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Assessment: ACCUPLACER®

All prospective students first step is to submit a Northeast State Application for Admission. The second step may be placement into courses. Northeast State uses standardized scores for advisement and placement purposes in accordance with TBR Learning Support Policy No. 2:03:00:02.

First-time students who do not present valid ACT®, SAT®, or other approved valid assessment will be placed into the appropriate subject area co-requisite Learning Support course(s) as defined by the academic program requirements. Valid placement scores are those earned within five years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. Students have the option to challenge placement into Learning Support courses by taking the ACCUPLACER® test.

Academic programs that do not require specific college-level courses, i.e., in math, English, or reading intensive courses used for placement, may have faculty-prescribed Learning Support courses established as prerequisites/co-requisites specific to the degree program or certificate if deemed necessary for workforce readiness in the field of study. Students who change to degree-seeking status will be assessed under guidelines for degree-seeking students.

Readmitted Students: Students who have earned an “F” in a learning support course do not have the option to challenge placement in that subject area unless they have been approved for Academic Fresh Start. Students who have earned a “W” in a learning support course will be allowed to take the ACCUPLACER test four years or more after the withdrawal date for that course.

 


Students with ACT/SAT or SAILS Math Scores

Students with ACT/SAT scores or SAILS Math classes within five years of the first day of class will be placed into Learning Support and/or college-level courses. Students placed into Learning Support have the option to challenge their placement by taking the ACCUPLACER® test. The assessment test, ACCUPLACER®, is not required for enrollment.

ACT Test Scores / SAILS Math

  • Students with an ACT English score of 17 or less are placed into Learning Support English, ENGL 0870.
  • Students with an ACT Reading score of 18 or less are placed into Learning Support Reading, READ 0870.
  • Students with an ACT Math score of 18 or less are placed into Learning Support Math, MATH 0803.

Students who were enrolled in the SAILS Math course but who did NOT COMPLETE the course successfully are placed into Learning Support Math, Math 0803.

 


ACCUPLACER® is a computerized test that provides assessment in three areas: Writing; Reading; and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics. It is user-friendly, and computer skills are not required to take the test. To learn more about Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® tests go to Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® Test. The test must be taken at one of Northeast State’s Testing Centers.

A test administrator is always available to assist students with accessing the test. Score results are printed after testing is completed.

 


Writing
Score: 200-249, Placement: Learning Support ENGL 0870
Score: 250-300, Placement: College-Level

Reading
Score: 200-249, Placement: Learning Support READ 0870
Score: 250-300, Placement: College-Level

Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
Score: 200-249, Placement: Learning Support MATH 0030, 0530, or 0801
Score: 250-300, Placement: College-Level MATH 1010, 1050, 1100, and 1530

 


Prepare for the test by using the free ACCUPLACER® web-based sample tests on your computer, smartphone, or tablet at the Student Portal.

The first link, the Learning Resource Portal, will be used after you have taken the test for the first time.  Your score report will have a Locator Code to use with this portal. 

The second link, ACCUPLACER® Practice Resources, will be helpful for your first attempt at the exam.  You will need to create an account to get started.

Average times are listed below to help you plan and avoid feeling rushed on test day:

  • Demographics (info about yourself) will take 5 minutes.
  • Reading (20 questions) will take 30 minutes.
  • Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (20 questions) will take 40 minutes.
  • Writing Skills (25 questions) will take 40 minutes.

Keep in mind the test is NOT timed. Some students may take longer or finish more quickly than others. Take your time and read each question carefully. Do not rush.

 


Students with a disability who need accommodations for testing must register with Accessibility Services prior to taking ACCUPLACER®. Contact 423.279.7640 for more information.

 


ACCUPLACER® is available on the Blountville and Kingsport campuses monthly, with more dates available at Blountville. Testing is also available on the Elizabethton campus at peak times. Testing dates are typically added only 30 days in advance. If you need to take ACCUPLACER® via Zoom for a medical reason, then please email the Testing Center at testing@NortheastState.edu.

There is a $10.00 testing fee for ACCUPLACER®. This fee is to be paid at the Business Office at each campus.

All test scheduling is completed online. A reminder of your scheduled test date will be sent to your email account. Northeast State also proctors ACCUPLACER for non-Northeast State students who will attend other colleges. The testing fee is $25.00 for non-Northeast State students.

NOTE: The week before and after each semester start date and on Registration days, walk-in test takers are accommodated on the Blountville campus, if seats are available. All other times, testing is by appointment.

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  1. Bring identification with a photo such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
  2. Limit personal belongings - only bring in photo ID and car keys.
  3. NO food or drink is allowed in the Testing Center.


A valid photo ID is required for testing.

  1. Food or beverages are not allowed at the computer stations and must be stored while in the Testing Center.
  2. Test takers are encouraged to leave cell phones in your car when possible. Cell phones must be turned on silent and collected prior to testing. Students will not have access to them during testing or breaks.
  3. Children are not allowed in the Testing Center and must be under adult supervision while on campus.
  4. Students who are ill with coughing, high fever, or other contagious symptoms are encouraged to reschedule their tests.
  5. Honesty is the best policy! The use of unauthorized aids, copying, or any other form of cheating will result in being dismissed from the Testing Center and appropriate action for that test will be taken.
  6. Students whose behavior is a disturbance to other students will be asked to leave the Testing Center.
  7. Scratch paper must be turned in before leaving the Testing Center.
  8. Students who require accommodations (extended time, etc.) must first contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at 423.279.7640.
  9. Students will be seated as soon as a computer station becomes available.


Students are allowed one retest. A minimum one-week waiting period is required between tests. Retesting is not allowed once a student has been enrolled in the required course and attended class. Students must pay the $10.00 ACCUPLACER® Testing Fee for the retest.

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ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. ACCUPLACER® and SAT® are registered trademarks of The College Board.

 

Department of Testing Services

Campus:  Blountville
Office:  Testing Services
Room:  C2301, General Studies Building
Office Hours:  8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Address:  2425 Highway 75, P.O. Box 246, Blountville, TN 37617
Phone:  423.354.5358
Email:  testing@NortheastState.edu

Blountville Testing Center   
Room:  C2303, General Studies Building, Northeast State at Blountville
Address:  2425 Highway 75, P.O. Box 246, Blountville, TN 37617

Elizabethton Testing Center  
Room:  E120, Northeast State at Elizabethton
Address:  386 Highway 91 N, Elizabethton, TN 37643 

Kingsport Testing Center  
Room:  BWH134, Blazier-Wilson Hall, Northeast State at Kingsport
Address:  222 W. Main Street, Kingsport, TN 37660

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Northeast State Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. For questions or concerns, please contact the Affirmative Action Officer.