Frequent Questions - Placement Test

Why should I take a Placement Test?
Is anyone exempt from taking a Placement Test?
Where can I find more information about the Placement Test?
Are there different levels of the Placement Test, and if so, how do I decide which test to take?
Are calculators permitted on a Placement Test?
How often can I take a Placement Test?
When should I take a Placement Test?
How should I prepare for a Placement Test?
Can I use a Placement Test to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics?
Can I lose my transfer credits?

Why should I take a Placement Test?: To qualify to register for any math course through Math 140 - Calculus Ia student must have a sufficient score on the appropriate level of Math Placement Test. [Back to Questions]
Is anyone exempt from taking a Placement Test?: Yes. Students who have received college credit for Math 140 - Calculus Iare exempt from the Math Placement Test. [Back to Questions]
Where can I find more information about the Placement Test?: You can find more information, including the location of the Testing Center, dates, and important things to know about the test HERE. [Back to Questions]
Are there different levels of the Placement Test, and if so, how do I decide which test to take?: There are several levels of the Placement Test, and a chart describing and comparing them is available HERE. At Assessment students will be asked to take the Placement Test level which best matches their math preparation. [Back to Questions]
How often can I take a Placement Test?: Students may take a Math Placement Test no more than two times in a month. [Back to Questions]
Are calculators permitted on a Placement Test?: No. Calculators are not permitted. [Back to Questions]
When should I take a Placement Test?: New students will take the appropriate Math Placement Test at Assessment. Click HERE for Assessment dates and times. Continuing and non-degree students may take the Math Placement Test at specific dates and times scheduled throughout the year. For Math Placement Test dates, click HERE. [Back to Questions]
How should I prepare for a Placement Test?: The best way to prepare for the Math Placement test is to review the math problems from the last math course you took. A good book for review for Test A or B is Basic Math, You Can Count on Yourself by Linda Falstein. It is available at the reserve desk in the Healey Library at UMass Boston, or at the campus bookstore. [Back to Questions]
Can I use a Placement Test to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics?: Yes. Every student seeking a degree at UMass Boston is required to demonstrate proficiency in mathematics. Proficiency may be demonstrated in a number of ways, one of which is placing into Math 130 - Pre-Calculusor higher on the Math placement examination. [Back to Questions]
Can I lose my transfer credits?: Yes. In order to keep the math transfer credits you matriculate with, it is important that you choose the correct test to take and get a score that places you in a course higher than the one(s) you have transferred. If you register for a course at or below that level, you will lose your transfer credit. Be sure you consult a math department advisor before registering. [Back to Questions]

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Page last modified: October 26, 2007			Department of Mathematics University of Massachusetts Boston Phone: 617-287-6460; Fax: 617-287-6433 Information: Webmaster: