The Accuplacer assessment is used to assess Grade 12 English Equivalency. The Accuplacer is a computer-based test composed of three parts:
- reading comprehension
- sentence structure (Writing Skills)
- essay writing (WritePlacer)
Our exam centre offers both in person and Off-campus Accuplacer assessments.
The Off-campus Accuplacer is available for applicants residing outside of VIU's Cowichan, Nanaimo and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) campus regions. If you live in a VIU campus regions we recommend you write the assessment in person.
Accuplacer fees are non-refundable.
Note: Our centre does not offer the Accuplacer Math assessment.
Before you book: exam accommodations for Accuplacer
We support Accuplacer applicants with documented disabilities. Email accessibilityservices@viu.ca before you apply so you make an appointment to speak with VIU's Accessibility Services team.
Why take the Accuplacer?
A classroom-based or online course is always our first recommendation for students who do not meet the English 12 requirement for admission to a program or course at Vancouver Island University.
However, we recognize that time is sometimes an issue or that you already have a high level of skill in English reading, writing and grammar.
If this is the case, you may choose to write the Accuplacer assessment to challenge grade 12 English equivalency.
Note: This test does not replace the Dogwood diploma
Accuplacer Study Resources
Reading comprehension
Accuplacer Sample Reading and Writing Skills Sample Questions
Does your computer meet the system requirements for a remote Accuplacer Test?
Accuplacer Test Platform
ProctorU Remote-Proctor Platform
Book your Accuplacer test
In-person Accuplacer
Write the Accuplacer Grade 12 English Equivalency test at our centre at VIU Nanaimo.
Email us at Assessments@viu.ca for more information about booking.
Remote Accuplacer
Write the Accuplacer test from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits your schedule.
Accuplacer FAQ
We can support Accuplacer applicants with documented disabilities. The first step is to reach out to us directly at Assessments@viu.ca before applying so that we can get you set up with VIU's Accessibility Services team.
The reading comprehension (20 multiple choice questions) and writing skills sections (25 multiple choice questions) are untimed; WritePlacer has a 70-minute limit for a 300-600 word essay.
The average time to complete all three sections is 2.5 hours.
You will receive your results within 2 business days of sitting the Accuplacer although it may be possible to receive your results on the same day as you complete your assessment.
Results will also be forwarded to VIU's Admissions and Registration team.
A $75 Accuplacer testing fee must be paid when you register for a test. The rewrite fee is $60.
For remote Accuplacer tests, there is an additional $28US fee charged by the third party online proctor service, ProctorU.
Accuplacer fees are non-refundable.
There are many sites that offer practice material and tips for how to do well on the Accuplacer.
Below is a sample of some of these helpful materials.
- Accuplacer Study Materials (follow the link and enter the codes below to access study resources)
- Reading Comprehension: READ03
- Writing Skills: WRIT03
- WritePlacer Essay: ESSAY01
- Accuplacer Sample Reading and Writing Skills Sample Questions
- Accuplacer Sample WritePlacer essays and critiques (PDF)
- WritePlacer Essay Tips
| Equivalent grade for Grade 12 English | Reading Comprehension | Writing Skills | WritePlacer Essay |
|---|---|---|---|
C | 260+ | 250+ | 5+ |
C+ | 265+ | 250+ | 5+ |
B | 265+ | 255+ | 6+ |
The Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills test scores are reported on a 100-point scale from 200 to 300.
The WritePlacer score is reported on a scale from 0 - 8 with a description for each score. A score of zero indicates that the response was off topic, in a language other than English, too short to be evaluated, or in some other way not able to be scored.
The Accuplacer is an adaptive test: if you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be easier and vice versa. It is marked by extremely sophisticated software that has been tried and tested extensively, including a study here at VIU. We are confident that the Accuplacer test is a valid and reliable indicator of skills at a Grade 12 level.
The Accuplacer is not a diagnostic or ‘teaching’ test. There is no feedback on or access to the test results other than the final scores.
Note: Accuplacer scores are valid for two years.
An applicant may rewrite one or more of the Accuplacer sections after their initial attempt.
It is highly recommended that the applicant spends several weeks reviewing the subject matter before attempting their first rewrite, and 90 days before attempting a second rewrite.
If the applicant is not successful on their second rewrite, VIU requires that they wait until at least one year has passed since the first testing session. Formal upgrading courses are highly recommended during this period.