 Frequently Asked Questiona
Why do I have to take the placement tests?
Bloomfield College uses the ACCUPLACER placement test to identify your strengths and weaknesses so that we can develop an appropriate course schedule for you. Thus, we need your test results to place you in Math and English courses suitable for your skill-level.
Your results on the placement test will not affect your admission to Bloomfield College.
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Is the test computerized or “paper-and-pencil”?
ACCUPLACER is a computerized testing system that assesses your Math and English skills. No previous experience with computers is necessary to take the test. A test proctor will always be present in case you have any questions or problems.
Unlike most other placement tests, the ACCUPLACER test is untimed. This helps to eliminate the pressure and test anxiety that many students often feel.
Because you take the tests on a computer, you don’t have to answer as many questions as on a traditional paper-and-pencil test. The number of questions on each test ranges from 12 to 20. The questions will appear one at a time on the computer screen. The questions are multiple-choice and all you will need to do is use the mouse to select the desired answer. When you have completed the question and verified you answer, a new screen will appear with your next question. Once you have verified your answer, you cannot return to that question.
Each ACCUPLACER test is designed using adaptive techniques. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. The technique “zeroes-in” on just the right questions to ask you without being too easy or too difficult. Your answer to the to the first question delivered by the computer determines the comparative ease or difficulty of the next question you receive. Your score is determined not only by the number of questions you answer correctly, but also by the difficulty of the questions you answer correctly.
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What kind of questions are on the ACCUPLACER® test?
The placement test consists of two main sections—English and math. For the English section, you will take the Reading Comprehension test and write a formal essay. For the math section, you will take the Elementary Algebra test and the Arithmetic or College Level Math test.
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ENGLISH SECTION
Reading Comprehension
This test is designed to measure how well you understand what you read. It contains 20 questions. Some are of the sentence relationship type in which you must choose how sentences are related. Other questions refer to reading passages of varying length.
Essay
You will be given the opportunity to write a brief essay on one of three topics. The essay will be written in a blue book.
MATH SECTION
NO CALCULATORS will be allowed.
Arithmetic
The arithmetic test measures your skills in three primary categories. The first is operations with whole numbers and fractions. This includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and recognizing equivalent fractions and mixed numbers. The second category involves operations with decimals and percents. It includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as percent problems, decimal recognition, fraction and percent equivalences, and estimation problems. The last category tests applications and problem solving. Questions include rate, percent, and measurement problems, geometry problems, and distribution of a quantity into its fractional parts. A total of 16 questions are asked.
Elementary Algebra
There are also three categories in the Elementary Algebra Test. The first category, operations with integers and rational numbers, includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering. The second category is operations with algebraic expressions. It tests your skills in evaluating simple formulas and expressions, and in adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. Both of these categories include questions about multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, evaluating positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring. The third category tests skill in solving equations, inequalities, and word problems. These questions include solving systems of linear equations, quadratic equations by factoring, verbal problems presented in algebraic context, geometric reasoning, the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions, and graphing. Twelve questions are presented.
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When will I take the placement test?
You will schedule a test date with the Office of Enrollment Management and Admission. The available time slots are 4pm, 5pm and 6pm on a given weekday and 9am and 10:30 am on a given Saturday. The testing is done in the Learning Resource Center (LRC 007) except the Saturday testing which is held in Talbot 101, 26 Austin Place, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
Please make sure you bring either a pencil or pen with you and arrive at least 10 minutes before the testing session is scheduled to begin.
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Where will I take the placement tests?
You will take the placement tests at Bloomfield College’s Learning Resource Center on weekdays and Talbott Hall (located at 26 Austin Place) on weekends.
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How Long Are The Tests?
We ask you to allot 3 hours for placement testing. This will allow you to take the test without any time constraints or pressure.
- The computerized Reading Comprehension and Math sections are untimed.
- If you have taken an essay examination as part of the SAT, you may submit your official essay score, which will be used as your placement essay. If, however, you cannot submit an SAT essay score, you will have 25 minutes to write a formal essay in response to a writing prompt. ... [ Back To Top ]
Should I study before taking the placement tests?
Yes. Quite often, reviewing before the test will make the difference between being placed into or out of a course.
A student cannot “pass” or “fail” the placement tests. However, to make sure that test scores accurately represent their skill level, students may wish to review basic concepts in reading, grammar, arithmetic and algebra before taking the ACCUPLACER test, especially if they have been away from school for more than a year. Many students find that a GED or SAT review book (available at local bookstores and public libraries) is helpful in refreshing their basic skills.
The Center for Academic Development (CAD) at Bloomfield College can also help you review for the placement test by providing one-on-one tutoring in English, Basic Arithmetic and Algebra. You can also participate in the SOS program (a six-week review program for math and English). To schedule a tutorial/review session or to take part in the SOS program, contact CAD at 973-748-9000 ext. 256.
This website also provides links for students to review and practice the material.
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How Are Test Scores Used in Placement?
ACCUPLACER® automatically determines a student’s placement into math courses using criteria established by Bloomfield College faculty and staff.
English placement is determined by an English Coordinator’s evaluation of both your written essay/SAT essay results and your Reading Comprehension score.
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What is the next step after taking the Placement Test? When do I register for classes?
The Placement Testing Proctor will provide you with the telephone number of the appropriate Advising Office at Bloomfield College. We ask that you call the office two days after you have taken the test to get your placement results. Your advisor will make an appointment with you to discuss your results and help you choose your courses for the semester.
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Are there any accomodations for students with disabilities?
Yes. Contact the Learning Needs Specialist, Pamela Weeks, at 973-748-9000 ext. 654 to make arrangements.
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What if I miss the placement test appointment?
If you miss your placement testing appointment, simply call The Center for Academic Development at 973-748-9000 ext. 256 to reschedule.
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What if I have further questions?
The following people would be glad to answer whatever questions you still may have about placement testing.
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