Placement Testing

Note:  The placement test will be offered in-person -or- remote. The in-person test is scheduled Monday-Thursday at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Students please make sure before scheduling an in person testing session that you have spoken with an Adviser to determine which portions of the Accuplacer you need to take

Please click here to schedule your test. For remote testing, please email advising@calhoun.edu and include your name and student A# for assistance.

Before scheduling a placement test, be sure that any SAT/ACT scores are on file with the Admissions Department: admissions@calhoun.edu

Placement testing policy is mandated by our governing authority, the Alabama Community College System.

Placement Test Study Guides

  • Accuplacer Test Prep – Online Course & Practice Tests Sign Up Here
  • Placement Test Study Guide

About the Test

  • This exam is not timed; nor is it pass/fail.  The purpose of this test is to determine your best course placement.
  • The placement exam is offered in three sections: Math, Reading, and Writing.  You may not be required to take all sections if you have valid ACT/SAT scores on file.
  • You will be asked to write an essay for the writing section.  A prompt will be provided.
  • You can only take the exam once each academic year.  See the retest policy below for details.
  • No calculators are allowed or other electronics are allowed.  If you are permitted to use a calculator, one will be provided on your screen.
  • Breaks are only allowed between sections of the test.
  • Cheating will not be tolerated.

Retest Policy

A student who wishes to challenge placement results may retest once per academic year provided there is evidence the student has completed test preparation activities. Additional preparation includes but is not limited to academic boot camps, online pre-tests, and placement test applications. Institutions will charge a one-time fee for retesting per subject area of $10. Placement test scores will be valid for three years from the date of the original or retest assessment.

Who needs to take a placement test?

All entering students who enroll in associate degree or certificate programs.

Who should not take a placement test?

  1. Students who transfer degree-creditable, college level English or Math courses with a "C" or better. Transcripts must be on file before an exception to the placement testing requirement will be approved, or unofficial copies provided to an advisor.
  2. Students who hold an associate degree or higher, senior citizen, students who have successfully completed developmental studies, transient students, and dual enrollment students are exempt except for meeting prerequisites or program entry requirements.

Can I use my ACT/SAT scores, instead of taking the placement test?

Yes. Students may use ACT/SAT subscores for placement, provided the test date was within the past 5 years. Please see an advisor to determine if you need the placement test. Submit test scores to admissions@calhoun.edu.

I don't like where I placed, can I just start in any level class I choose?

Students may not register for any course above the placement level until appropriate prerequisite courses have been completed.

Students who would like to request accommodations on the basis of disability should visit the Student Disability Services page for more information or see the Disability Services Staff Directory.