Placement Testing
UAS offers placement testing at all three campuses
Overview
New UAS students will need to complete both Math placement and Writing 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 the Writing Placement 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.
Math Placement
There are two ways to take the proctored ALEKS math placement exam:
- In person at a UAS Testing Center (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan) or other approved testing facility.
- Online using the Respondus Monitor software (requires a computer with a webcam and internet).
Admitted UAS students can visit the University of Alaska ALEKS page to get started. You will need your UA account credentials (Use ELMO to retrieve/reset your username and password).
For dual enrollment/non-degree seeking students follow this guide to get your UA account set up.
Test results
You will receive computer-scored results immediately after you finish the test. You are allowed to retake the test up to four times, and your highest score will be used for placement. 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.
Math Placement Test scores range from 0 to 100. 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.
| ALEKS Placement Score | UAS MATH/STAT Course Placement* |
|---|---|
| 78-100 | MATH 251** |
| 70-100 | MATH 211/212 |
| 65-77 | MATH 152** |
| 55-77 | MATH 151 |
| 55-100 | STAT 200 (formerly STAT 273) |
| 30-100 | MATH 113 |
| 30-54 | MATH 105 |
| 17-29 | MATH 055 |
| 0-16 | MATH 054 |
- * 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.
Writing Placement
Directed Self Placement
For writing placement you will use a process called Directed Self-Placement, where you will answer a series of questions to help you determine which writing course is the best fit for you. Use the link below to get started.
Writing Directed Self Placement
Accuplacer
Some academic programs may require an Accuplacer writing placement test for admission. There is no time limit. On average, students take about 2.5 hours to complete the test.
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 individual campus test payment sites.
Taking the test
The Accuplacer writing placement test can be taken at any UAS Testing Center (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan). The Accuplacer can also be proctored online via Zoom in cases where the student is unable to visit a testing center in person. 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.
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.
| Combined Reading & Writing | Class Placement |
|---|---|
| 400 - 499 | WRTG 090 |
| 500 - 529 | WRTG 110 |
| 530 or above | WRTG 111 |
* All students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor before signing up for classes
Writing Placement with ACT or SAT scores
Another option for an incoming student to place into writing classes is to submit qualifying ACT and SAT scores. Test scores will be evaluated upon admission to UAS. Student test results must reflect the following:
| Course | ACT English + Reading Total Combined Score | SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing |
|---|---|---|
| WRTG S211, S212 | 60–72 | 710–800 |
| WRTG S111 | 36–59 | 480–700 |
| WRTG S110 | 30–35 | 430–470 |
| WRTG S090 | 26–29 | 390–420 |
Placement for current National GED Test: Reasoning Through Language Arts
Students may place into WRTG classes by submitting GED scores. Test scores will be evaluated upon admission to UAS.
| Course | GED: Reasoning Through Language Arts |
|---|---|
| WRTG S110 | 145-164 |
| WRTG S111 | 165 or higher |
| 1 credit of 100 level English credit | 175 or higher |
Students may also place into WRTG S090 by taking TABE 11 & 12.
Computer Skills Placement Exam
The CS 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 CS Placement Exam.
Test content
Please refer to the computer skills placement preparation document.
Taking the test
The CS Placement test is proctored, and can be taken any time during our regular open hours. Currently you may take the CS Placement test using our Online Proctoring via Zoom service.
Test fee
The CS Placement Exam costs $10 and can be paid online through our test payment site.
Test results
Tests are scored immediately.
Test Payment
Each campus maintains their own test payment site: