English Placement Testing

The Next-Generation ACCUPLACER English placement test is an adaptive, multiple-choice test developed by College Board. The English placement consist of two sections: reading and writing.

• The reading section assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes, and complexities. Both single and paired passages are included.
• The writing section evaluates your ability to revise and edit multi-paragraph text.

You can prepare for the English placement test on the ACCUPLACER website or via the ACCUPLACER study app.

Step 1 – Test your device to ensure you meet minimum requirements

You must have access to a computer with webcam and microphone that meets the minimum system requirements to test remotely via Zoom. You may test using a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook. Visit the ACCUPLACER System Requirements page to verify your system.

Since the exam will be proctored remotely through Zoom, click here to check if your device has the minimum system requirements for Zoom.  

Proctoring via Zoom is a live virtual interaction between the proctor and you. You will be required to share your desktop while testing.

Step 2 – Schedule your appointment

Remote Next-Gen ACCUPLACER via Zoom is available by appointment only. Click here to register for your English placement test appointment.  

When you register for your appointment, make sure to use your HCC email address and your seven-digit Student ID number. If you do not have an HCC email account, visit https://www.howardcc.edu/passwordservices to set your username and password.

To schedule your appointment, visit the registration link above and note the following:

• Select ACCUPLACER – Remote from the exam group, select the appropriate attempt, and choose your preferred date and time.
• The Next-Gen ACCUPLACER English placement test is untimed and offered remotely in three-hour blocks. If you are unable to complete the test in a single session, you will have the opportunity to schedule another appointment block to complete the test.
• You will receive an email confirmation along with instructions to download and connect to Zoom prior to your selected testing date.

Step 3 – Prepare your workspace

• Clear your workspace of everything except scratch paper and pencils. All other items must be removed from your workspace.
• Remember: cellphones and other devices are prohibited from use while testing!
• Sit in a quiet place where you will be undisturbed while testing.
• Be sure to have an acceptable photo ID ready. The following are acceptable forms of ID:
  • Driver’s license or any valid government issued ID (Passport, Military ID, or Permanent Resident ID)
  • High School Photo ID

Step 4 – Complete your placement test

On the date and time of your appointment, using the link from your email, join the Zoom testing session. It is highly recommended to join 5-10 minutes prior to the appointment time to give yourself time to resolve any potential technical issues.

Remote testing process:

• The proctor will greet candidates and provide instructions.
• You will be moved into an individual testing room.
• In the individual room, the proctor will authenticate your photo ID and check your testing space. To check your testing space, slowly pan the webcam, laptop or desktop around your space to the best of your ability.
• After the environment check, you will enable screen sharing and share your full desktop.
• The proctor will give you the final instructions and then launch the test session.
• Once you have completed your placement exam, you may print your placement scores:
  • If you are unable to print, you may save the scores to your system or request a copy by email from the proctor.
• The proctor will conclude your testing session and you may exit Zoom. If you do not finish within the 3-hour block, your proctor will walk you through saving your session and scheduling a follow-up appointment to complete testing.

Step 5 – Contact an advisor

Your next step is to contact an advisor at advising@howardcc.edu.