GETTING STARTED WITH THE TESTING CENTER
Explore the offering of the Testing Centers at Georgia State University. Use the menu on the left to explore topics like the Exam Day to find out what to expect on exam day; Locations & Contacts for how to reach us; FAQ’s for answers to common questions.
What to expect on Exam Day
Bringing Items to the Test Center:
The only thing required of all exams that you must bring with you for test day is an unexpired government issued photo identification and your appointment receipt. The unexpired government issued photo identification is required for admission to take any examination. For the math placement exam or make-up exams a GSU ID can be used as well. A copy of your appointment information will only be needed if the registration system is down or if for some reason the appointment isn't listed in the system for us; this can be shown via email on a phone. Please check with specific exams, as they may require additional items (like a Registration Ticket for CLEP or DSST exams).
- Please note that for CLEP exams your full name on your ID must match your full name as printed on your CLEP ticket. You will need to bring both your ID and your CLEP Ticket on Test day. For more information about CLEP ID requirements, see What to Bring on Test Day.
PLEASE NOTE: Electronic copies of IDs are not accepted at this time. Any ID presented for check-in at the testing centers must be the physical, original document.
An examinee is allowed the use of a calculator only if the exam instructions explicitly state that a calculator is allowed. The ACCUPLACER and MATH PLACEMENT Exams do not allow the use of a personal calculator. The use of the calculator function on a cell phone is not allowed at any time.
Ear plugs are allowed during testing; however, students must supply their own ear plugs. Ear buds connected to electronics (e.g., phone, iPod, etc.) are not allowed. Otherwise, candidates may ask for noise cancelling headsets at the center.
Food, drink, personal electronic devices, and any item not expressly permitted per the procedures for an exam are prohibited in the Testing Center examination rooms. Pencils and scratch paper, if allowed, will be provided by the Testing Center. Lockers are available at the Testing Centers for storing personal items, but valuables should be left at home. Use of lockers is at the examinee’s own risk and Georgia State University and its Testing Centers assume no responsibility for items placed in lockers.
Payment of Proctoring and Exam Fees
If payment has not been prior to test day, testing will not be started until payment is completed. Please see the section on fees for more details on how to pay for proctoring services and exams.
All Test fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
During the exam:
Talking during testing is not permitted. College policies regarding misconduct and academic integrity (i.e., unruly behavior, cheating) are enforced. Scratch paper is provided only for tests with instructions that include scratch paper. All test materials, including scratch paper, must be returned to the proctor before the student leaves the Testing Center. Under no circumstances should the examinee be allowed to leave the Test Center with any scratch paper.
Restroom breaks are permitted. Examinees are to be reminded that time will continue to count down during unscheduled breaks. Per the requirements of the exams, candidates may be required to go through check-in procedures again when returning from breaks.
Testing Locations & Contacts
Alpharetta Campus
[email protected]
770-274-5638
Room AA-1260
3705 Brookside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022-4408
Atlanta Campus
[email protected]
Counseling and Testing Center
Suite 200A
75 Piedmont Ave, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Clarkston Campus
[email protected]
678-891-3700
Room CH-2180
555 N. Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021-2361
Decatur Campus
[email protected]
678-891-2755
Room SF-2300
3251 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034-3832
Dunwoody Campus
[email protected]
770-274-5440
Room NC-1261
2101 Womack Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338-4435
Newton Campus
[email protected]
678-891-2480
Room 2N-2400
239 Cedar Lane
Covington, Georgia 30014
Parking and Transit Options
Alpharetta Campus
University Visitor Parking
Visitors of Perimeter campuses must park in designated Visitors Parking area. Violators will be ticketed. Please see the Visitor Parking Quick Guide for more details.
Atlanta Campus
Transit Options
Two MARTA train stations are near the center, one on the east-west line (Georgia State station) and the other on the north-south line (Peachtree Center station), as well as several bus stops. Visit MARTA for more information to plan an itinerary.
University Visitor Parking and Public Parking
University operated visitor parking is available. Lots or decks not affiliated with Georgia State University are also within the area; prices vary by lot, so consider comparing rates before visiting the center.
Clarkston Campus
University Visitor Parking
Visitors of Perimeter campuses must park in designated Visitors Parking area. Violators will be ticketed. Please see the Visitor Parking Quick Guide for more details.
Decatur Campus
University Visitor Parking
Visitors of Perimeter campuses must park in designated Visitors Parking area. Violators will be ticketed. Please see the Visitor Parking Quick Guide for more details.
Dunwoody Campus
University Visitor Parking
Visitors of Perimeter campuses must park in designated Visitors Parking area. Violators will be ticketed. Please see the Visitor Parking Quick Guide for more details.
Newton Campus
Transit Options
Unfortunately, there is no transit option to the Newton Campus currently.
University Visitor Parking
Visitors of Perimeter campuses must park in designated Visitors Parking area. Violators will be ticketed. Please see the Visitor Parking Quick Guide for more details.
Neither eating nor drinking is allowed in exam rooms, therefore neither Food nor drink should be brought to the Testing Center.
All cell phones must be turned off and locked in the provided lockers. They cannot be taken into the testing labs.
Testing information for students, including scores, is not part of Directory Information, as set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, we cannot provide scores over the phone. Additionally, Testing does not receive copied of all scores (please see "How to Get Scores" for more information).
Testing fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once registration dates and times are confirmed, if the test taker cannot attend on the selected date and time, fees will not be refunded, nor will the registration date be transferred. Examinees may use the registration portal page they registered on to change their schedule up to 48 hours before their test date.
There is no limit to the number of retesting attempts that an applicant or student may have on the ACCUPLACER exams.
There is no limit to the number of retesting attempts that a student may have on the Legislative (History or Constitution) exams, however students may not test multiple times in one week.
Testing proctors exams throughout the year. So a student can test anytime a seat is available for them.
That said, often this question is asked of us because the student wants to know if Admissions will accept the score after an application deadline, document deadline or other benchmarked time frame. Unfortunately, the Testing Centers cannot answer this question; applicants will need to reach out to the Admissions Department to find out what deadlines they must meet for admissions for a specific semester.
Ear plugs are allowed during testing, however, students must supply their own ear plugs. Ear buds connected to electronics (e.g., phone, IPod, etc.) are not allowed. Centers have noise cancelling headphones available by request; please call ahead to make sure of availability.
No, Georgia State University uses the "Spanish Language Levels 1 and 2" exam, not the "Spanish with Writing Levels 1 and 2" exam.
No. While the application does ask about test scores, you can complete the application without testing. Indeed, if testing for Georgia State, you need access to your Panther ID number, which you will only get as part of the admissions process.
Yes. Scores are reported to the school(s) designated as the recipient(s) in approximately two to three weeks. (Score reporting for exams that include an essay might take one to two weeks longer as the essays for Georgia State University are hand scored by faculty.)
You can read more about this on our CLEP page.
Not at this time.
Our preferred method of contact is via email; multiple people can check our email accounts. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to answer the phone while proctoring exams.
Alpharetta – [email protected]
Atlanta - [email protected]
Clarkston – [email protected]
Decatur – [email protected]
Dunwoody – [email protected]
Newton – [email protected]
If you are asked to test to complete your Admissions Application to Georgia State University, you should see on your checklist on your applicant status page if an exam is needed for to complete your application.
If you are an admitted student, you should check with your advisor regarding any testing you may need for your program.
Sample problems for parts of the ACCUPLACER may be viewed at the College Board's ACCUPLACER website. Additionally, College Board has a free study app available for use. Alternative sites for assistance with math preparation may be found at PurpleMath.
Khan Academy offers resources for a wide array of subjects.
Georgia State University's Learning and Tutoring Center offer preparations resources and links for many purposes.
The official website for your individual exam may also recommend preparation material.
