Accuplacer

How to Meet a Course Prerequisite

Ways to meet a course prerequisite:

1. Graduated high school with a diploma and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, within the last 5 years (Math Accuplacer still required).
2. Take the free Accuplacer placement exam at CNM (see Assessment Centers). Placement Exam Score Guide.
3. Submit official ACT, SAT, or TOEFL scores to any CNM Admissions Office.
4. Take a placement or challenge exam for Biology, IT 1010 (IC3 or CLEP), Spanish or French.
5. Enroll in the required prerequisite course and pass it with a grade of CR or C or higher.
6. Complete the required prerequisite course at another institution with a grade of C or higher (official transcript must be on file at CNM Records Office).

Speak with an Academic Coach for further assistance with prerequisite and course placement.

Note: 
a. Students with an associate degree may have the following prerequisites overridden: all developmental courses (numbered below 1000) and ENG 1101.

b. Students with a bachelor’s degree or higher may have the following prerequisites overridden: all developmental courses (numbered below 1000) ENG 1101, IT 1010, MATH 1210, MATH 1310, BIO 1410, BIO 1492, CHEM 1410, CHEM 1492.

About the Accuplacer Exam

• The exam is computer based
• Completely free
• Results are given upon completion of the exam
• The exam is given at any CNM Assessment Center on a walk-in basis (except the Workforce Training Center)
• The exam is self-paced and is not timed
• On average, the exam takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete
• Paper and pencil version “Companion” exam is available, and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete
• It is highly encouraged that CNM students first apply to the college

Rules

• Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators, and paper are not allowed in the testing room
• Children or other visitors are not allowed in the testing room
• Anyone who gives or receives help during the tests, uses notes, books of any kind, will not be allowed to continue the test
• No test materials or notes may be removed from the test room
• CNM may cancel any test score if there is reason to question the validity of the test scores
• Wait 24 hours to take the exam again

Prepare for the Accuplacer Exam

We suggest that you take a practice Accuplacer exam and follow these general testing tips.You can also review the Accuplacer Handouts page.

Accuplacer Placement Score Guide

Access the Accuplacer Placement Score Guide.

Accuplacer for Distance Learning Students

If you are taking Distance Learning courses and are located outside the Albuquerque Metro area, follow these steps to 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.

• SAT
• ACT