Introduction
TCNJ currently uses the ACCUPLACER system for its math placement test, and you will take the Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) test. You will take no other ACCUPLACER tests for TCNJ.
For placement scores for the discontinued Mobius placement test used previously at TCNJ, please visit the Mobius Scores Page.
If you have already taken the old Mobius math placement test at TCNJ, you will NOT be able to take the new ACCUPLACER test.
Once you have read through the material below, you will be directed to the next step, which will depend on whether you are a current or incoming student at TCNJ.
Test Information
You will have the option of taking the test virtually or at a physical testing center. TCNJ does not currently have a testing center, but there are a number of colleges and universities in New Jersey that serve as testing centers for ACCUPLACER.
Here are the general steps for the ACCUPLACER math placement test.
- Decide whether you will take the math placement test virtually or at a physical testing center or if you will send scores to TCNJ.
- Complete a survey to let us know your choice and whether you need any accommodations.
- We will generate a voucher that will be sent to you by email and that will contain instructions on the next steps.
- Schedule your placement test.
- Prepare for the placement test.
- Take the placement test. As soon as you complete the test, a link to your score will be sent to you by email and your score will automatically be sent to TCNJ.
- Review your test results to find out the course into which you are placed (see below).
You will only be able to take the new ACCUPLACER math placement test once. Therefore, it is important for you to do everything to make sure your math placement score accurately reflects the math skills you have currently. If your score underestimates your abilities, you may end up being placed into a course that covers concepts you already know, thereby “wasting” a course and potentially delaying progress to your degree. If your score overestimates your abilities, you may end up being placed into a course that is beyond your abilities, which we have found leads to poor grades or withdrawal from courses, which often delays students’ progress toward their degrees.
Virtual or On-Site Testing
The virtual option is the most convenient, as you can complete the test anywhere you have a quiet space with a good internet connection. If you do not have such a space, or your internet connection is not strong, you may wish to opt for a physical testing location.
The College of New Jersey pays for the ACCUPLACER test and students pay for the proctored testing. Virtual proctoring costs $28; physical testing centers at colleges in the state of New Jersey charge between $25-$50.
Virtual proctoring is conducted through ProctorU, and you can learn more about the steps involved in virtual testing from ProctorU.
You can find testing locations through the ACCUPLACER Test Center Locator. You should only consider colleges and universities, as high schools may test only their own students. Contact the testing center to verify that you can test there, find out the procedures for testing, and schedule your test. You will need to receive your voucher from ACCUPLACER before you can take the test at the testing center.
Virtual Testing
- Register with ProctorU
- Verify Computer Requirements
- Schedule your testing appointment with ProctorU (Schedule your test at least 72 hours in advance to avoid additional fees.)
- Pay for the remote proctoring
- Take your test at your scheduled time.
You can access a quick start guide that outlines the process of taking the math placement test virtually through Proctor U, and you can find a wealth of information about test-taking at ProctorU’s test-taking library.
On-Site Testing
Go to the Test Center Locator and find an appropriate location. You will receive an email when we have created your voucher, and the voucher will be printed out for you at the Test Center. Here is the process for :
- Contact the testing center to find out how to schedule your test, the location of the testing center, the cost and payment, and other important information (you can do this before you receive the voucher).
- Schedule your testing appointment.
- Most testing centers require a photo ID.
- Take your test at your scheduled time.
Accommodations
ACCUPLACER is an untimed exam, but if you require additional accommodations due to a documented disability (e.g., you are not able to take a placement test on a computer), you must first register with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at this link. Accommodations will be provided once your eligibility is determined through the ARC process. Please note that this process can take up to two weeks, so we encourage you to register as early as possible.
ACCUPLACER works with the following assistive technologies, and you also need to first register with ARC for this accommodation:
- ZoomText Magnifier/Reader: https://www.zoomtext.com/products/
- Kurzweil 3000 for Windows, a Professional Color Windows-based reading, writing, and learning software for struggling test takers: https://www.kurzweiledu.com/products/products.html
- JAWS (Job Access with Speech) is a screen reader developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse: http://www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/Jaws
- Read Write Gold: https://www.texthelp.com
- NVDA, no-cost screen reader option: https://www.nvaccess.org/download/
Preparing for the Math Placement Test:
ACCUPLACER has several resources to help you prepare for the Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) test, including test-taking tutorials and free practice tests. Visit the ACCUPLACER Student Portal to explore these resources.
Taking the Test
The test is proctored, and most students complete the test within 45 minutes.
There are some questions that allow you to use an onscreen calculator; these questions will have a calculator icon in the top-right corner of the screen. You’re not allowed to use handheld calculators, unless you have been approved to use handheld calculators through an official accommodations request.
How to Sign Up for the Placement Test
New, incoming students
You are a new, incoming student if you have been accepted at TCNJ but have not started taking any classes.
You will receive an email at the address you provided TCNJ when you applied; that email will provide you with a link to a survey that you will complete to provide us with the information we need to generate your voucher.
Current students
You are a current student at TCNJ if you are already partway through a term in which you are enrolled in courses at TCNJ.
If you are a current student and need to take the math placement test, please visit the webpage for current students to sign up for the test.
Interpreting your results
ACCUPLACER Placement Scores
| Course* | MAT095 | MAT119 | MAT120 | MAT125 | MAT127 |
| AAF Score: | 280 to 259 | 260 to 279 | 260 to 279 | 280 to 300 | 280 to 300 |
*Click on Course to see its syllabus.
If you have any questions about the ACCUPLACER math placement test, please contact us at mathplacement-group@tcnj.edu.