Placement Test How To Guides

Important Placement Exam Information

Placement testing can be completed in 2 ways, either In-person or Remotely or a combination. The Office of Testing will send you an email outlining what your testing needs are and provide instructions on how to fulfill those needs.

How does in-person testing work?

In-person placement exams will be administered to students at our Main campus testing lab. When you receive your placement exam Confirmation email there are several steps you should consider ahead of time to make sure your experience is smooth:

• Bring an original (no smartphone images or photocopies), unexpired, government-issued Photo Id with you on the day of testing. Examples include: state driver's license, state non-driver identification card, passport, permanent resident card and military id.
• Bring a copy of your test confirmation email. It contains directions, parking information and a campus map.
• Know your William Paterson Student ID Number (it start with 855).
• Scrap paper, pencils and erasers are provided.
• Arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to test once testing has begun.
• DO NOT bring any valuables or large bulky items. Small items will be placed into a locker while you are testing.
• All electronics (smartphones, smart watches, pagers, etc.) will be placed into a locker during testing.
• Calculators are NOT permitted.
• Do not bring any un-attended children with you.

How does remote testing work?

• You can use a Laptop computer or Desktop computer. Most iPads also work.
• CHROMEBOOKs should be avoided as these have restrictions placed on them that usually prevent testing. Please borrow another device from a trusted friend or relative. 
• The entire test session will be recorded and reviewed.
• You must be in quiet area, alone and it must be well lit. DO NOT attempt to test in a public place like a library.
• You must agree to following the Academic Integrity Policy and Remote Testing Rules while testing.
• The test must be completed in ONE sitting. You cannot leave the camera viewing area during testing. PLAN AHEAD.
• ONLY the Respondus Lockdown Browser can be used for testing: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=853232452
• NO OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE PERMITTED FOR USE OR ALLOWED TO BE NEARBY. NO CALCULATORS OR AIDS.
• If you have a documented disability and are requesting a Special Accommodation (IEP or 504 Plan), YOU CANNOT TEST REMOTELY. PLEASE CONTACT ARC (See below) on how to proceed.
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY AND THE REMOTE TESTING RULES WILL RESULT IN YOUR TEST SCORES BEING INVALIDATED AND YOU WILL BE PLACED INTO ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONS COURSES.

General:

• Placement Testing Guidelines for : In-person Placement Testing and Remote Placement Testing are available.
• Exams are un-timed. Do not rush! Take your time - re-read passages, check your answers!
• We will send a Reminder email with your placement exam information before your exam.
• Your test results DO NOT appear at the end of testing. They will be sent via email separately, usually in about 2 business days.

What if I have a documented disability and need a Special Accommodation for testing?

If you have documentation like an IEP or 504 plan, please provide that FIRST to our Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) BEFORE REGISTERING to take your placement tests. The ARC can be contacted by email : ARC@wpunj.edu

• ARC usually requires 2 weeks to review your documentation, so please plan ahead.
• Note: Placement tests are UNTIMED, so if your ONLY need is extended time, there is NO need to request a test modification.
• If your need goes beyond extended time, then please wait for ARC to assess your documentation so they can communicate any test modification to the Office of Testing before testing.
• Under some circumstances, the ARC may need to proctor your placement exam either in-person or remotely.