Accuplacer and Other Placement Options

Used to determine which courses a new CNM student should take towards their declared major.

ACCUPLACER Study App 

The free ACCUPLACER Study App features practice tests in Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, College-Level Math, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Skills. You can access the site from your computer, tablet, or Smartphone.

Get the App Today

Course Placement Options

The Accuplacer and the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) are available if you do not have any of the items listed below. They are not pass/fail assessments and are only used to determine which classes you are eligible to take. 

Note: Unofficial transcripts can be used for course placement for the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms. Please share your transcripts with your advisor for placement assistance. Learn more about unofficial and official transcripts on our Transcripts page. 

  • Provide ACT, SAT, or TOEFL scores to CNM.
  • Graduating from high school (for non-math courses): High School GPA must be a 2.5 or greater, Student must have graduated with a conferred diploma, An official transcript must be submitted to CNM or unofficial reviewed by an advisor
  • Take the Directed Self-Placement tool (for non-math courses).
  • Take the Accuplacer assessment tool at the CNM Assessment Center. Review the Placement Exam Score Guide.
  • Enroll in the required prerequisite courses at CNM and pass with a grade of CR or C or higher.
  • Complete the required prerequisite courses at another institution with a grade of C or higher and email a transcript to CNM.
  • Completion of Arts & Sciences Elective
  • Provide confirmation through the admissions process of an advanced degree:
    (a) Associates degree meets IRW courses and ENGL 1110
    (b) Baccalaureate degree or higher meets all developmental courses and ENGL 1110, BCIS 1110, MATH 1101, MATH 1215, BIOL 1140 & BIOL 1140L, CHEM 1120 & CHEM 1120L
  • Take a placement exam for Biology, Spanish or French.
  • Take a challenge exam
  • Demonstrate Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) in Military Training, Standardized Exam (e.g., AP, DSST, etc.), Challenge Exams, Industry Certification and Licensures, CNM Ingenuity Training, Community Partnerships, and Portfolio Assessment.
Speak with an advisor for further assistance with prerequisites and course placement.

About the Accuplacer Next-Generation Exam

  • In-person Accuplacer testing is available at the Main, Westside, Rio Rancho, Montoya, and South Valley campuses.
  • If taking the Accuplacer remotely, you will need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a webcam and audio capabilities. The test will be proctored remotely by Assessment Center staff.
  • Exams must be scheduled; please use the 'Schedule my Accuplacer' button below.
  • English and reading placement now requires the Reading Next-Gen test.
  • The exam is computer-based.
  • The exam is completely free.
  • Results are given upon completion of the exam.
  • The exam is self-paced and is not timed.
  • On average the exam takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

For non-math placement, students can also take the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) instead of the Accuplacer. It can be taken from your cell phone.

If you do not have a webcam and would like to take the Accuplacer remotely, please email us at testing@cnm.edu

Schedule my Accuplacer (Placement Test)

Rules

  • Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators, and paper are not allowed in the testing area.
  • Children or other visitors are not allowed in the testing area.
  • Anyone who gives or receives help during the tests, uses notes, books of any kind, will not be allowed to continue the test.
  • CNM may cancel any test score if there is reason to question the validity of the test scores.
  • You must wait 24 hours to take the exam again.

Prepare for the Accuplacer Next-Generation Exam

Reading Preparation:
Math Preparation:
WritePlacer Preparation:

Accuplacer Placement Score Guide

Access the Placement Exam Score Guide

Accuplacer for Distance Learning Students

If you are located outside the Albuquerque Metro area, and taking, or planning on taking, Distance Learning Courses, follow these steps to take the Accuplacer test in your local area:
  • Complete the form below and fax it to (505) 224-3258
  • Wait for an email reply from CNM with additional instructions before taking the test
Accuplacer Distance Location Form

Request SAT/ACT scores

Visit the SAT or ACT website to request a copy of your test scores to be sent to CNM.

High School Accuplacer Proctors