Accuplacer Testing

Placement Testing

RPCC offers the Accuplacer exam as our official placement test. The purpose of this test is to measure an individual’s current skill level in reading, writing, and mathematics so that appropriate placement in these subject areas can be determined. ACT, SAT and Compass scores are also accepted.

Who needs to take a placement test?

All students who want to take college-level English or math courses need to take the Accuplacer, (IN THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER OR AFTER) that has never taken a placement test or whose test scores are more than 3 years old. Acceptable placement tests are ACT, SAT, Accuplacer.

Register Now to take the Accuplacer

Placement Chart for Math and English

When do I schedule the test?

Students take the placement test after being admitted to River Parishes Community College and before scheduling classes.

How long does the test take?

Because the test is not timed, the total time needed for testing will vary from student to student. Students completing all three portions of the Accuplacer exam can expect to spend between 1 and 3 hours on the test.

Where will I take the test?

Accuplacer Testing Sessions are offered at all campuses based on the testing schedule.

What do I need to bring to the test?

You will need to show photo identification in order to take the test.  Everything needed in the testing room will be provided for you. The test program provides a calculator on the computer screen when appropriate.

What if I require special arrangements?

If you have a disability or a temporarily disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard conditions, please notify us at the time that you call to make test arrangements. There is no additional charge for these accommodations.

When will I receive my scores?

Results are generally available as soon as the test has been completed.

What is the fee for the test?

The fees for each test vary but will be listed once you select the test you need.

May I take the test more than once?

Individuals will occasionally request permission to retake all or part of the Accuplacer exam in an attempt to improve their scores. Permission to retest will be granted only if the student has neither begun nor completed a course at RPCC that is directly related to the subject area in which the student wishes to retest. For example, a student who has begun or completed a math course at RPCC will not be permitted to retake the mathematics portion of Accuplacer.

How can I prepare for the test?

Because this test is designed to measure knowledge and skills developed over a period of years, preparing for the test is not required. However, individuals wanting to refresh their knowledge of subject areas included on the test may find the web sites below helpful.

Grammar and Writing

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar

Mathematics

http://www.purplemath.com 
Online Refresher Courses – Khan Academy

HiSet Testing

What is a High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential?

In the US and its territories, adults who left high school before graduation have another way to secure a high school equivalency credential.

What does that mean? It means that, through testing, you can demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate. Once you pass the test, your state or jurisdiction will issue you a high school equivalency certificate or high school equivalency diploma.

Who Can Take a High School Equivalency Exam?

High school equivalency (HSE) exams are designed for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma.

HSE exams have an eligibility requirement: Age and Residency

Age:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must be at least 19 years of age to take the exam without providing any additional documentation
• If you are 16-18 years of age you must provide all of the following documentation to be eligible to test:
  • Enrollment in and /or authorization by an approved WorkReady U literacy program
  • Enrollment in a state-recognized “Option” program within the K-12 system with the required testing authorization
  • HiSet Official Practice Test for Educators administered by WRU literacy program or state qualifying scores (Prepared or Well Prepared) on the HiSet Official Practice Test (OPT) for Educators

Residency: You do not have to be a resident of Louisiana to take the HiSET exam.

Test Preparation or Instruction: The state of Louisiana requires test preparation or instruction and authorization to test for eligible students 16–18 years of age.

Practice Test:
If you are 19 years of age or older, the HiSET Official Practice Test (OPT) to qualify for the HiSET exam is recommended but not required.

If you are 16–18 years of age, the HiSET Official Practice Test (OPT) to qualify for the HiSET exam is required and must be administered by a WorkReady U literacy provider or state-approved designee.

You must achieve qualifying scores (Prepared or Well-Prepared) on the HiSET OPT for Educators.

Identification: All applicants must present state and/or government-issued identification on test day at the HiSET test center. Outdated or expired identification will not be accepted. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• driver’s licenses
• valid passports
• military IDs
• other forms of government-issued identification that show name, address, date of birth, signature, and photograph.

What do I need to bring on the day of my test?

You will need to bring:

• Acceptable and valid ID as required by Louisiana. Make sure your name on your ID appears EXACTLY as it does on your profile you created in your HiSET account when you scheduled your HiSET exam.
• Layered clothing that will allow you to adapt to a range of room temperatures.

Please note: Cell phones, smartphones (e.g., BlackBerry® or iPhone® devices, etc.), PDAs, and/or any other electronic, photographic, scanning, recording, or listening devices are not permitted at the test center at all.

How do I know if I’ve passed the HiSET exam?

Each of the five subtests in the HiSET exam is scored on a scale of 1–20. In order to pass you must do all three of the following:

• achieve a score of at least 8 on each of the five individual subtests
• score at least 2 out of 6 on the essay portion of the writing test
• have a total combined score on all five subtests of at least 45.

Scores are available immediately after computer-based testing for Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reading in most cases. Writing scores will post to your account 3-5 business days after testing is completed.