Students with ACT/SAT or SAILS Math Scores

Students with ACT/SAT scores or SAILS Math classes within five years of the first day of class will be placed into Learning Support and/or college-level courses. Students placed into Learning Support have the option to challenge their placement by taking the ACCUPLACER® test. The assessment test, ACCUPLACER®, is not required for enrollment.

ACT Test Scores / SAILS Math

• Students with an ACT English score of 17 or less are placed into Learning Support English, ENGL 0870.
• Students with an ACT Reading score of 18 or less are placed into Learning Support Reading, READ 0870.
• Students with an ACT Math score of 18 or less are placed into Learning Support Math, MATH 0803.

Students who were enrolled in the SAILS Math course but who did NOT COMPLETE the course successfully are placed into Learning Support Math, Math 0803.

ACCUPLACER® is a computerized test that provides assessment in three areas: Writing; Reading; and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics. It is user-friendly, and computer skills are not required to take the test. To learn more about Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® tests go to Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® Test. The test must be taken at one of Northeast State’s Testing Centers.

A test administrator is always available to assist students with accessing the test. Score results are printed after testing is completed.

Writing
Score: 200-249, Placement: Learning Support ENGL 0870
Score: 250-300, Placement: College-Level

Reading
Score: 200-249, Placement: Learning Support READ 0870
Score: 250-300, Placement: College-Level

Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
Score: 200-249, Placement: Learning Support MATH 0030, 0530, or 0801
Score: 250-300, Placement: College-Level MATH 1010, 1050, 1100, and 1530

Prepare for the test by using the free ACCUPLACER® web-based sample tests on your computer, smartphone, or tablet at Student Portal. Create an account and select “Next-Generation Practice Tests”.

Two options for preparation: 1) “Learn as You Go” provides immediate feedback after each question is submitted and includes an explanation for the correct response and 2) take the “Sample Tests”. The sample tests are similar to the real test, so you will know ahead of time what your experience will be like on test day. (Scores on the sample tests do not guarantee that you will receive a specific score on the actual ACCUPLACER® test.)

Average times are listed below to help you plan and avoid feeling rushed on test day:

• Demographics (info about yourself) will take 5 minutes.
• Reading (20 questions) will take 30 minutes.
• Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (20 questions) will take 40 minutes.
• Writing Skills (25 questions) will take 40 minutes.

Keep in mind the test is NOT timed. Some students may take longer or finish more quickly than others. Take your time and read each question carefully. Do not rush.

Students with a disability who need accommodations for testing must register with Accessibility Services prior to taking ACCUPLACER®. Contact 423.279.7640 for more information.

ACCUPLACER® is available on the Blountville and Kingsport campuses monthly, with more dates available at Blountville. Testing is also available on the Elizabethton campus at peak times. Testing dates are typically added only 30 days in advance. If you need to take ACCUPLACER® via zoom for a medical reason, then please email the Testing Center at testing@NortheastState.edu.

There is a $10.00 testing fee for ACCUPLACER®. This fee is to be paid at the Business Office at each campus. Note: For the Kingsport campus, if you can use a credit card, then please pay online prior to testing: payment website. If you only have cash or check, then you will have to go the Business Office at KCHE, room 108, and then go down the street to Blazier Wilson Hall to the Testing Center. 

All test scheduling is completed online. A reminder of your scheduled test date will be sent to your email account. Northeast State also proctors ACCUPLACER for non-Northeast State students who will attend other colleges. The testing fee is $25.00 for non-Northeast State students.

NOTE: The week before and after each semester start date and on Registration days, walk-in test takers are accommodated on the Blountville campus, if seats are available. All other times, testing is by appointment.

Schedule Now  Pay Now Kingsport

1. Bring identification with a photo such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
2. Limit personal belongings - only bring in photo ID and car keys.
3. NO food or drink is allowed in the Testing Center.

A valid photo ID is required for testing.

1. Food or beverages are not allowed at the computer stations and must be stored while in the Testing Center.
2. Test takers are encouraged to leave cell phones in your car when possible. Cell phones must be turned on silent and collected prior to testing. Students will not have access to them during testing or breaks.
3. Children are not allowed in the Testing Center and must be under adult supervision while on campus.
4. Students who are ill with coughing, high fever, or other contagious symptoms are encouraged to reschedule their tests.
5. Honesty is the best policy! The use of unauthorized aids, copying, or any other form of cheating will result in being dismissed from the Testing Center and appropriate action for that test will be taken.
6. Students whose behavior is a disturbance to other students will be asked to leave the Testing Center.
7. Scratch paper must be turned in before leaving the Testing Center.
8. Students who require accommodations (extended time, etc.) must first contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at 423.279.7640.
9. Students will be seated as soon as a computer station becomes available.

Students are allowed one retest. A minimum one-week waiting period is required between tests. Retesting is not allowed once a student has been enrolled in the required course and attended class. Students must pay the $10.00 ACCUPLACER® Testing Fee for the retest.