University of Nevada, Reno



Placement Information

 Accuplacer FAQ


What is the cost? How do I pay for the Accuplacer test? 

Each take cost $10.  Please bring this form, along with payment, to the Cashier's Office before coming to the Math Center to take the test.  The Math Center cannot accept payment of any form.  (If you are taking Accuplacer in Las Vegas at UNR's Southern Nevada Office please see these payment instructions).  

How many times can I take the Accuplacer placement test? 

Students can take the Accuplacer placement test up to three times. They must wait 48 hours between successive takes and each take costs $10.  


How does Accuplacer work? 

Accuplacer is an adaptive test.  Questions are chosen based on how students answered previous questions.  This technique selects the appropriate questions for the students’ ability level. Because the test works this way,  students must answer every question when it is first given. The test is not timed so students are encouraged to take as much time as they need.  They can change an answer to a particular question before moving on to the next question, but they cannot leave a question blank or come back to it later to change an answer.


Is there more than one kind of test?  

Yes.  Accuplacer offers multiple placement tests for different disciplines.  UNR uses two tests for math placement –Elementary Algebra (EA) and College Level Math (CLM).  

Students at UNR are first given the Elementary Algebra test; if they score high enough, Accuplacer will automatically lead them into the College Level Math test.  (The CLM portion is considered part of the same "take" as the EA test; students are not charged another test fee if they do well enough to continue onto the CLM test.)    

Some math/stat courses require scores from both tests.  


How can I prepare for Accuplacer?

Accuplacer does not offer practice tests at this time.  Instead they offer a number of sample questions -look for the sections labeled  "Elementary Algebra Sample Questions" and "College-Level Mathematics Test"

Additionally, other institutions have developed their own practice tests.

Please note that listing a web site does not serve as an endorsement of the site.


When can I register for my math/stat class?

Please allow the Math Center two business days to report your scores to Admissions and Records.  After we report your scores, you can register for the course in which you placed via EPAWS.



I don't live in the Reno area; can I take Accuplacer some place else?

Las Vegas Area
Other Nevada Areas
Outside Nevada