Basic Skills Placement Test/Accuplacer

William Paterson University maintains a Basic Skills Program to ensure students’ preparedness for university-level study in the foundational areas of reading, writing and mathematics.

In order to determine if you need to take courses in the Basic Skills Program, you will be required to take a placement test.   This test will help us to determine the appropriate basic skills and college-level courses you should take in your first year at William Paterson University. The test is given to students on a rolling basis after admission but prior to their enrolling in any courses at the University.

The Office of Testing administers a standardized test called Accuplacer. Most of it is computerized and includes sections in each of the following areas:
   • Reading Comprehension
   • Sentence Skills
   • Elementary Algebra
   • Essay Writing

Accuplacer sample questions for students, please visit The Collegeboard website by clicking here: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/preparation-sample.html

After taking the test you will receive a letter informing you of your basic skills placement.

For more information on the Basic Skills Program, please visit the Basic Skills Website.

There may be times basic skills examinations are cancelled due to inclement weather or other emergencies. In such cases, call after 2 PM for a weekday appointment or after 6:00 AM for a Saturday appointment. The number is 973-720-2570.