Testing

Placement Testing Overview

Most new UAS students will need to take a math and English placement test. The tests will determine which math and English classes you should enroll in.

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
• an ACT English + Reading total combined score between 60–72, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score between 710–800. For details see the UAS Catalog, Credit by Examination page
• 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.

Next Generation Accuplacer for Writing

Accuplacer English Placement Test

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.

Test Content

From the Accuplacer Study Guide:

The Next-Generation Reading test is a broad-spectrum computer adaptive assessment of test-takers’ developed ability to derive meaning from a range of prose texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. More information about this exam and study materials can be found here: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/next-generation-sample-questions-reading.pdf

The Next-Generation Writing test is a broad-spectrum computer adaptive assessment of test-takers’ developed ability to revise and edit a range of prose texts for effective expression of ideas and for conformity to the conventions of Standard Written English sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. More information about this exam and study materials can be found here: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/next-generation-sample-questions-writing.pdf

WritePlacer assesses the writing skills of new college students. Test scores help colleges determine whether a student is ready for college-level coursework or would benefit from developmental instruction before taking credit-bearing courses. More information about this exam and study materials can be found here: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/accuplacer-writeplacer-sample-essays.pdf

Test Fee

The Accuplacer English placement test costs $10 and students can pay on campus or by calling the Business Office at 907-747-7737.

Taking the Test

The Accuplacer English placement test can be taken in the Student Success Center by calling to make an appointment: 907-747-7717.

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 or speak with an advisor. If you are concerned about the results, please talk to a staff member after the exam.

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 .

Test Fee

There is no charge for the ALEKS math placement test.

Taking the Test

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

ALEKS Placement Test Guide

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 a proctored exam. To make an appointment, please call 907-747-7717 or email sitka.testing@alaska.edu to make an appointment. You will need to bring a photo ID when you come in to take your exam.

Test Fee

The CIS Placement Exam costs $10 and students are charged at the time they take the test or by calling the Business Office at 907-747-7737.

Test Results

Tests are scored immediately.

Remote Placement

For proctored tests, if you want to take a test in a location other than your campus of enrollment, you need to find a proctor in your area:

• UAS Juneau: Visit the Juneau Testing Center to set up an appointment.
• UAS Sitka: Contact the Sitka Student Success Center or fill out the appointment request form.
• UAS Ketchikan: Contact the Ketchikan Learning Center.
• UAA: Find instructions on the UAA Accuplacer site

Placement Testing Fee Waiver

Those who meet income criteria may request a testing fee waiver by completing and submitting the Application for Placement Testing Fee Waiver form.

Testing in Sitka

Sitka faculty may schedule exams in advance for local students to complete at the SSC testing center, while distance students will have tests sent to their local testing center or pre-approved remote proctor. Instructors from other University of Alaska campuses may also schedule testing at the Sitka Campus testing center for their Sitka students. Instructors dictate the constraints of the exams, including time limits and materials permitted. SSC proctors oversee the integrity of the exam administration and testing environment.

There is no fee for any exam administered for a University of Alaska course. Students in Sitka requiring a proctor for course exams from institutions outside the UA system can arrange to take their tests at the SSC testing center at a cost of $50 per exam or a flat rate of $150 per semester for unlimited testing for any number of courses. To schedule an individual testing appointment in Sitka, use our online scheduling form, call (907) 747-7717 or email sitka.testing@alaska.edu.

Remote Testing

Here is a quick video describing the proctoring process. You will have to log in with your UA Username and password to view.

For distance students completing UAS Sitka courses, remote proctors can supervise testing in a student’s home community. Pre-approved proctors have already been identified in many communities throughout Alaska where students would not have reasonable access to a UA campus testing center. Remote proctors must meet certain requirements and be approved by the eLearning Department and the instructor. In special cases where a student is geographically isolated and has no suitable proctors available in the vicinity, UAS Sitka can authorize the student to pay for web-based exam proctoring through ProctorU.

A fillable list of approved testing centers and proctors in many communities in Alaska is available here Proctor Form A.

To establish a new remote proctor in your community, review and submit Proctor Form B.  You can also download the form here and submit by email to sitka.testing@alaska.edu or fax (907) 747-7793 (if you fax, please call to verify receipt).

For questions about remote proctoring, call the student success center at (907) 747-7717.

The UAS Sitka Testing Center serves as the primary professional certification testing site for the entire community of Sitka, offering industry-related exams such as the PRAXIS, HESI or KAPLAN (Nursing Pre-Admission Exams), PAX-RN, TABE tests for the Alaska Department of Labor, PAN, Pearson Vue exams, Castle Worldwide professional tests, Accuplacer for the Alaska Marine Highway, Miller Analogies, and more.

In most cases, a person taking a test can find out if and when an exam is offered in Sitka on the UAS campus and schedule a testing appointment by visiting the testing company’s website directly. Other tests have no scheduling restrictions and can be proctored during the Testing Center’s regular operating hours. Fees for administering these exams range from $10–$80. Some testing companies require direct payment online; for other exams, a test administration fee will be paid directly to UAS.

For assistance, contact the UAS Sitka Testing Administrator at sitka.testing@alaska.edu or (907) 747-7717. Sitka employers who wish to have additional professional or industry-related exams administered on campus can contact the Testing Administrator to see if this is possible.

General Education Diploma (GED) Testing

The GED test series is equivalent to a high school diploma. It consists of five tests: Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies and Science. This series is also available in Spanish. Students will register online to schedule and pay for each of their GED tests. Each test in the GED series takes 1-2 hours and costs $30; retakes are $10. Vouchers to cover GED testing fees may be available.

GED students are highly encouraged to take advantage of free coaching and tutoring offered by the Student Success Center (SSC) through the Adult Basic Education program.

GED pre-tests, study materials, and tutoring are free through the Student Success Center but there is a one-time $25 fee charged by UAS for GED test administration, which includes all five tests and any necessary retests. Registration, pretesting and tutoring are provided whenever the SSC is open and staff members are available.

Professional Tests - Administration and Fees

Standardized Tests - Administration and Fees

In most cases, a tester can find out if and when an exam is offered in Sitka on the UAS campus and schedule a testing appointment by visiting the testing company’s website directly. Other tests have no scheduling restrictions and can be proctored during the Testing Center’s regular operating hours. Some testing companies require direct payment online; for other exams, a test administration fee will be paid directly to UAS.

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.

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.

Placement Tests

Pay Online

Professional Tests

Standardized Tests