If you scheduled with a vendor, like ETS, Measure Learning or ATI Teas, you will need to reschedule with that exam service using their rescheduling procedures.
If you scheduled with a proctoring service, like Examity, you will need to reschedule with that proctoring service using their rescheduling procedures.
If you schedule directly with GSU Testing using our RegisterBlast registration sites, you will need to follow the instructions on the site:
Note that the instructions to reschedule via RegisterBlast is the same for each site, but you must reschedule at the site that you registered at. 24-48 hours before a test is scheduled, we lock our rosters in and the system will not allow a reschedule.
Students who 'no show' a test date (made an appointment and did not attend) cannot reschedule but must make a new appointment EXCEPT for students taking the first Math Placement at a GSU test center. These students after their test time is over should reschedule the missed exam so as to not be charged for the first exam.
Georgia State University currently considers ACCUPLACER scores valid for 3 years.
The ACCUPLACER WritePlacer Essay is timed at 60 minutes by the computer. Any other test section is untimed. The average time for examinees on all parts is 2.5 hours.
The ACCUPLACER WritePlacer Essay is timed at 60 minutes by the computer. Any other test section is untimed. The time will vary from person to person based on the number of sections a person takes, the number of questions per section and how long a person takes to responds to the questions. Most students will finish in about 30-45 minutes per area, excluding WritePlacer. Sessions beginning at 9 a.m. will be terminated no later than 12:45 p.m. Sessions beginning at 1 p.m. will be terminated no later than 4:45 p.m. Appointments for completion may be made, if necessary.
The Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics, Advanced Algebra and Functions, and Reading sections will each have 20 questions.
ACCUPLACER scores will generally be calculated at the end of the test and display on screen. You may view unofficial copies of scores on the ACCUPLACER website.
For other exams, you will need to check with the exam vendor to see what timeline is provided. Note that the Testing Centers do not receive copies of CLEP scores, and official scores are sent from the College Board directly to the admissions processing team at Georgia State University.
Newly admitted students are added to the iCollege Math Placement exams as iCollege becomes available to them. Until a new student has access to iCollege, they cannot be added to a math placement exam they are eligible for.
If you are unable to log-in to iCollege, you are unable to be added to the iCollege exams.
Once a new student is eligible to use iCollege, enrollment in iCollege will be based on the following adjusted HS GPA's
HS GPA |
ICM |
less than 3.1 |
not eligible for iCollege Math Placement; can still take ACCUPLACER Math Placement |
3.1 to 3.29 |
ICM1 |
3.30 to 3.49 |
ICM2 |
3.5 to 4.30 |
ICM3 |
If you can log into iCollege, and meet one of the GPAs above that would allow enrollment into an iCollege exam, and still do not see an exam in iCollege, please speak with an assistant director of advising so they can review your eligibility. Advising will then work with Testing to ensure access if you should have access and do not.
Yes, the Counseling and Testing Center offers individual proctoring services for those engaged in distance learning, or for other assessments and certifications on an appointment basis, with appointments the Testing office staff proctor both paper based and computer based exams.
Prior to designating the Counseling and Testing Center location or having test materials sent to this office, students should confirm an appointment with the proctor. Proctor arrangements may be made as far in advance as the desired dates for testing are known.
Please see our website for Proctoring services for more information.
We need to see non-expired government issued photo IDs. This can include High School Ids that have a photo and full name and passports. If you need more guidance on this, please contact the center you wish to test at.
Examinees will need a valid government issued photo identification that includes a signature. Currently enrolled students taking a test for GSU, such as Math Placement, make-up exams, etc., may also present their student ID. Any Item not expressly permitted into the Testing Center for an exam must be secured outside of the testing lab itself. Use of provided locks and lockers are at the examinee’s own risk and Georgia State University and its Testing Centers assume no responsibility for items placed in lockers.
Personal Belongings:
All non-required personal belongings (handbags, books, etc.) are to be stored in provided lockers. All testing materials needed for the exam that are not allowed to be brought in by the examinee, including scratch paper, will be provided by testing services and must be returned to the proctor before the student leaves the Testing Center. Any Item not expressly permitted into the Testing Center for an exam must be secured outside of the testing lab itself. Use of provided locks and lockers are at the examinee’s own risk and Georgia State University and its Testing Centers assume no responsibility for items placed in lockers.
Calculators
A physical Calculator is prohibited on the ACCUPLACER and Math Placement exams; if you bring a calculator you will not be able to use it and will have to store it in a locker. There is an onscreen calculator in the ACCUPLACER platform, available to students if the question allows it. For other exams, please check with the exam company about calculator use.
ACCUPLACER Remote Test
Bring the Voucher number generated for the exam
CLEP
Bring a printed copy of the College Board confirmation on test day. Electronic versions (e.g., on phones, pads, etc.) will not be accepted.
DSST
Two forms of identification. One form must be an official driver’s license with photograph or a valid passport. Four digit school code to indicate school recipient. School codes may be obtained from candidate’s academic advisor or on the DSST website.
This is up to the student. Please note that the ACCUPLACER Math Placement ranges from Learning Support to Calculus of One Variable 1. ICM placements are based on Adjusted HS GPA, and follow this chart as a guideline:
HS GPA |
ICM |
Score 0-59 |
Score 60-79 |
Score 80-100 |
< 3.1 (ACCM/NGM req) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
3.1-3.29 |
ICM1 |
Math 1001 or 1401 |
Math 1111/0999 |
Math 1111 |
3.30-3.49 |
ICM2 |
Math 1111/0999 |
Math 1111 |
Math 1113 |
3.5-4.30 |
ICM3 |
Math 1111 |
Math 1113 |
Math 2211 or 2201 |
Thus if a student is enrolled in ICM1 but needs Calculus (Math 2211), they would need to take the ACCUPLACER exam. However if the student was trying to take Math 1111 without co-requisite course Math 0999, then the ICM1 would be perfectly fine to accomplish that.
Students only get one attempt at the iCollege Math Placement exams, any retest are taken via the ACCUPLACER Math Placement.
The WritePlacer exam is an essay - you are given a prompt and one hour to complete a traditional essay.
The following exams have 20 multiple choice questions:
- Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics
- Reading
- Advanced Algebra and Functions
Preceding each section, the computer will provide a set of instructions describing the test format and information on how to navigate through the test. Questions are answered one at a time, and there is no opportunity to return to a previous question.
The multiple-choice exams are computer-adaptive, and will give you harder or easier questions in random subject areas based on how you answer your questions. Scores are not percentile based.
You can find out more about the content of the exams on the College Board's ACCUPLACER website.
CLEP tests are standardized tests that allow students who believe they are proficient in an academic subject to attempt to earn credit via their CLEP score.
The DSST exams are standardized tests that allow students who believe they are proficient in an academic subject to demonstrate that proficiency.
A proctor is an authorized, neutral, person who ensures the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test taking environment. While the service of the testing centers make a variety of tests available to applicants, students and the community, the primary function of the department is to proctor exams. To proctor or proctoring is the act of monitoring examinees during an examination who have had their identity verified to ensure the integrity of the test.
The Testing Centers do not take credit card information. Any unsolicited credit card information received (via email, FAX or other delivery system) will be destroyed securely and immediately.
The Access and Accommodations Center works with the Testing Center for testing of Georgia State University applicants and students.
If you require accommodations on required admissions tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MAT, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT, you must contact the testing agency directly for their documentation requirements and deadlines for submitting your documentation.
Generally restroom breaks are permitted unless prohibited by the exam vendor. Examinees are to be reminded that time will continue to count down during unscheduled breaks. If there are allowed schedule breaks, the break itself will be timed, but will not be taken from exam times.
The ACCUPLACER Math and Reading exams used for admissions are untimed exam; however the WritePlacer exam is timed, and the timer does not stop.
Admissions testing uses the ACCUPLACER exam for the following purposes:
- Admissions Testing for Nontraditional Applicants to Four-Year Programs
- Admissions and Placement Testing for any applicant to Two-Year Programs
- Placement testing or retests for students admitted to GSU as a “Corequisite Support” student
Applicants should be able to see if you need Admissions Testing (ACCUPLACER WritePlacer Essay, Elementary Algebra, and/or Reading Comprehension) at GSU’s check my status page.
The Testing Centers cannot determine what exams a student may need.
Math Placement is an exam built in ACCUPLACER that follows the Mathematics Department’s guidelines for placement beyond MATH 1001.
The math placement test is required for these majors:
- College of Arts & Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science (B.I.S.)*, Geology, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology (Pre –Medicine concentration only), Art (Interior Design concentration only) *See your advisor for more information. - J. Mack Robinson College of Business
Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Economics, Computer Information Systems, Finance, Hospitality Administration, Managerial Sciences, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management & Insurance
NOTE: The College of Business requires MATH 1111 or higher for all business majors. See your advisor for more information. - College of Education
Exercise Science, Health & Physical Education, Middle Childhood Education - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Economics (B.S. only)
The math placement test is optional for these majors.
Students are encouraged to take the test to assess their math skills and register for an appropriate math course.
- College of Arts & Sciences
African American Studies, Anthropology, Applied Linguistics, Art, Art Education, English, Film & Video, French, Geography, German, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Journalism, Music, Music Management, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology (B.A. only), Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Speech, Women’s Studies - College of Education
Birth Through Five, Early Childhood Education
The Testing Centers cannot determine what exams a student may need.
RegisterBlast is the system we use to schedule testing appointments.
There is one RegisterBlast site for each Testing Center -
You may freely navigate through each site and see the schedule for exams. You do not have to take an exam at any particular site, you can test at any of our locations that are convenient to you and that have a test on the day and/or time you wish.
ACCUPLACER is an exam platform containing multiple computer based, multiple choice question computer adaptive exam used for multiple purposes by Georgia State University.
The University System of Georgia uses the ACCUPLACER WritePlacer; Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics; and Next Generation Reading exams to determine if certain students are admissible to the college.
Additionally, the Math Department used the Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics and the Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions exams to determine eligibility to take mathematics courses up to MATH 2211 - Calculus of One Variable I.
You can read more about ACCUPLACER on its dedicated page on our website.
Both exams assesses writing skills taught in most first-year college composition courses.
The College Composition exam contains approximately 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in approximately 55 minutes and 2 mandatory, centrally scored essays to be written in 70 minutes, for a total testing time of 125 minutes.
The College Composition Modular exam contains approximately 90 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 95 minutes. It can be offered with an optional hand-written essay scored by the institution.
Georgia State University uses the College Composition Modular exam with the optional essay. When registering you will want to order the College Composition Modular exam from the College Board, and then register for the College Composition Modular exam and then a second appointment for your optional essay.
The ACCUPLACER Math Placement exam is a computer adaptive exam that can place a student from Learning Support to Calculus of One Variable 1. It is the preffered method of Math Placement.
As an alternative to the ACCUPLACER Math Placement during the pandemic, the Math Department created three exams, ICM1, ICM2 and ICM3 to allow a more limited math placement. Placement into these exams is based on an adjusted GPA based on admission's calculations. Because these are not computer adaptive exams, they are more limited in what they can demonstrate, and thus are more limited than ACCUPLACER in the placement ranges.
This chart shows the adjusted HS GPA ranges and ICM placements:
HS GPA |
ICM |
Score 0-59 |
Score 60-79 |
Score 80-100 |
< 3.1 (ACCM/NGM req) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
3.1-3.29 |
ICM1 |
Math 1001 or 1401 |
Math 1111/0999 |
Math 1111 |
3.30-3.49 |
ICM2 |
Math 1111/0999 |
Math 1111 |
Math 1113 |
3.5-4.30 |
ICM3 |
Math 1111 |
Math 1113 |
Math 2211 or 2201 |
Students only have one attempt at an ICM exam; if they need to retest, they would have to take the ACCUPLACER exam.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is an exam used for entrance with many Nursing Programs, including those for Georgia State University.
Questions about the nursing program at Georgia State University should be directed to the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions at 404-413-1200 or the Perimeter College Nursing department at 678-891-3840
The Testing Center provides a wide range of testing services to the Georgia State University community. Services include, but are not limited to, online testing, independent learning, admissions and placement testing, national and university standardized tests, professional development certifications. Faculty services include test scanning and scoring and make-up exams as space is available.
ACCUPLACER and Math Placement scores are submitted to Admissions in a batch within 72 hours of testing. Admissions will then require some time to evaluate the scores with other application data and make any necessary determinations. Applicants will be notified in writing of the admission decision sometime during the month following submission of their scores.
Students who are required to take a co-requisite support course (MATH 1001 & MATH 0997, MATH 1401 & MATH 0996, MATH 1111 & MATH 0999, ENGL 1101 & ENGL 0999) must register for both courses at the same time, or else the system will register an error.
If you are still having registration issues, you should contact your advisor.
The Panther ID Number is a unique identifier, and is used to match your scores with your record so that you can be admitted using your scores and so that you can register for classes without error by meeting pre-requisites. If you were to test without a Panther ID#, your scores would only be in the ACCUPLACER database where it would not be applicable to your application or registration. To not delay your admissions decision, or registration, you need to make sure that you use the correct Panther ID Number at the time of testing. Using other numbers will not match your scores to your application and record and can create problems during registration.
The "Applicant Number" on your application is not your Panther ID Number. A Panther ID Number is a 9 digit number, beginning with either a "00" or "90"
Note that you do not need to test prior to submitting an application to Georgia State University. The Panther ID Number is typically generated 24-48 hours after you've applied to the university.
Questions regarding processing of AP, IB and CLEP exams scores at Georgia State University should be directed to Clarissa Staten, Admissions at [email protected]. Note that official test scores may take 2-6 weeks to be received by Georgia State University.
This is a choice of the mathematics department. ACCUPLACER (specifically the WritePlacer, Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics, and Next-Generation Reading) were chosen by the University System of Georgia (USG) for use in admissions decisions for some students, as well as placement, or exemption, of Learning Support coursework. These USG wide placement decisions only take a student as far as MATH 1111. Criteria to take coursework higher than MATH 1111 is left to the institution. Rather than have students take a separate test for placement into MATH 1113 or higher, the mathematics department opted to use the same tests so students would have the ability to attempt to test as high as possible in one sitting, regardless of why they were testing.
Testing Staff
Christopher Rednour
Director of Testing, all campuses
Phone: 404-413-1740
Email
LaTrease Myles, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Testing Service, Atlanta, Decatur, Newton
Phone: 678-891-2755
Email
Lori L. Payne
Assistant Director of Testing Services, Dunwoody, Clarkston, Alpharetta
Phone: 770-274-5440
Email
LeKeisha Edwards
Coordinator of Testing Services, Alpharetta
Phone: 770-274-5638
Email
Jason M. Gladman
Coordinator of Testing Services, Clarkston
Phone: 678-891-3700
Email
Jeanette C. Lee
Coordinator of Testing Services, Decatur & Newton
Phone: 678-891-2480 (Newton); 678-891-2755 (Decatur)
Email
Glynda Kidd
Administrative Coordinator, Atlanta
Phone: 404-413-1740
Email
Marc Louchez
Administrative Coordinator, Dunwoody
Phone: 770-274-5440
Email
Melissa Paige
Administrative Coordinator, Atlanta
Phone: 404-413-1740
Email
Stephen Taylor
Administrative Coordinator, Clarkston
Phone: 678-891-3700
Email
Note: Each campus Testing Center may have slight variations in procedures for registration and testing. Make sure to refer to any location specific information when planning your test day.