Placement Testing
Placement Testing Center at SCSU
As a first-year or transfer student, you may need to complete placement tests to enroll in courses that will set you up for success. Placement test scores determine course eligibility and may allow you to skip prerequisite courses. Testing requirements are determined by major and can include math, English, chemistry or music.
The Placement Testing Center is committed to making this process as easy as possible. Please contact placementtesting@stcloudstate.edu with any questions regarding placement testing.
Placement Testing Policy
To support student success and to meet the requirements of Minnesota State Policy 3.3, St. Cloud State University has developed the following procedure for assessing new entering students’ skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and biology.
All new incoming students, including transfer students, are required to take the ACCUPLACER Mathematics and/or Reading if one or more of the following conditions apply:
- If the student does not have valid ACT, MCA or SAT equivalent test scores
- If the ACT, MCA or SAT equivalent test scores fall below the cut scores determined for English, Reading, and Mathematics for exemption from placement testing. Minimum scores are listed below.
- If the student does not have prior college credit that would impact the need for additional testing. Please contact the Placement Testing Coordinator for more information.
Retake Policy
Students are allowed two attempts within a rolling 12-month period for the ACCUPLACER Math and English placement tests. Retakes are not permitted for the Chemistry, Music, or EAP English assessment.
International students who are non-native speakers of English are required to take the EAP courses during their first semester at SCSU; therefore, retesting is not allowed. Please contact the EAP Coordinator for additional assistance.
Your score will be documented in your Degree Audit Report, which can be found on myHuskyNet within eServices.
Appeal Request
Complete the following form to submit an appeal request. Note that international students wishing to appeal their EAP placement test must contact the English department directly.
Valid Standardized Test Scores
| Exam | Expiration |
| ACT: Math, English, Reading | 5 years |
| SAT: Math, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 5 years |
| MCA: Math | 5 years |
| ACCUPLACER Reading | 5 years |
| ACCUPLACER Math | 2 years |
| ACCUPLACER English as a Second Language | 3 years |
*All scores must be valid on the first day of class.
Minimum English Score Requirements
| ACT English | ACT Reading | SAT ERW | TOEFL | IELTS | Eligible Courses for Registration |
| 18+ | 21+ | 480+ | 100+ | 7.5+ | ENGL 191 |
*International students for whom English is a non-native language, who do not have any of these scores, will begin with the EAP testing process. English for Academic Purposes.
Minimum Math Score Requirements
For ACT, SAT & MCA minimum score requirements related to MATH courses, please see the Mathematics and Statistics Department Website.
Study Guides and Practice Materials
Preparing for your placement test will give you the best opportunity to test out of prerequisite courses. We recommend reviewing the practice tests in the ACCUPLACER Practice App.
Prepare for the following topics:
- Math: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics and Advanced Algebra and Functions
- English: ACCUPLACER Reading
- English- International Students: English as a Second Language (ESL) Reading Skills, and Listening
Additional resources:
See also these helpful tips for before and during the test.
Test Specific Information
Math
Math placement exams are administered through ACCUPLACER. Topics will cover arithmetic, quantitative reasoning, algebra, statistics, and advanced algebra and functions. The test is untimed. Most students need 1-2 hours to complete the exam. This is a branching exam, meaning if you score high enough you will automatically move on to a second section. Each section is 20 questions.
Personal calculators are NOT allowed. A calculator will be provided within the exam. Not every question will allow the use of the calculator. Students may also use scratch paper.
Students are allowed one (1) retake within a 12-month period.
English
The domestic English Exam is administered through ACCUPLACER. The exam will test reading comprehension. Students will read short passages and select a multiple-choice answer. The exam is untimed. Most students need 45 minutes-1.5 hours to complete the exam. The test is 20 questions.
Students are allowed one (1) retake within a 12-month period.
English- International Students (EAP)
The International Student English Exam has three sections: writing, reading, and listening.
The written portion is administered through D2L. Students must know their Star ID and Star ID password to login to the platform. Students testing virtually must also download Respondus LockDown Browser. This software is NOT compatible with Chromebooks. Students will not be able to complete their test on a Chromebook. The essay prompt will be given at the time of the exam. Students will be given 50 minutes to complete their short essay response.
The reading and listening sections are administered through ACCUPLACER. The exam will test reading and listening comprehension. The reading and listening exam is untimed. Most students need 1-2 hours to complete the exam. Each section is 22 questions.
Retakes are not permitted for this test. Questions regarding score and placement can be directed to the EAP Coordinator.
