Math Placement Assessment
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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026, 01:01 PM
SIU uses the Accuplacer exam for Math Placement Assessment. Think of the Accuplacer as a tool, not a test-it helps you get where you need to be.

The ACCUPLACER is a placement test that helps determine your readiness for college-level coursework.
It measures your current skills and places you into the math course where you are most likely to succeed.
There is no pass or fail—this test is designed to support your success.
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Take The First Step
Many majors require math classes, but you MAY NOT need to take it if any of the following applies to you.
- You have a qualifying ACT or SAT score:
- If you have submitted a score within the last 2 years, and have received a subscore of 22 (SAT 530+) you can register for Math 106, 108, or 125 without taking the placement test.
- You have completed college-level math coursework (AP, IB, Transfer, or Duel Credit)
- Your academic advisor can help you understand which of your credits may transfer to SIU and how they apply to your degree.
- You have taken another Accuplacer placement assessment at another college within the past two years.
- You would need to log into your Accuplacer account and have those scores sent to SIU Carbondale.
You DO need to test if:
- You do not have recent ACT or SAT scores.
- You have not completed college-level math.
- Your scores or transfer credits do not meet placement requirements.
**Remember, If you have questions about transfer credits, your Act score, or math placement scores, your academic advisor is here to help.
Scheduling the Exam
You have three options for scheduling your ACCUPLACER exam.
- In-Person at SIU (Testing Services)
- At another Testing Center in your area.
- At home with a virtual proctor
Instructions for each testing option are provided below.
- Schedule IN-PERSON in Morris Library (FREE for SIU Students)
- This choice allows you to take the Math Placement Test for Free!
- Scheduling your Math Placement Test in Morris Library is very easy! There are no fees for your first placement attempt. There is a fee of 10 dollars for any additional attempt.
- Schedule your placement Test in Testing Services (7th floor Morris Library)
- Testing at a Remote Facility (IN-PERSON, at another Testing Center, approx $30.00 fee)
- Applicants who are not able to test at Testing Services (located in Morris Library) can Register at Another Testing Center to arrange for testing at a remote location.
- Choose "Math Placement", then "IN-Person at another Test Center."
- After we receive your initial form submission, you will receive an email with information about where you can take your test.
- Applicants are responsible for contacting the assigned remote facility to schedule the test and to inquire about fees, hours, parking, etc. Please note that most remote testing locations will charge a separate fee.
- After you complete the remote Accuplacer test, SIU Testing Services will receive your scores electronically and upload them to your student record for advisor review.
- Applicants who are not able to test at Testing Services (located in Morris Library) can Register at Another Testing Center to arrange for testing at a remote location.
- Testing at Home (Online using a Virtual Proctor, approx $30.00 fee)
- Applicants who are not located near an approved remote facility can complete the ACCUPLACER* test online using an ETS-approved virtual proctor. (ProctorU) Virtual proctoring sessions are available 24/7.
- check to make sure your computer meets System Requirements.
- A voucher number will be emailed to the applicant along with instructions for next steps. A $30 USD proctoring fee, payable by credit card, will be due at the time of testing.
- The virtual proctor will require students to present a valid government-issued ID via webcam before beginning the test.
- Complete the Register with a Virtual Proctor to arrange scheduling for virtual proctoring.
- Choose "Math Placement", then "On-Line, at Home"
*Please don't hesitate to contact Testing Services if you need any assistance or have any questions about scheduling your placement exam.
Study for the Exam
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare before taking the test. You are allowed one retake, but you must wait at least one week, and there is an additional cost for the second attempt ($10.00)
It is important to be prepared for your first try.
How to Study: Before testing, we strongly recommend that you study using official Accuplacer resources:
- Download the Accuplacer Study App on your phone or computer.
- Use the practice questions and tools provided by College Board.
- Practice Here
- Student Portal (includes tutorials, practice, and calculator tools)
What you should Prepare For: You may take up to two math tests:
Test 1: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Staticstics (QAS)
- This is the first test all students take
Test 2: Advanced Algebra and Functions (AFF)
- You will only take this test if you score high enough on Test 1 (QAS)
- This test is required for placement into higher-level math courses
Important to Know
- Not all students will take both tests
- Only students with qualifying scores on the first test (QAS) move to the second test (AAF)
- You can review sample questions for each test using the links through College Board resources.
- Want to know which class you'll be placed into? Download the SIUC Math Placement Guide to see how your Accuplacer scores are used.