Arithmetic is the most-taken Accuplacer subtest and the one where small mistakes cost the most. A sign error on a fraction or a misplaced decimal moves you from college-level math to remedial. The good news: every concept on this test is pre-algebra — nothing here requires a calculator.
Placement threshold
250+ typically qualifies you for QAS-level math courses. Accuplacer is scored 200–300 per subtest — your college publishes its own cutoffs.
Sign errors — negative × negative = positive, but under time pressure many students forget
Unit conversion — mixing inches and feet, or forgetting to convert before comparing
Percent-of-a-percent — '20% off, then 10% more off' is NOT 30% off
Study tip
Work problems by hand without a calculator. Accuplacer Arithmetic is designed to test whether you can do the math, not whether you can punch buttons.