Chemistry
The Chemistry Placement Exam is designed to determine whether students are eligible for General Chemistry 1, CHEM 210. Only students who have successfully completed previous chemistry courses, including high school courses, are eligible for this exam. Students who have completed CHEM 160 do NOT need to take the Chemistry Placement Exam.
The exam is administered in D2L. Students will be given 60 minutes to complete 30 questions. The exam will test your knowledge of algebra, graphical concepts, and fundamental chemistry.
Personal calculators are NOT allowed. A calculator will be provided within the exam. Students may also use scratch paper.
A minimum score of 45 is needed to pass the exam. Students scoring below 45 will enroll in CHEM 160. Retakes are not permitted for this test.
Music
The Music Placement Test will determine whether a student may bypass the introductory course MUSM 100 (Intro to Musical Concepts). The test assesses skills in basic note reading (treble and bass clefs), basic keyboard awareness (naming keys), and basic rhythm understanding in common time signatures. Students will be given 15 minutes to complete 28 questions. Students who pass the placement test are eligible to enroll in MUSM 101 (Music Theory 1) and MUSM 111 (Musicianship 1).
Retakes are not permitted for this test.
FAQs
Do I have to test?
Most students will need to take placement exams. A student may opt out of testing, however, students without placement test scores or other placement measures must enroll in introductory, non-credit courses.
The following programs require math testing regardless of ACT, SAT or MCA scores.
| Chemistry | Electrical Engineering | Mathematical Economics | Physics |
| Computer Engineering | Environmental Engineering | Mathematics | Physics Teaching |
| Computer Science | Hydrology | Mechanical Engineering | Software Engineering |
| Cybersecurity | Manufacturing Engineering | Meteorology | Statistics |
What do I need to bring for the test?
A current picture ID is required to verify your identification. Your Tech ID number or STAR ID is required to take the test. Unfortunately, if you do not have a student ID we can not administer the test for you.
Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
- A current driver's license
- A state approved ID
- A high school ID
- A college ID
- A current state or federal ID card
- A current passport
- A tribal ID card
- A naturalization card or certificate of citizenship
No outside materials are allowed for testing.
Personal calculators are not allowed on the math test, however, one will be provided on the computer screen if the test determines the test question warrants the use of a calculator. Scratch paper and a pencil are also provided for math calculations.
Where can I park?
Testers should park in the parking ramp located on Fourth Street South on campus. Parking will be validated by the test proctor upon request.
How long will the test take?
ACCUPLACER Math and Reading are untimed. Most students need 1-2 hours to complete their test. The chemistry test is limited to 60 minutes, in addition to a 15 minute tutorial. The music test is limited to 15 minutes. The EAP essay is limited to 50 minutes. The EAP reading and listening sections are untimed. In total, most students need 2-2.5 hours to complete the EAP test.
Appointments are 2 hours in length. Anticipate needing the entire appointment to test.
How much does it cost?
St. Cloud State University provides assessment testing at no charge for St. Cloud State University students. Non-SCSU students who wish to test with a voucher will be able to test at no cost. Non-SCSU students who wish to test without a voucher should contact Placement Testing at placementtesting@stcloudstate.edu.
Where is testing available?
On campus testing is provided at the Placement Testing Center which is located on the 3rd floor of Centennial Hall, Room 351. We also provide online testing via Zoom.
As another option, ACCUPLACER tests may be taken at any Minnesota State campus. When making arrangements to test at another campus:
- Make an appointment at the campus you choose.
- Contact St. Cloud State Advising and Student Transitions to determine which test you need to take.
- Contact St. Cloud State Placement Testing to obtain a voucher for the appropriate test.
If you live out of state and need to test, please contact us at placementtesting@stcloudstate.edu and we will try our best to accommodate your individual needs.
What time should I arrive?
Showing up on time, at least 10-15 minutes early, usually allows you time to complete your exam within the testing time frame. To provide a quiet testing environment, late arrivals may not be admitted to the computer lab. Continuous no-shows will not be guaranteed a seat. If you are delayed, please reschedule your test for a later date.
Can I take multiple tests in one appointment?
Students may only schedule one test per appointment. However, students can always ask their proctor if they may take a second test. Requests will be accommodated if time permits.
Can I get test accommodations?
SCSU is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, please contact Student Accessibility Services to request accommodations. You can find more information about Student Accessibility Services at: stcloudstate.edu/sas and you can contact them at (320) 308-4080, via email at sas@stcloudstate.edu, or on campus in Centennial Hall room 202.