Description of Placement Testing Codes
All students needing placement testing will be given a placement test number for placement testing purposes. The Placement Tests that correspond to these numbers are given below:
- Placement Test #1 - WritePlacer and QAS tests
- Placement Test #2 - AAF test
- Placement Test #3 - WritePlacer and AAF
- Placement Test #4 - WritePlacer, QAS and conditionally the AAF tests
- Placement Test #5- WritePlacer Test
- Placement Test #6 - QAS Test
- Placement Test #7 - QAS and AAF Test (both)
- Placement Test #8 - QAS and conditionally the AAF Test
About the Tests
WritePlacer
The WritePlacer placement test is given to determine a student's placement into English courses. The test has a time limit of 1 hour and students are required to write/type (on the computer) a 300-600 word essay on a general topic.
The scores range from 0 - 8. Students who score 3 or less will be placed in a remedial basic writing course which must be completed before a student is eligible to enroll in college level writing courses. Students who score between 4 and 7 inclusive will be placed into the first college level writing course. Students who score an 8 will be placed in a second semester college level writing course.
More information about the test can be found on the CollegeBoard WritePlacer Guide (PDF) and the Test Prep Online Essay guide.
QAS - Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics Test
The QAS placement test is used for placement into all entry level college math courses except pre-calculus/calculus. The test consists of approximately 20 multiple choice questions given on the computer. The test is not timed – students can take as much time as needed to complete the test. Progression through the test is determined by how each question is answered - a student cannot go back and change any answers to previous questions. Students may not bring their own calculators. If a question requires the use of a calculator, a pop-up calculator will be provided. Most students spend about 1-1.5 hours on this test.
Scores range from 200 - 300 points. Students must score 268 or higher to be placed in a credit bearing, college level math course. Any score less than 268 will place a student into a remedial basic math course.
More information about the specific concepts covered on the test and sample problems can be found on the CollegeBoard Next-Generation Accuplacer page and Union Test Prep.
AAF - Advanced Algebra and Functions Test
The AAF placement test is used to place students into pre-calculus/calculus courses. The test consists of approximately 20 multiple choice questions given on the computer. The test is not timed – students have as much time as needed to complete the test. Progression through the test is determined by how each question is answered – students cannot go back and change any answers to previous questions. Students may not bring their own calculators. If a question requires the use of a calculator, a pop-up calculator will be provided. Most students spend about 1 - 1.5 hours on this test.
Scores range from 200- 300 points. A student who scores between 243 and 262 inclusive will be placed into pre-calculus. Students who score above 262 will be placed into calculus. Any score less than 243 will place a student in a remedial basic math course.
More information about the specific concepts covered on the test and practice problems can be found on the CollegeBoard Next-Generation Accuplacer page and Union Test Prep.
Test Accommodations
Special accommodations will not be available at the date/time for which a student has signed up to take a placement test(s). If you have any learning disabilities and/or received accommodations in high school, you should contact our Disability Services office to determine whether you qualify for accommodations at Fitchburg. The Disability Services office can administer this test with accommodations for those students who qualify and those arrangements need to be made between you and the Disability Services Office. Please contact this office at 978.665.4020 or email disabilityserviceslist@fitchburgstate.edu.