Placement Test How To Guides

Remote Placement Exams will be delivered to students through our University course management system called Blackboard and proctored by a remote service called Respondus. When you receive your placement exam confirmation email there are several steps you should take ahead of time to make sure your technology is ready:

  • Make sure your computer has a good internet connection, a webcam, and Google Chrome active as your web browser. You will only be able to take a remote exam with these components.
    1. If you do not have a webcam or internet access - contact TestCenter@wpunj.edu asap to change your placement option to a transcript review.
    2. If you do not have Google Chrome as your web browser - you can download it here for free: https://www.google.com/chrome/
  • Make sure you can access our Blackboard Office of Testing page by logging in here: www.wpunj.edu/bb
    • You will need to log into our site first by using your username (your last name, first initial and possible a number) and password (this will be your student id number that starts with 855) sent to you by Admissions - if you have trouble or are unsure of your username and password - reach out to TestCenter@wpunj.edu for assistance
    • Once you log in - under Organizations you will see a page listed called Office of Testing - click on that to enter
  • Download the Respondus Browser using this link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=853232452 
    • If you cannot download that extension to your computer - contact TestCenter@wpunj.edu for assistance - if your computer cannot use this extension then you will need to change your placement option to a transcript review.

We will send a reminder email with your placement exam information, password and a copy of these details before your exam. Things to remember:

  • On the day of your exam make sure you have a quiet location to take your exam, your photo id ready, your William Paterson student id number ready (it starts with 855) and blank scrap paper with pen/pencil for the mathematics exam. 
  • Calculators are not permitted during the mathematics placement exam
  • These exams are untimed - do not rush! Take your time - re-read passages, check your answers!

How does remote proctoring work?

When you're ready to take your exam - click on the Respondus Browser link that should be saved to your desktop:

  • Respondus Browser will open and take you to log into Blackboard using your WPU username and password
  • Once you're in Blackboard, choose the Office of Testing organization, read the instructions to get started then click into the Foundations Placement exam link on the left navigation bar
  • Once there - read through the troubleshooting information, make sure you have your passwords for the exam, scrap paper, and a good exam space.
  • Scroll down and click on the exam you need to complete and follow the instructions from there.
  • Once you've completed the exam, there will be a submit button at the end to complete your exam

In-person Placement Exams (SPRING 2023) will be administered to students at our main campus testing lab. When you receive your placement exam confirmation email there are several steps you should consider ahead of time to make sure your experience is smooth:

  • Bring an original (no smartphone images or photocopies), unexpired, government-issued Photo Id with you on the day of testing. Examples include: state driver's license, state non-driver identification card, passport, permanent resident card and military id.
  • Bring a copy of your test confirmation email. It contains directions, parking information and a campus map.
  • Know your William Paterson Student ID Number (it start with 855).
  • Arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to test once testing has begun.
  • Do not bring any valuables or large bulky items. Small items will be placed into a locker while you are testing.
  • Do not bring any electronics into the test lab. Calculators are NOT permitted unless you have a made previous documented arrangements with the ARC for Special Accommodations.
  • Do not bring any un-attended children with you.

We will send a reminder email with your placement exam information before your exam. Things to remember:. 

  • Calculators are not permitted during the mathematics placement exam.
  • These exams are untimed - do not rush! Take your time - re-read passages, check your answers!

How does in-person proctoring work?

When you arrive, you will be asked to present your photo ID and place all personal belongings into an individual locker. ALL electronics (smart watches, cell phones, pagers, etc.) must be turned off placed into a locker. Scrap paper and pencils will be provided.

  • Once you've completed the exam, you will receive an email of the results and receive information about next steps.

What if I have a documented need for a Special Accommodation for testing?

If you have documentation for an IEP or 504 plan, please provide that FIRST to our Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) BEFORE you take your placement tests. They can be contacted by email : ARC@wpunj.edu

  • ARC usually requires 2 weeks to review your documentation, so please plan ahead.
  • Note: Placement tests are UNTIMED, so if your ONLY need is extended time, there is NO need to request a test modification.
  • If your need goes beyond extended time, then please wait for ARC to assess your documentation so they can communicate any test modification to the Office of Testing before testing.
  • Under some circumstances, the ARC may need to proctor your placement exam either in-person or remotely.