BSC uses the following ACCUPLACER placement tests:

• Next Generation Writing: This 25 multiple-choice question test is used for placement into English courses. It assesses the student’s ability to revise and edit multi-paragraph text. Students will answer questions covering two broad knowledge and skills categories: Expression of Ideas (Development, Organization, Effective Language Use) & Standard English Conventions (Sentence Structure, Usage, Punctuation).
• Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS): This 20 multiple-choice question test assesses the student’s knowledge and skills in exponents, algebraic expressions, linear applications and graphs, and geometry concepts. Some, but not all, of the math questions contain a pop-up calculator for students to use in the test; outside calculators are not allowed.
• Advanced Algebra and Functions: This 20-question multiple choice test is utilized by BSC for placement into Calculus. Topics include linear, quadratic, rational, radical, polynomial, and exponential equations, geometry, trigonometry, functions, and factoring. This test also displays a pop-up calculator for some questions, with physical calculators not permitted.

Click here to learn more about the ACCUPLACER Tests.

 

Do you need to take the ACCUPLACER but you are not near Bismarck State College?

You can...

Option 1 - Remote Proctoring
Take your test at a local testing center in your city. This will enable you to take your ACCUPLACER test at a different campus. BSC is not responsible for finding a testing center that is currently open and administering tests.

Option 2- Virtual Proctoring
Virtual remote proctoring allows you to take the Accuplacer online from your own computer. You must have a webcam and microphone. This will be taken with a live proctor. Your computer must meet the technical specifications required for testing.

Take your ACCUPLACER remotely:  

1. Find a testing center in your area by going to the test center locator at https://studentportal.accuplacer.org/#/studentsitesearch.  Contact BSC Testing Services at 701-224-5658 or email us at bsc.testing@bismarckstate.edu to receive more information about remote testing and to inform us of your choice of testing location. 
2. Pay the $20 Accuplacer Fee to BSC 
3. BSC Testing Services will submit a Voucher to the location of your choice
4. Contact the testing location to schedule an appointment and bring the Voucher with you. You are responsible for paying any proctoring fee they may have.
5. Take your ACCUPLACER exam! BSC will receive the results automatically and enter your scores into our system.

 

Take your Accuplacer online with a Virtual Proctor (Extra $29.50+ Fee):

Step 1: Test your computer to make sure it meets technical requirements.
Step 2
Contact BSC Testing Services at bsc.testing@bismarckstate.edu or 701-224-5658 to request detailed information and instructions via email about at-home Accuplacer testing with a virtual proctor.
Step 3

 

Step 4
BSC Testing Services will set up your testing details through Accuplacer, which will email you instructions regarding the virtual at-home proctoring system with ProctorU, along with your unique testing voucher code. 

Step 5
Register with the online proctoring service, ProctorU 

Step 6
Verify computer requirements for Accuplacer and ProctorU. 

Step 7
Schedule your test with ProctorU and make the proctoring payment. After you schedule your test, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for your online Accuplacer test. If you need to reschedule your test, simply log back in, cancel your existing appointment, and reschedule. 

Step 8
Download the Guardian browser. 

Step 9
Take your test on the date and time you have chosen. Have your I.D. present during check-in with the proctor. 

Step 10
BSC will receive your results automatically and enter them into our system. 

The ACCUPLACER placement exams focus on Writing and Mathematics skills. Below, you will find study guides to help you prepare for the Accuplacer

• Math Sample Questions for Students
• Writing Sample Questions for Students

You can also register for the free Study App HERE.
Students can prepare for the Accuplacer and view their results on their Student Portal HERE.

Placement exams accepted by Bismarck State College

• ACT – expires after 5 years.
• SAT – expires after 5 years.
• ACCUPLACER – expires after 3 years.
  • If a student has multiple Accuplacer scores on file, the highest score will be used if it has not expired.

 
Exceptions for placement exams

• Students presenting ACT or SAT score reports dated within the last five years.
• Students presenting ACCUPLACER score reports dated within the last three years.
• Proof of a baccalaureate degree or higher.
• Students enrolling only in courses on an audit basis or non-degree seeking students.
• Remedial or equivalent courses with a "C" or satisfactory grade.
• Students who complete college-level composition and math courses with a passing grade lower than a "C" are encouraged to take the Accuplacer placement exam.

 
Accuplacer retakes

• Students are allowed to take a specific type of Accuplacer test at most three times in a six-month period. Students who do not achieve the required placement score on the initial test will be given the opportunity to retest as soon as 3 days after their first attempt. If a student does not reach the desired placement score on their second try, it is recommended that they then wait a minimum of a week (7 days) before a 3^rd attempt.

 
Accuplacer Cost

• $20 per test administration (the cost is the same whether taking one or two Accuplacer sections).
• Pay at BSC Student Finance on the day of the test or online for remote site testing vouchers.
   

How to schedule an appointment
Depending on a student's needs, they may schedule one or two Accuplacer tests per appointment. Schedule online at www.bismarckstate.edu/testing or by calling Testing Services at 701-224-5658.

• ACT, ACCUPLACER Chart
• ACCUPLACER Placement
• English Placement Guidelines
• Math Placement Guidelines

Students applying for admission to limited enrollment Technical programs are not required to obtain specific placement scores to gain acceptance into the desired program. Click here for further details regarding our limited enrollment programs.