Initial Course Placement

Inver Hills uses a computerized assessment inventory (given free of charge) called ACCUPLACER, which was developed by the College Board to provide information about skill levels in reading, writing and mathematics. All items on the assessment are multiple choice. Taking your assessment seriously is very important and you should try to do your best. Math assessment scores are valid for two years. Reading and English assessment scores are valid for three years.

• Reading comprehension assessment measures your understanding of what you read.
• Mathematics assessment measures your understanding of various Math topics; you will automatically be advanced to higher levels on the mathematics assessment based on your skill level and number of correct responses.

Our goal is to place you in courses appropriate to your abilities and experience. When you take assessment tests in Reading and Mathematics, your scores will indicate which English and Mathematics courses are appropriate for you. Assessment tests are not timed and provide immediate results that predict college readiness.

The Testing Center is located in College Center 290, next to the Welcome Desk. When you come to the Testing Center to take an assessment test, you will need to show a government-issued picture I.D.

Yes, if you have a documented disability that requires accommodations such as a reader, scribe or extra time, please contact us at 651-450-3650 before testing to arrange accommodations. We want you to make the most of your testing attempts.

For Questions in regards to accommodations in general or what the college can provide you with, please contact our Office for Accessibility Resources by phone at 651-450-3884 or by email.

Any student who is unsatisfied with their initial placement based in a measure other than the Accuplacer can take the test for free via virtual proctoring (connect with the Testing Center directly if concerned about virtual access). Inver Hills requires that all new students fulfill the assessment requirement - be it by a testing exemption or by taking the Accuplacer - prior to new student orientation. In nearly all cases, unofficial high school transcripts, official college transcripts, or unofficial test score results (including the date the test was taken) must be submitted. Please contact the Testing Center directly with any questions.

Assessments are given in College Center 290 (next to the Welcome Desk) and take approximately two hours to complete (though are untimed and can be finished in multiple sittings). Given the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing will be limited to morning and afternoon appointments of no more than 3 hours in length. You must have a government-issued picture I.D. with you when you come to take your assessments.

If you are planning on taking the Accuplacer for Inver Hills at another location, please contact the Testing Center 2-3 days before testing to setup a voucher for testing at that institution.

You can take the Accuplacer virtually via Zoom; this would require you to have a computer with a webcam and microphone (I-pad, phones or tablets will not work). To schedule please contact the Testing Center via email or by phone at 651-450-3650 at least 24 hours in advance, and preferably 2-3 days before the exam if possible.

Online Proctoring is available through Examity®, by contacting the testing center to request a voucher. Utilizing this option will require that you have a quiet uninterrupted space to test, a webcam and a microphone. This options provides more hour availability, but the proctor will not be able to go over what your placements means to you. This is not our preferred option, but if our hours do not work you can contact us after placement during business hours to go over your placement.

Testing is currently being offered via Zoom and in person at the Testing Center. Appointments are available on a limited basis Monday - Thursday at two time slots, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m, and Wednesdays at 4 p.m (Virtually), and have limited capacity. After applying, please email for an appointment, indicating your date, time preferences and Delivery mode (in-person or virtually via zoom).

Your assessment results will be used to determine initial course placements in reading, writing and mathematics. Some students may receive placements in developmental courses (numbered below 1000); these courses do not count toward a college degree, but they do count toward credit totals for financial aid eligibility, insurance and academic progress. Developmental courses are designed to help you learn the skills you need for success in college-level courses; you must complete the courses within your first 30 semester credits.

To obtain a copy of your score report please complete the Request for Accuplacer Score Report form. If you are unable to receive a copy of your scores through this link please contact the Testing Center.

No, the assessments indicate your current skill level, not your potential.

No, the assessments will not affect your acceptance to the college. However, the results may affect acceptance into some programs at the college, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO).