Lethbridge College uses ACCUPLACER as its primary placement assessment. If you are applying to a program as a mature student or international student or to the Academic Upgrading program, you may be required to complete all or part of the ACCUPLACER assessment.

Book your ACCUPLACER appointment online

If you are unable to write the ACCUPLACER assessment at Lethbridge College, you may opt to write it at one of our regional campuses, with an off-campus proctor, or with an online proctor. For all of these options, you will need to submit an out of town request for placement testing form. The procedures and requirements explained in the request form must be followed.

For additional information on the online proctoring option, please visit:
https://www.examity.com/accuplacer-students/


Please note: All ACCUPLACER tests written internationally must be completed using the online proctor option. In-person proctors are not accepted for international ACCUPLACER testing.


What is ACCUPLACER?

ACCUPLACER is a computer-based assessment that uses computerized, adaptive testing technology to select specific questions that are best suited for each individual. The tests Lethbridge College uses are:

  • Next-Generation Arithmetic
  • Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
  • Next-Generation Reading
  • WritePlacer (essay writing)

Program placement scores for admission are based on the program’s high school requirements. If you need more information about these requirements, you can consult the latest Academic Calendar or contact an admissions specialist at admissions@lethbridgecollege.ca or 403-320-3323, option 1.

Fees

Prior to taking the assessment, you are required to pay your application fee.

  • Lethbridge College applicant first and second attempts: free
  • Lethbridge College applicant third attempt: $25
  • Non-Lethbridge College applicant: $40
    • Only available if requested by another educational institution.

Preparing to take the ACCUPLACER

The purpose of the ACCUPLACER assessment is to demonstrate your skills and knowledge so that you can be placed appropriately in programs or courses. Your scores can also be used by admissions specialists to recommend programs that align with your ability level.

The following is a summary of what you can expect for each section of the ACCUPLACER. Keep in mind that depending on the program you’re applying for, you may be required to write the full assessment or specific sections.

Next-Generation Arithmetic

This section measures your ability to perform basic arithmetic concepts, with a focus on computation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. The knowledge and skill areas being assessed are:

  • Whole number operations
  • Fraction operations
  • Decimal operations
  • Percentage
  • Number comparison and equivalents

This section is in multiple choice format with no time limit.

Next-Generation QAS

This section measures your ability in the following knowledge and skill areas:

  • Rational numbers
  • Ratio and proportional relationships
  • Exponents
  • Algebraic expressions
  • Linear equations
  • Linear applications and graphs
  • Probability and sets
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Geometry concepts

This section is in multiple choice format with no time limit.

Next-Generation Reading

This section measures your ability to understand what you read. The broad knowledge and skill areas being assessed are:

  • Information and ideas – focusing on the information content of text
  • Rhetoric – focusing on the craft and structure of writing
  • Synthesis – focusing on synthesizing multiple sources of information
  • Vocabulary – focusing on figuring out the meaning of words and phrases in the contexts in which they appear

This section is in multiple choice format with no time limit.

WritePlacer (essay writing)

This section measures your ability to write an on-demand essay when given a randomly assigned topic. Essays are scored based on:

  • purpose and focus
  • organization and structure
  • development and support
  • sentence variety and style
  • mechanical conventions
  • critical thinking

For this section, you are required to write one essay in a time limit of one hour.

Practice questions

Use the following resources to help you prepare for the ACCUPLACER:

Note: Because the on-screen calculator is only available for certain questions during the test, we recommend studying/practicing without a calculator as much as possible.


After taking the assessment

The assessment is scored immediately upon completion. The multiple-choice portions are scored on a scale of 200-300 points with higher points indicating more advanced skills. The WritePlacer portion is scored on a scale of one to eight, with a score of eight showing clear and consistent mastery of on-demand essay writing. Your scores are forwarded to Admissions for review.

If you've applied for a post-secondary program, Admissions will contact you by letter or email to explain the outcome of your assessment. You can typically expect to hear from Admissions within 1-2 weeks after your assessment.

If you've applied for the Academic Upgrading program, Testing Services will make course placement recommendations for you. Once those are complete (within one to two business days), you can meet with an academic advisor to review your course placement. Contact the Career and Academic Advising office to book your appointment.

What if I didn't get the scores I need?

If you've applied for a post-secondary program but didn't get the scores you needed for admission, you have the option of retaking the assessment after two weeks. The sections that you need to rewrite are indicated in the letter or email that Admissions sends to you. A third attempt, if required, can be taken after a three-month waiting period.

If you've applied for the Upgrading program but believe that your course recommendations are low, you can rewrite the ACCUPLACER and have your recommendations re-assessed.