Accuplacer English Assessment: What You Need to Know
Accuplacer English assessment: key information
Vancouver Island University’s Assessment and Exam Services offers the Accuplacer English assessment for applicants who need to meet Grade 12 English equivalency requirements.
The test is computer-based and includes three parts:
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Structure (Writing Skills)
- Essay Writing (WritePlacer)
Please note:
- Accuplacer fees are non-refundable
- We do not offer Accuplacer Math assessments at this time
Where to take the Accuplacer
In-person
Write the Accuplacer at one of our campuses: Nanaimo, Cowichan, or tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River).
We recommend in-person testing if you live within these regions for the best support and testing environment.
Off campus
If you live outside the Cowichan, Nanaimo, or tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus areas, you can write the test remotely from your home at a time that suits your schedule.
Why take the Accuplacer?
We usually recommend upgrading through a classroom or online course if you don’t meet VIU’s English 12 requirement.
But if you’re confident in your reading, writing, and grammar skills - and need a faster option - you can write the Accuplacer to challenge Grade 12 English equivalency.
Note: This test does not replace the Dogwood diploma
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.
Book and pay for your Accuplacer test
Off-campus Accuplacer
Live outside the Nanaimo, Cowichan, or tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) campus regions? You can write the Accuplacer from home at a time that works for you.
Fill out the Off-Campus Accuplacer Request Form and follow the instructions provided..
Off-campus Accuplacer request form
Please note: Accuplacer fees are non-refundable.
Prepare for the Accuplacer
A bit of review can go a long way. These resources can help you feel confident and ready on test day:
- Official College Board practice site with free tests and sample questions
- WritePlacer essay tips to help you prepare for the written portion
Accuplacer FAQ
We can support Accuplacer applicants with documented disabilities. The first step is to reach out to accessibilityservices@viu.ca before applying, so that you can schedule a meeting with with VIU's Accessibility Services.
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.
A bit of preparation can boost your confidence and help you perform your best.
Here are some helpful study resources:.
- Accuplacer Study Materials (use the codes below to access specific practice areas)
- Reading Comprehension: READ03
- Writing Skills: WRIT03
- WritePlacer Essay: ESSAY01
- WritePlacer Essay Tips for guidance on writing a strong response.
Tips:
- Focus on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Practice reading actively; summarize paragraphs as you go.
- For the essay, plan your ideas before writing and leave time to review.
- Time yourself when doing practice questions to build confidence.
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.
Accuplacer score requirements
| Program / Purpose | Reading | Writing Skills | WritePlacer Essay |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIU Admissions – Grade 12 English (C) | 260+ | 250+ | 5+ |
| VIU Admissions – Grade 12 English (C+) | 265+ | 250+ | 5+ |
| VIU Admissions – Grade 12 English (B) | 265+ | 255+ | 6+ |
| BC Corrections | 260+ | — | 6+ |
| VIU HCAP Program (Grade 10 level) | 230+ | 230+ | 4+ |
Understanding Your Accuplacer Scores
The Accuplacer is designed to assess your readiness for university-level English. It’s not a pass/fail test, but your score must meet a specific threshold to be considered equivalent to Grade 12 English.
Score Ranges
- Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills are scored on a scale from 200 to 300
- WritePlacer Essay is scored from 0 to 8
- A score of 0 means the response couldn’t be scored (for example, it was too short or off-topic)
What kind of test is it?
Accuplacer is an adaptive test. That means the questions adjust based on how you answer. Get one wrong, and the next might be easier; get one right, and the next might be harder. This helps the system quickly and accurately assess your level.
It’s also machine-scored using proven, research-based algorithms. In fact, VIU participated in a validation study to ensure the results are reliable and aligned with Grade 12 standards. We are confident the scores fairly reflect the required skill level.
Important to know
- This is not a diagnostic or teaching test—you won’t get feedback on which questions you got right or wrong
- The scores are final, and there’s no option to appeal or request regrading
- Scores are valid for two years
Example:
A Reading score of 259 may feel close to the required 260, but the cutoffs are firm. Like letter grades, there’s no rounding up—a “C” equivalency begins at 260. If you fall just below, you can choose to review and rewrite.