What it is
Two related kinds of tests sit between high school and college/career. Placement tests (like Accuplacer and ALEKS) decide which college courses you start in — they're not pass/fail. Career-readiness assessments (ACT WorkKeys, which earns the National Career Readiness Certificate) measure job skills for employers. Neither is an admissions test.
Format & structure
- Accuplacer (College Board)Computer-adaptive, untimed placement tests in reading, writing, and math (plus a WritePlacer essay and ESL versions). Common at community colleges to place students into the right course level.
- ALEKS (McGraw Hill)An adaptive math placement assessment (ALEKS PPL) many colleges use — it also offers targeted practice modules to improve your placement.
- ACT WorkKeysJob-skills assessments — Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents — that lead to the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) at Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum levels.
How it's scored
Placement tests report a score/level used to place you into a course (developmental or credit-bearing) — there's no pass/fail. ALEKS reports a 0–100 placement score. WorkKeys reports levels that combine into the NCRC (Bronze → Platinum). A higher placement can let you skip remedial courses and save time and tuition.
Registration & cost
Placement tests are usually arranged through the college you're entering (often free or low-cost, given on campus or online). WorkKeys is offered through ACT-authorized sites, schools, workforce centers, and some states' CTE programs.
Test dates & timing
Placement tests are typically taken before your first term during enrollment/orientation. WorkKeys is scheduled through your school or a testing site — often during a CTE program or job-training pathway.
How to prepare
- Do brush up — it affects placementUnlike a low-stakes screener, a higher placement can skip remedial courses
- Use official practiceAccuplacer, ALEKS, and ACT WorkKeys all offer free practice/learning modules
- ALEKS rewards reviewIts practice modules can raise your math placement before you retest
- Know your college's cut scoresThey determine which course you place into
Strategies & tips
- Take placement seriouslyA better score can save a semester of non-credit coursework
- Use ALEKS learning modulesThen retake to place higher in math
- Aim for a strong NCRC levelGold/Platinum signals more to employers
- Ask about placement alternativesSome colleges also place using GPA or SAT/ACT scores
How scores are used
Colleges use placement results to put you in the right first courses (placing higher can save time and money). Employers and states use the WorkKeys NCRC to certify job readiness — some states use it as a CTE or graduation-pathway measure. These support the transition to college and work, not admission.
Accommodations & support
Accommodations for documented disabilities are arranged through your college (placement) or the ACT/testing site (WorkKeys).
Frequently asked questions
- Is placement pass/fail?No — it places you into the right course level.
- Can I prepare?Yes — and you should; a higher placement can skip remedial courses (ALEKS even has practice modules).
- What is the NCRC?The National Career Readiness Certificate, earned via ACT WorkKeys, at Bronze–Platinum levels.
- Do all colleges use these?Placement varies — some use Accuplacer/ALEKS, some place by GPA or SAT/ACT.
- Is this an admissions test?No — placement and career-readiness are separate from admissions.
Key facts
- PlacementAccuplacer · ALEKS (math)
- CareerACT WorkKeys → NCRC (Bronze–Platinum)
- Pass/fail?No — places you into course levels
- WhoEntering college students & job-seekers
- Used forCourse placement & job readiness
Where to learn more
Learn more from the official sources and your college: