choice questions. In answering the questions, test takers must determine the best revision or editing decision in a particular case (or that no change should be made to the passage as originally presented). Two broad knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Expression of Ideas (development, organization, effective language use)
- Standard English Conventions (sentence structure, usage, punctuation)
WritePlacer Test
For this test, examinees are asked to provide an on-demand writing sample in response to a specific prompt. Examinees have 1 hour to complete the writing sample. Each response is evaluated based on the following features of writing: focus, organization, development and support, sentence structure & mechanical conventions. Holistic scoring is used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the writing sample as evidenced by how well a piece of writing communicates a whole message. Each writing sample is evaluated based on its overall impression, not on the basis of the individual writing characteristics in isolation. Additional information about the WritePlacer test and writing samples are available on the College Board website
Math Tests
Arithmetic Test
This test consists of 20 multiple choice questions that focus on computation, order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Whole number operations
- Fraction operations
- Decimal operations
- Percent
- Number comparisons and equivalents
Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) Test
This test consists of 20 multiple choice questions that assess the following knowledge and skill categories:
- Rational numbers
- Ratio and proportional relationships
- Exponents
- Algebraic expressions
- Linear equations
- Linear applications and graphs
- Probability and sets
- Descriptive statistics
- Geometry concepts for Pre-Algebra & Basic Algebra
Advanced Algebra and Functions Test
This test consists of 20 multiple choice questions that assess the following knowledge and skill categories:
- Linear equations
- Linear applications and graphs
- Factoring
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Radical and rational equations
- Polynomial equations
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Geometry concepts for Algebra
- Trigonometry
How to take the ACCUPLACER test
There are several options for taking the test:
- Individual in-person appointments: ACCUPLACER testing typically happens on Wednesday
mornings in the Assessment Centre. You can register and pay online to reserve a seat on the
Wednesday you prefer.
https://www.tru.ca/current/academic-supports/assessment/accuplacer/accuplacer-registrationfor-external-programs.html
Please note: If it is more convenient for you, we might be able to arrange your exam on a different day. Please note that exams need to be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, when the Assessment Centre is open. - Individual remote proctoring appointments: You can choose to take your test with individual remote proctoring. This allows you to test when and where you want. For this option, you'll need: A quiet location, a computer with high-speed internet and a working camera and microphone. To schedule, fill out the form and select the remote option. After we receive your request, we will send you a voucher. You can use this voucher to schedule your appointment with the remote proctor. Please note, there is an additional fee of $25 USD paid directly to the remote proctoring company. We do not collect this fee.
- Group in-person sessions: The Assessment Centre can be reserved to test up to 10 candidates at once. Please let us know in advance to make this arrangement.
Candidates are given a copy of their tests results. To interpret the results, please refer to the following:
- ACCUPLACER Insight Skills
- TRU cut scores for various programs (ACCUPLACER Testing - Assessment Centre - Current Students | Thompson Rivers University)
