Testing and Proctoring Services
Placement Testing
PWSC offers placement testing and proctoring services for students and community members:
- PWSC Campus: (907) 834-1600 or email pwsc.testing@alaska.edu.
- Copper Basin Campus: (907) 822-3673
- Cordova Campus: (907) 424-7598
- ALEKS® Mathematics scores are valid for one year.
- Accuplacer Writing scores do not expire, but we recommend retesting if you’ve been out of school for a significant period.
- Writing Sample: You may also choose to complete a free UAA Writing Sample, which can provide a more accurate placement.
Score Placement Charts
Other Options for Placement:
- Standardized Test Scores: Submit SAT or ACT scores for writing placement.
- Nontraditional Credit: Submit AP or CLEP scores to receive credit and placement.
- Transfer Credits: Transfer completed writing or math courses from another college/university for placement.
Writing Placement with Accuplacer or Writing Sample
PWSC uses Accuplacer for writing course placement, but students also have the option to complete a UAA Writing Sample for more accurate placement.- Accuplacer: Includes two untimed tests: Next Generation Reading and Next Generation Writing. Plan for 1-1.5 hours to complete both tests.
- Writing Sample: A free alternative for students, offering a comprehensive assessment for course placement.
Option 1: UAA/PWSC Writing Sample
- We highly recommend that you complete a UAA Writing Sample, as it will most accurately place you in the correct courses at UAA.
Option 2: Accuplacer
What You Need for Accuplacer- Photo ID (Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or PWSC student ID)
- UA ID number
- $21 testing fee (to be paid before testing)
If you wish to retest, you may do so once per subject each semester, with a minimum 2-day wait period. The $21 fee will apply again.
Preparing for Accuplacer
Distance/Remote Proctoring Available- If you cannot take Accuplacer or Writing Sample at a PWSC campus, contact Student Affairs at (907) 834-1600 for distance testing options.
Math Placement with ALEKS®
Most students are required to take at least one math course during their studies. PWSC uses the ALEKS® Math Placement Assessment to determine the appropriate starting course.- Log in with your UA username and password: To find your UA username and to set-up your UA password, please visit me.uaa.alaska.edu or contact Student Services for assistance.
- Estimated Test Duration: 90 minutes, although it is untimed.
- Re-testing: Allowed up to 5 times
- Prep and Learning Module: Available after your first test to improve placement
- Option 1: Complete the test virtually using a desktop/laptop with a working webcam. Follow the ALEKS prompts to install the required software.
- Option 2: Schedule proctoring at PWSC by contacting pwsc.testing@alaska.edu or (907) 834-1600.
Test Proctoring
PWSC Student Affairs offers proctoring services for:- University of Alaska distance students: Request PWSC as your testing site through your main campus' eLearning platform.
- Non-UA students: Email testing requests to pwsc.testing@alaska.edu or call (907) 834-1600. A proctor fee will apply (see below).
Proctoring Fees
(Effective April 15th, 2022)