Who Needs to Take the Placement Test

Calhoun does not require a certain ACT score OR GPA to be accepted for admissions. However, all entering students enrolling in associate degree or certificate programs must take the Accuplacer Placement Test unless they are exempt.

You may not have to take the placement test if:

You Meet or Exceed Certain ACT/SAT Scores

Students may use ACT/SAT subscores for placement, provided the test date was within the past 5 years. Please consult an advisor to determine if you need the placement test. Submit test scores to admissions@calhoun.edu.

To place into college-level classes students must meet the following benchmarks:

English — ACT score of 18 or above places into ENG 101
Math — ACT score of 18 or above places into MTH 100 or higher

Students with Low ACT scores or No ACT scores are able to take our Accuplacer Placement test in order to determine or improve class placement. We will accept a combination of ACT and Accuplacer scores for Placement.

You Have Earned a “C” or Better in a College-level English or Math Class

Students who transfer degree-creditable, college-level English or Math courses with a “C” or better (transcripts must be on file before exemption is approved).

You Are in An Exempt Group

Exempt groups include students who have successfully completed developmental studies, transient students, and dual enrollment students (except for meeting prerequisites or program entry requirements).

Before You Schedule Your Placement Test:

Speak with an advisor to determine which portions of the Accuplacer placement test you need to take. Contact Advising at advising@calhoun.edu.
Ensure that any SAT/ACT scores are on file with the Admissions Department: admissions@calhoun.edu.

Schedule Your Placement Test

The Accuplacer placement test is available both in-person and remotely.

Important: The payment system for proctored exams does not accept American Express at this time.

In-Person Testing Hours

The Testing Centers follow all college policies regarding holidays and inclement weather. No one may be admitted and no test started one hour before closing.

Monday – Thursday
9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM

Decatur Campus

Adult Education & Testing Center, Room 107

Schedule Placement in Decatur

Huntsville-Research Park Site

Sparkman Building, Room 122

Schedule Placement in Huntsville

Remote Testing

For remote testing, please email advising@calhoun.edu with your name and student A# for assistance.

About the Test

This exam is not timed and is not pass/fail. The purpose of this test is to determine your best course placement. Placement testing policies are mandated by the Alabama Community College System.

The placement exam is offered in three sections: Math, Reading, and Writing. You may not be required to take all sections if you have valid ACT/SAT scores on file.
You will be asked to write an essay for the writing section. A prompt will be provided.
You can only take the exam once each academic year. See the retest policy below for details.
No calculators or other electronics are allowed. If you are permitted to use a calculator, one will be provided on your screen.
Breaks are only allowed between sections of the test.
Cheating will not be tolerated.
Students may not register for any course above the placement level until appropriate prerequisite courses have been completed.

Download Accuplacer Overview & FAQs

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students who would like to request accommodations on the basis of disability should visit the Student Disability Services page for more information or contact the Disability Services Staff.

Preparing for the Placement Test

Refreshing your skills and studying for the Placement Exam is important. Though the test is not a pass or fail exam, your score determines which courses you will take your first few semesters at Calhoun. Be sure you get plenty of rest the day before you test.

Study Guides Available from Accuplacer

Study Guides Available from Calhoun

Calhoun’s Distance Learning and Mathematics departments have developed a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for students preparing to place into college-level courses in math and English. These classes do not count for credit, they are designed to prepare you for the appropriate section on the placement test.

Math MOOC

While improving your math skills, you will also play as a stranded ship captain attempting to escape a desert island. You will accomplish this by completing all five of the missions outlined below.

Mission 1 – The Set of Real Numbers
Mission 2 – Linear Equations and Inequalities
Mission 3 – Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
Mission 4 – Polynomials and Properties of Exponents
Mission 5 – Factoring Polynomials

English MOOC

This course focuses on grammar and writing which are essential for success. While taking the course, you will complete the following units:

Unit 1 – Basic Sentence Structure
Unit 2 – Problems with Sentence Structure
Unit 3 – Word Problems
Unit 4 – Writing

What to Expect the Day of Your Test

Dress in layers. The room can be cold for some testers. You don’t want that to distract you.
Arrive 10 minutes early.
Bring a photo ID and know your Calhoun A#.
Don’t rush through. If you don’t finish your exam or if you get tired, you are able to stop your test and come back within two weeks to finish.
No calculators or electronics are allowed (a calculator will be provided on-screen if needed).
Breaks are allowed only between sections.
Cheating is strictly prohibited.

What to Do After Your Test

Schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor. They can explain your scores and provide recommendations for courses.
Access your score report here (turn off any ad blocking extensions)

What happens if You Don’t Place into College Level Courses?

If you do not place into college level English and Math courses, you may need to take some introductory courses in these subjects that may not count as credit toward your degree or certificate. Students may not register for any course above the placement level until appropriate prerequisite courses have been completed.

Retest Policy

A student who wishes to challenge placement results may retest once per academic year, provided there is evidence that the student has completed test preparation activities. Additional preparation includes, but is not limited to, academic boot camps, online pre-tests, and placement test applications. Institutions will charge a one-time fee for retesting per subject area of $10. Placement test scores are valid for three years from the date of the original or retest assessment.