Many students fulfill the college entrance testing requirements through other means: Review Testing Exemptions to see if you qualify.
Students who graduated high school over 10 years ago or without a known high school GPA
For the purpose of course placement, high school GPA is valid for 10 years from the date of graduation.
Students who have applied to the college and graduated high school over 10 years ago, or who do not have a reportable high school GPA or another measure for placement, may go through our guided self-placement process for initial course placement after applying.
This tool will give students a baseline starting point in terms of early English and math/logical reasoning coursework.
Course sequence - Explore what level of English, math, and reading may be required for your major.
Testing Tips - Taking the Accuplacer: Tips for Success.
Submit Your Transcripts
Initial Course placement can be met in many ways, and often students simply need to provide us with a document such as an unofficial high school transcript or score reports for the ACT, SAT, or MCA scores.
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.
What are the goals of placement testing?
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.
Are there alternative formats for students with disabilities?
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.
Who must take the assessments?
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.
Where do I take the assessments?
Assessments are given in College Center on the second floor in room 290 (next to the Welcome Desk) and take approximately two hours to complete (though are untimed and can be finished in multiple sittings). 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.
When can I take the assessments?
Testing is currently being offered in person at the Testing Center. Appointments are available on a limited basis Monday-Friday. After applying, please email for an appointment or complete this online form, indicating your date, and time preferences.
How will the assessment results be used?
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 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.
For Inver Hills students there is no cost charged for taking the Accuplacer.
For Minnesota State students with a voucher from their home institution there is no charge. For a Minnesota State student testing without a voucher there will be a $20 fee to cover associated cost of the exam.
For non-Minnesota State students with a voucher from their home institution there will be a $20 service fee for proctoring services. For a non-Minnesota State student testing without a voucher there will be a $35 fee to cover associated cost of the exam and the proctoring service fee.