FAQs for Placement Testing

Placement testing measures reading, writing, listening, and mathematics skills. Placement testing is used to guide students with the selection of appropriate courses in these disciplines to help ensure a student’s academic success upon entering SMSU. The results are used to determine initial placements in English, mathematics, and EMLS courses.

If you have questions about your course placement, please contact Kaitlyn Giles, Assistant Director of Student Success, at 507-537-7273 or Kaitlyn.Giles@smsu.edu

If you are dissatisfied with your course placement, you may wish to consult your assigned academic advisor or the Deeann Griebel Student Success Center before taking the placement tests a second time. You can retake each exam unit (i.e., mathematics, reading, listening, etc.) of the placement test twice in a 12-month period. There is a 30-day wait period from the date of your 1st test date before students can retake the ACCUPLACER.

No, there is no pass or fail. The tests indicate your current skill level, not your potential.

SMSU follows the guidelines of assessment for course placement set forth by the Minnesota State system. Reading and writing placement scores are valid if taken within five calendar years, inclusive of the current calendar year and mathematics scores are valid for two calendar years, inclusive of the current calendar year. SMSU also applies a 5-year validity period to EMLS placement scores.

Students can register to take the ACCUPLACER by contacting Kaitlyn Giles, Assistant Director of Student Success, at 507-537-7273 or via email Kaitlyn.Giles@SMSU.edu. Please reach out at least 1 week before the date you want to take the test.

Students who may need accommodations for placement testing because of a disability should contact Accessibility Services:
https://www.smsu.edu/accessibility/index.html

Vickie Abel
Coordinator of Accessibility Services
Individualized Learning (IL) 220
Vickie.Abel@smsu.edu
(507) 537-6492

ACCUPLACER is free to students enrolled in Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. There is a $10.00 fee assessed for retaking all or a portion of the ACCUPLACER.

Students who have questions about course placement may contact:

Sarah Brown
Coordinator of Academic Support & New Student Engagement
Deeann Griebel Student Success Center
Individualized Learning (IL) 224D
Sarah.Brown@SMSU.edu
(507) 537-7216

Last Modified: 4/29/25 2:40 PM | Website Feedback