ACCUPLACER Testing for TRU Admission
At Thompson Rivers University, the Accuplacer is used for admission to some TRU programs and for TRU English language assessment purposes.
Register to write the ACCUPLACER on-campus in Kamloops (Wednesday mornings at 9:00am) or at home using a virtual proctoring service (additional fee starting at $29.50 USD) using our online registration form. You can also write your ACCUPLACER on-campus at our regional campuses.
ACCUPLACER is an integrated system of computer-adaptive assessments designed to evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. To determine what ACCUPLACER tests and scores are required for each program, go to the FAQ at the bottom of this page and click on "What scores do I need on the ACCUPLACER?" All tests are multiple choice and untimed except for WritePlacer, which has a one-hour time limit. Basic calculators are permitted for all testing.
Programs that use ACCUPLACER for Admission
- Automotive Service Technician
- Carpentry
- Culinary Arts
- Electrical
- Heavy Mechanical
- Instrumentation and Control Technician
- Health Care Assistant
- Horticulture
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright/Machinist)
- Plumbing/Piping
- Power Engineering
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Retail Meat Processing Welding
Test descriptions
The ACCUPLACER System is designed to provide placement, advisement, and guidance information for students entering Thompson Rivers UniversityA 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
FAQ
When does the ACCUPLACER testing take place?
Testing sessions take place every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. at TRU Kamloops, excluding holidays.
What scores do I need on the ACCUPLACER?
| Program | Reading | Writing | WritePlacer | Arithmetic | Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics (QAS) | Advanced Algebra & Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technician | 240 | — | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Carpentry | 240 | 240 | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Culinary Arts | 230 | — | — | 245 | — | — |
| Electrical | 240 | 240 | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Health Care Assistant | 240 | 240 | 4 | — | — | — |
| Heavy Mechanical | 230 | — | — | 245 | 235 | — |
| Industrial Mechanic (Millwright/Machinist) |
240 | — | — | 245 | 235 | — |
| Instrumentation/Control Technician | 250 | 250 | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Piping/Plumbing | 240 | — | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Power Engineering | 240 | 240 | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | 240 | 240 | — | 260 | 245 | — |
| Retail Meat Processing | 230 | — | — | 245 | — | — |
| Welding | 240 | — | — | 245 | 235 | — |
| Note: these scores are based on a variety of validity studies and may change after subsequent studies. | ||||||
| ABE Course Level | Reading | Writing | WritePlacer | Arithmetic | Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics (OAS) | Advanced Algebra & Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Year English | 250 | 250 | 5 | — | — | — |
| English 0600 | 240 | 240 | 4 | — | — | — |
| English 0500 | 230 | 230 | 3 | — | — | — |
| English 0400 | 220 | 220 | 2 | — | — | — |
| First Year Math | — | — | — | 270 | 250 | 235 |
| Math 0600 | — | — | — | 260 | 245 | 220 |
| Math 0500 | — | — | — | 245 | 235 | — |
| Math 0400 | — | — | — | 230 | 220 | — |
| Note: these scores are based on a variety of validity studies and may change after subsequent studies. | ||||||
How do I interpret the scores?
The Reading; Writing; Arithmetic; and Quantitative Reasonings, Alegbra & Statistics (QAS) test scores are reported on a scale from 200 to 300.
The WritePlacer Score is reported on a scale from 0 - 8 with a description for each score. A score of zero indicates that the response was off topic, in a language other than English, too short to be evaluated, or in some other way not able to be scored.
How can I prepare for the ACCUPLACER Next Generation?
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Determine what tests you will be writing according to the table in the second FAQ queston above.
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Review detailed ACCUPLACER Next Generation test descriptions.
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For more information, sample questions and access to a free study app, please refer to the College Board ACCUPLACER Next Generation website.
How much does the ACCUPLACER cost to write?
A $39 (+ GST) entry assessment testing fee must be paid online at the time of registration.
How do I register for the ACCUPLACER? What happens next?
Register to write the ACCUPLACER and pay the testing fee through our online registration page. We will attempt to accommodate your preferred test date, but it is not guaranteed.
On your test date, you must bring valid hardcopy government-issued or TRU photo ID.
Scent-Free Notice: Our Centre is a scent-free work environment. Since many people are extremely sensitive to perfumes, colognes, aftershaves and other scented products, we request that no one wears them at any time in the Centre. If a candidate does not comply with this policy, they will not be tested and they will be responsible for rescheduling their exam. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we need to ensure the safety of all using this space.
After completing the entry assessment tests, you will be given a copy of your unassessed results.
The chairperson or lead instructor of the appropriate program will assess your scores and forward the results to Admissions.
The entry assessment test scores are valid for one year.
What if I need to rewrite the ACCUPLACER?
You may rewrite any of the ACCUPLACER test sections after your initial attempt. It is highly recommended that you spend several weeks reviewing the subject matter before attempting to rewrite. The fee for a rewrite is $25 (+ GST).
