FAQ and Placement Testing Policies

1. Do I have to take the placement test?

Not necessarily. Students are initially placed into English and math course levels by their ACT or SAT scores if they are available. Admissions can tell you if you need to take the Wisconsin Placement Test.

Students wishing to establish placement beyond entry level courses in Modern Languages should take the placement test.

2. Can I take a placement test to "place out of" a course?

If you have taken or are currently enrolled in any of the following courses or their equivalents, then you will NOT be permitted to take the placement exam for that subject.

*Math:  010, 015, 102, 111, 112, 113, 114, 221

*English:  090, 100, 101

*Reading:  083, 085

*Spanish:  103, 104, 203, 204, 303

*French:  103, 104, 203, 204, 301

*German:  103, 104, 203, 204, 305

Please note the most recent placement test scores stand regardless of previous placement exam, ACT, or SAT scores.  Be aware that you may place into a course lower than your current placement. 

3. My ACT/SAT scores are older than 3 years. What should I do?

You will need to take the placement test.

4. What course did I place into?

You can see the Math and English course you placed into using the ACT/SAT by using the Conversion Chart Link

5. What are my scores?

Contact us in Learning Assistance or ask your academic advisor. Test scores cannot be given over the phone.

6. Is there any way I can review for the test? What's on the test?

The placement testing webpage has a link to the Wisconsin System Placement Testing website that gives additional information about the placement test content. The link is: http://www.testing.wisc.edu/centerpages/contentsofplacementtests.html

7. Is there a fee?

No, there is no fee to take the Wisconsin Placement Test here.

8. Can I retake the placement test? I don't think I was placed into the correct level. What can I do?

You can retake the test, but the most recent results stand. If you place into a lower course level, that will then be the course you must take.

You may retake the placement test only once. Placement test retakes must be completed prior to the start of classes.

Our experience is that students who attempt a retest place into the same level as the prior placement.

9. I can't come for placement at the scheduled testing times. What should I do?

The days and times provide multiple opportunities for coming to take placement tests. You must take the test during scheduled testing times.

10. I've taken the Wisconsin Placement Test on another UW campus. Can those scores be used by the University of Wisconsin-Parkside?

I took the WPT at one of the regional test sites. How can you get my scores?

Your scores are available to us at the Madison data warehouse. You simply need to ask us to access them.

11. I took placement tests at another school. Can they be used at UW-Parkside?

If you tested at any other school other than a University of Wisconsin System school, or if your ACT/SAT scores are older than three years, you will need to take the placement test..

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