ACCUPLACER Informational Video
For more information regarding the ACCUPLACER Literacy Placement Exam, please watch the ACCUPLACER Informational video.
What is ACCUPLACER?
Heartland Community College requires an ACCUPLACER placement to determine readiness for English courses if you have no active English waivers. ACCUPLACER uses the latest computer-adaptive technology, which means the questions you see are based on your skill level. Your response to each question determines the difficulty level on the next question, so it is important to give each question as much thought as you can before selecting your answer. The ACCUPLACER literacy (reading) assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes, and complexities. Both single and paired passages are included.
How long are my scores valid?
ACCUPLACER Literacy Placement scores are valid for 3 years. You are eligible for another attempt at the Accuplacer after 2 years. The most immediate "retest" is the Writing Sample. College NOW students are eligible for an attempt in Accuplacer each academic year while enrolled in high school. If you have any questions, please contact HCC Testing.
How to Prepare for ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER Literacy test assesses four broad knowledge and skills categories: information and ideas, rhetoric, synthesis, and vocabulary.
Before you take the ACCUPLACER test, review sample questions in literacy (reading). You can download ACCUPLACER'S official study app for your smartphone or computer to prepare.
- Visit the ACCUPLACER website
- Create an account by entering your email address and a password. Select "ACCUPLACER Next-Generation" as your test version. This account is cost-free.
- Take practice tests in Reading. The History tab will help you customize your review!
How to Prepare for ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER Literacy test assesses four broad knowledge and skills categories: information and ideas, rhetoric, synthesis, and vocabulary.
Before you take the ACCUPLACER test, review sample questions in literacy (reading). You can download ACCUPLACER'S official study app for your smartphone or computer to prepare.
- Visit the ACCUPLACER website
- Create an account by entering your email address and a password. Select "ACCUPLACER Next-Generation" as your test version. This account is cost-free.
- Take practice tests in Reading. The History tab will help you customize your review!
How to Prepare for the Writing Sample
If you do not place at college level through the ACCUPLACER literacy placement test, then a retest is required. The retest is completed in the form of a writing sample. The literacy retest (writing sample) can be completed the same day if time allows and requires a proctored 250-350 word written essay in response to a prompt provided by the Testing Center. Students have a standard time limit of 90 minutes to complete the writing sample, and results are available in five to seven business days via HCC email.
Need help preparing for your writing sample? Get tips from the people who review the essays through our Placement Essay Review Guide (PDF), Writing Sample Rubric (PDF), and an example Writing Sample prompt (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Time Limit?
There is not a time limit on the Accuplacer literacy placement exam, but students typically require a minimum of 45-60 minutes. Students who must retest or take a second assessment to determine placement will complete a timed writing sample. The writing sample assessment has a time limit of 90 minutes.
Is This Exam Multiple-Choice
The Accuplacer exam consists of 22 multiple-choice questions.
Can I Pause the Exam and Return Another Time?
Yes, you are free to complete the ACCUPLACER placement at your own pace. If you need to exit the placement for any reason, your previously answered questions will be saved and you can pick up where you left off. Before leaving the Testing Center, you will need to schedule a time to return to complete your placement.
The writing sample retest, however, is timed and must be completed in one sitting.
How do I Test with Accommodations?
The ACCUPLACER placement test is untimed, so you may take as much time as needed. The Writing Sample is timed. For extended time on the Writing Sample or any other type of accommodations, please visit Student Access and Accommodation Services.
Contact Us
Testing Center
WDC 2600
Heartland Community College
1508 Vermillion Way
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8077
Email: Testing@heartland.edu
HCC Lincoln
Email: Lincoln.Center@Heartland.edu
Phone: 217-735-1731
HCC Pontiac
Email: Pontiac.Center@heartland.edu
Phone: 309-268-8960