Placement Testing Information

Placement testing is designed to measure the student’s knowledge and skills to determine appropriate course placement at the college level.

  • FSW administers two types of placement tests: the Accuplacer Next-Generation and the PERT. FSW students can choose to take either option. 
  • If you need to resolve the Assessment Hold (Ed Hold), taking a placement test will take care of that. 
  • Placement tests are adaptive, which means that the way you answer a question determines how difficult the next one is. Therefore, you cannot go back once you answer a question. 
  • You are examined in three areas: Reading, Writing, and Math.
  • Your maximum number of attempts is three (3) per section total, either using Accuplacer Next-Generation or the PERT.
  • If you are placed on a math course but you have not started and want to attempt to start at a higher level, the only way to do this is to take the math section of a placement test. 
  • The tests are not timed, and you are allowed to use the calculator that is built into the test, and scratch paper for all sections. 
  • The scores are available upon completion of the test. 
  • You must remediate and wait seven (7) days to retake a section, or thirty (30) days if you are applying for Dual Enrollment.

On-Campus Testing


Requirements
  • You need to present a government-issued photo ID with signature (Driver’s License, Green Card, Passport, Military ID, State ID, Federal ID), or an FSW Buc ID Card, or a current High School or College ID, or an ACCUPLACER Student ID Form. Taking a test is not allowed without a valid photo ID. Photocopies and/or pictures are NOT acceptable.
  • Labs are equipped with video surveillance equipment and computers are monitored during testing. 
  • You need to apply for college and provide us with your student number.

Prohibited Items
  • Electronic devices (personal calculators, cell phones, smart watches/glasses, electronic glasses of any kind, iPads, or earphones/buds). 
  • Personal items such as sunglasses, watches, hats, handbags, backpacks, or umbrellas. 
  • Food or beverages. 
  • Students are not allowed to view other websites or utilize non-permitted exam materials while testing. Doing so is a violation of student conduct and may invalidate your test scores. 

Helpful Links

Remote Testing

Beginning Monday, October 5th, 2026, remote testing appointments will require a $10 non-refundable proctoring fee (plus a convenience fee). The remote testing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please Note: the testing fee applies to remote testing appointments only; on‑campus testing remains available and free of charge.


Book your Remote Placement Appointment

Please take note of your QLess confirmation number.

(The remote testing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.) Please Note: Successful payment of the remote testing fee is required to hold your test appointment. Unpaid appointments will be cancelled. Do not complete the payment of the remote testing fee until you have booked/secured a test appointment.


Testing Requirements
  • You need to present a government-issued photo ID with signature (Driver’s License, Green Card, Passport, Military ID, State ID, Federal ID), or an FSW Buc ID Card, or a current High School or College ID, or an ACCUPLACER Student ID Form. Taking a test is not allowed without a valid photo ID. Photocopies and/or pictures are NOT acceptable.

  • Installation of Accuplacer Progressive Web App (PWA) – Required beginning October 2nd, 2026.

    • To ensure a secure and stable testing experience, students are now required to install the ACCUPLACER Progressive Web App (PWA) before beginning a remote placement test. The PWA runs in its own dedicated window and prevents actions like tab switching, app switching, and screenshots, helping protect test integrity.

      • To enable the PWA in Google Chrome, users simply navigate to Accuplacer’s home page, wait for the page to fully load, and click the Install icon that appears at the right side of the address bar. Chrome will then install ACCUPLACER as a standalone application and launch it in a dedicated window with no tabs or browser UI, ensuring a consistent and secure testing session.
      • Microsoft Edge offers a similar installation process. After opening Accuplacer’s home page in Edge, users open the three‑dots menu, select More Tools, then Apps, and choose Install this site as an app. Edge creates a separate ACCUPLACER application entry in the Start Menu and launches it in a clean, browser‑free window.
      • Additionally, the student will be required to share the whole desktop screen with the proctor to be able to take the test remotely.
      • Once installed, always open the test from the ACCUPLACER app (look for the purple acorn), not from a browser tab, to ensure your session remains secure and uninterrupted.
  • Remote testing is proctored live.
  • A fast and reliable internet connection.
  • You need to apply for college and provide us with your student number. 

Prohibited Items
  • Electronic devices (personal calculators, cell phones, smart watches/glasses, electronic glasses of any kind, iPads, or earphones/buds). 
  • Students are not allowed to view other websites or utilize non-permitted exam materials while testing. Doing so is a violation of student conduct and may invalidate your test scores.
  • Food or beverages. 
  • Personal items such as sunglasses, watches, hats, handbags, backpacks, or umbrellas. 

Helpful Links