Testing Center

Placement Testing Overview

New UAS students will need to complete the ALEKS Math Placement Test (scroll down for more info), and the Writing Directed Self Placement.

You may not need to take a placement test if you have...

• taken the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Exam with a score of 3 or higher. For details see the UAS Catalog, Advanced Placement Credit
• ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer scores, see our placement table for details.
• taken the CLEP English Composition with Essay and scored 500 points or higher; or taken a Math CLEP and scored 50 points or higher. For details see the UAS Catalog, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• or if you have passed an English/writing or math class at another university (with a grade C or better).  For details see the UAS Transfer Credit Policy.

All test scores and transcripts must be approved by the Registrar's Office. All students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor before signing up for classes.

ALEKS Math Placement Test

Mathematics provides the foundation for many of the science, business, and professional courses you will take during your college years. Most students are required to take at least one math course to earn a degree. The UAS Math Placement Assessment is through ALEKS. It is a fully automated, adaptive system that covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. After the initial assessment, a targeted Prep and Learning Module is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes. You have the opportunity to re-test up to four times.

How to study

The test has a Prep and Learning Module built in with which you can work before re-testing (up to four times). You may choose not to prepare for the initial test. However, ALEKS offers a free three-hour trial which you can access at aleks.com . In addition, we have math textbooks available for checkout, and we can give advice regarding what material to study. If you have specific math questions, the Learning Center math tutors are ready to help you study during the Fall and Spring semesters! Simply come to the Learning Center during our hours and study with us.

For more comprehensive math review visit purplemath.com and/or khanacademy.org .

Taking the test

Once admitted, students can visit the University of Alaska ALEKS page to get started. The ALEKS test is not proctored.

Test results

You will receive computer-scored results immediately after you finish the test. For help in interpreting your score please refer to the placement scores table. If you are concerned about the results, please talk to a staff member after the exam.

Accuplacer Writing Placement Test

Some academic programs may require a writing placement test for admission. There is no time limit. On average, students take about 2.5 hours to complete the test. Please come early to allow yourself enough time to finish.

Study

See Accuplacer for free sample questions, answer keys, and a study app 

Test fee

The Accuplacer writing placement test costs $10 and students can pay online through our test payment site.

Taking the test

In Juneau, the Accuplacer writing placement test can be taken in the Learning Center, or online via our Zoom proctoring service. Call or email to make an appointment.

Test results

You will receive computer-scored results immediately after you finish the test. For help in interpreting your score please refer to the placement scores table. If you are concerned about the results, please talk to a staff member after the exam.

CIS Placement Exam

The CIS Placement Exam is not required. However, if you are planning on taking computer classes (CIS, CS, etc.), you will need to either take CIS 105 (Computer Literacy) or place out of CIS 105 with the CIS Placement Exam.

Test content

Please refer to the computer skills placement preparation document.

Taking the test

The CIS Placement test is proctored, and can be taken any time during our regular open hours. Currently you may take the CIS Placement test using our Online Proctoring via Zoom service.

Test fee

The CIS Placement Exam costs $10 and can be paid online through our test payment site.

Test results

Tests are scored immediately.

Accuplacer Next Generation Writing Placement Table

Writing Placement Test scores range from 400-600. UAOnline will use your highest score to determine placement. Note that the ranges below represent minimum scores needed to register for a course. Students should work with their advisor to determine the best course to take.

^* All students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor before signing up for classes

Writing Placement with ACT or SAT scores (Effective Feb. 11th, 2019)

In addition to ACCUPLACER, an incoming student will have the opportunity to waive Writing 111 and place into writing classes by submitting ACT and SAT scores. Test scores will be evaluated upon admission to UAS. Student test results must reflect the following:

Placement for current National GED Test: Reasoning Through Language Arts

Students may place into Writing classes by submitting GED scores. Test scores will be evaluated upon admission to UAS.

Students may also place into WRTG S090 by taking TABE 11 & 12.

ALEKS Math Placement Table

Math Placement Test scores range from 0 to 100. UAOnline will use your highest score to determine placement. Note that the ranges below represent minimum scores needed to register for a course. Students should work with their advisor to determine the best course to take.

• ^* All students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor before signing up for classes
• ^** MATH 151 and MATH 152 are both prerequisites for MATH 251. If you score a 65–77 on the ALEKS placement test and wish to take MATH 251 in the future, successful completion of MATH 151 is required.

Standardized Tests

GRE, PRAXIS, CLEP, BAR, and many other acronymic offerings.

The UAS Testing Center is certified to proctor many standardized tests. You do not need to be a student to test at our facility; the Testing Center serves the entire Juneau and Southeast community.

• Candidates who wish to register for ABC Water Quality, CLEP, FAA & FCC, MAT, and TEAS exams should call the testing center to arrange an appointment.

• All other standardized testing candidates must register through the testing company, not through the UAS Testing Center.

Please use resources below to contact your testing company directly. Additionally, we keep informational bulletins in stock; these packets clarify registration deadlines and fees and offer tips on test taking.

Payment Instructions

Course exams from University of Alaska campuses are always free. For other exams, we may charge an administration fee. Those fees have to be paid before you can take the test – either through our online payment portal with a credit/debit card before you come to the Learning Center or at the Learning Center on the day of the test (cash or check). Payment of the testing fee is required prior to administration of the examination or test. 

Testing Fees

Pay Online