Math Accuplacer Testing

UMA also offers Accuplacer online using Zoom software! Please contact your closest site or center to set up an individual time online to take the test. Certain computer requirements are needed to be able to administer the exam, and will be discussed during the appointment set up. Some UMA Employees are working remotely, so it may take more time than usual for a response. Please be patient, and know we will be contacting you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and stay healthy!

To ensure students have a solid academic foundation, the Office of Advising utilizes placement testing to determine students’ level of skill in math. This allows UMA staff to identify the most appropriate math courses for enrollment.

Students may be waived from placement testing with appropriate test scores, previous college coursework, or other criteria.

Out of state students please contact the Academic Logistics office by phone at 207-621-3408; or by email at umaal@maine.edu, to set up a time for a online test administration. If you can’t take the exam online, we will discuss setting up a test near you.

Note: Students that need to take an Accuplacer from an institution outside the University of Maine system, will be charged a $30 Service Fee to take the test at UMA.

UMA administers the Accuplacer in Arithmetic – Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics – Advanced Algebra and Functions. The tests are administered on a personal computer. It is an untimed multiple-choice exam.

When you first sit at the computer, you will be asked to enter some background information such as your social security number, name, address, date of birth, etc. The actual test questions will appear one at a time on the computer screen. The tests will ask you to select the correct response from among four or five alternatives presented in writing. You will choose your answer by moving the mouse pointer to the button next to your answer. Press the mouse button to select the answer. Then, move your mouse pointer to the “Next” button below the answer and press the mouse button. As soon as you have clicked on the “Next” button, a box will appear asking you to confirm your answer choice. If you believe your answer is correct, click “OK”. If you wish to change your answer, click “Cancel”. You can change your answer as many times as you wish until you have confirmed it. It is important that you answer every question. If you do not know the answer, make your best guess. You must enter one of the choices provided. Once you have confirmed your answer, you may not return to that question or any previous question.

No previous computer experience is needed in order to take the Accuplacer. A staff member at your testing location will greet you personally, help you get started, and be available should you have any questions as you take the tests. There is no time limit on the multiple choice tests, but the total testing time for most students who take the reading, writing and mathematics sections is 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Descriptions of the tests are provided to help you become familiar with the format of the Accuplacer. Most students find it especially helpful to review math concepts before taking the tests. You will not be allowed to bring a calculator, however, Accuplacer does include a pop-up calculator for some math questions. Pencils and scratch paper will also be provided.

The following website can be helpful with preparing for the exam:

ACCUPLACER offers a Free App with many of study questions to help familiarize a student with basic content on the exam. It can be found here: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students

Just choose Next Generation Accuplacer, then scroll down to the sample questions listed in the PDF documents.

On test day, make sure that you are well rested, comfortably dressed and not hungry when you come for testing. If you wear eyeglasses, don’t forget to bring them along. You will be asked to show one form of identification (photo preferred) when you come for testing. A computer will be reserved for you when you make your appointment for placement testing. If you need to change your appointment, please do so as early as possible.

Remember you cannot “fail” the placement tests. Placement testing will benefit you by ensuring that you take courses that are appropriate for your current skill levels.

UMA placement testing is provided (free of charge for two attempts) at the Augusta campus, Bangor campus, all University of Maine Centers, and at selected Community Course Sites. You can make an appointment to take the test at the location nearest you by calling one of the phone numbers listed below.

Augusta
(207) 621-3408 or

Bangor
(207) 262-7800

Bath/Brunswick
(207) 442-7736 or 1-800-696-2329

Dover-Foxcroft
(207) 564-2942 or 1-800-590-2942

East Millinocket
(207) 746-5741 or 1-800-498-8200

Ellsworth
(207) 667-3897 or 1-800-696-2540

Fort Kent
(207) 834-7500 or 1-888-879-8635

Houlton
(207) 521-3100 or 1-800-584-0874

Lewiston
(207) 753-6600

Livermore Falls
(207) 897-6384

Newport
(207) 207-368-3290

Rockland
1-800-286-1594

Rumford/Mexico
(207) 364-7882 or 1-800-696-1103

Saco
(207) 282-4111 or 1-800-696-3391

So. Paris
(207) 743-8842, Ext. 5211

Students who need special testing accommodations due to a disability should complete a Request for Accommodation Form (available at all UMA testing locations).

Out of state students required to complete the Accuplacer must locate a proctor. Once verified, the proctor will be sent login information. The proctor agreement form can be found here. Students may be responsible for an administration fee at the test location.

At some locations you will receive a report of your test results immediately after you finish taking the tests. At other locations, you will receive your report by mail within a few days.

Students can review the Standardized Test Placement Guidance to understand the score results and course placement.

After a 15 day preparation period, one retake is allowed in each section of accuplacer.  The on-site Accuplacer coordinator can waive the preparation period if there is a need to retake the test before the 15 days have elapsed.  Subsequent testing is allowed with a $10.00 retesting fee for each section or a $25.00 for all three sections. The subsequent tests would need to be scheduled at UMA – Augusta, UMA – Bangor, or at the sites in Bath/Brunswick, East Millinocket, Ellsworth, Houlton, Norway/South Paris, Rockland, Rumford/Mexico or Saco.

Augusta: Placement tests are available most days at 9 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm. Please call (207) 621-3408 to set up a time.
Bangor: by appointment
Sites or Centers: Please contact your Site or Center to schedule an appointment.

Practice for ACCUPLACER You can download the app or use the PDF resources study questions below.

While placement testing may allows students to waive developmental course work, it does not waive degree requirements. Students may pursue avenues to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment and transfer to meet degree requirements.

Math Placement for Recent High School Graduates

The following grid lists the prerequisites for the various math courses based on recent (within 5 years) high school math grades. Students with AP scores can view the course equivalencies here.

Course:Prerequisite:
MAT 15A grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels), or higher [1].
MAT 30A grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels).
MAT 100A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (all levels).
MAT 111A grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra II (Gen/CP[2]) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (Honors).
MAT 112A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra II (Gen/CP) or a grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra II (Honors).
MAT 113A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra II (Gen/CP) or a grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra II (Honors).
MAT 115A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in Algebra II (all levels).
MAT 116A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (all levels).
MAT 124A passing grade in HS Precalculus (all levels).
MAT 125A grade of A- or higher in HS Precalculus (CP) or a grade of B- or higher in HS Precalculus (Honors) or a passing grade in HS Calculus (not AP).
MAT 130A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (all levels).
[1] Geometry is considered higher than Algebra I for the purposes of this grid.
[2] CP is college prep.