Online Math Placement Exam F.A.Q.

This is an collection of Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the Math Placement Exam.

General Questions

Online/Computer Problems

Scheduling the Test


General Questions


Can I use a calculator or books on the test?

Calculators are not needed and may not be used on this exam. You may not use books, the Internet, or other materials, or consult with anyone while taking this exam. Using calculators or other materials will make it harder to complete the exam on time, and may result in your being advised to take a class inappropriate for you.


Do I need to take the math placement exam?

The math placement exam is required to enroll in any introductory level courses in math (MAT 12, 16A, 17A, 21A, 21AH or 36). The Department of Mathematics will administratively drop students who do not qualify for a course in which they enroll. Not all majors or colleges require math courses. We recommend that you check the requirements for your courses, major, college, and career goals, or seek advising during Orientation (or at the beginning of the quarter) before taking the math placement exam.

Please refer to Office of the University Registrar, General Catalog for more information.


Do I still need to take the Math Placement Exam if I did well on SATs or the AP test?

As of Fall 2010, ALL students who register in MAT 12, 16A, 17A, 21A, 21AH, or 36 will be required to take the online math placement exam, regardless of your SAT or AP test scores.

The Department of Mathematics will administratively drop students who do not qualify for a course in which they enroll. Not all majors or colleges require math courses. We recommend that you check the requirements for your courses, major, college, and career goals, or seek advising during Orientation (or at the beginning of the quarter) before taking the pertinent placement exam.

Please refer to Office of the University Registrar, General Catalog for more information.


Do I still need to take the Math Placement Exam if I took college courses?

If you are enrolling in MAT 12, 16A, 17A, 21A, 21AH or 36, you are required to take the exam, regardless of college credit.


Is the precalculus exam the same as the Math Placement Exam?

The Math Placement Exam is also sometimes referred to as the Precalculus Diagnostic Exam or the Precalculus Placement Exam. Regardless of name, it is the exam which fulfills the Math Placement Requirement as described in the UC Davis Catalog.


What do I need to take the test online?

You will need to know your username for the test. Your exam username is the first part of the email address on file with the University as your primary contact address for admissions and campus correspondence. For most, this will be the first part of your UC Davis email address. For example, if your email address is jsmith@ucdavis.edu, then your username would be jsmith . Your password is your student ID number, with no spaces or symbols between the numbers.

Your computer will need access to the internet, and a web browser. Because the test is timed, and that timer continues without pause once you start the exam, it's best to take the test from a computer with a reliable internet connection. You will also need scratch paper and a pen or pencil to work the problems on the exam.


What if I require accommodations for my disability to take the exam?

Students with disabilities will need to contact the UC Davis Student Disabilities Center. They will work with the Department of Mathematics to provide you with accommodations to take the exam.


What will the exam include?

You can find more information on what will be covered in the exam under "Preparation Tips" on the Math Placement Requirement web page.


When do I get my test results?

New students taking the test online before Orientation can get their test results at Orientation. New students taking the written test during Orientation will get their scores after the test is complete. Continuing students can check their scores via SISWEB several days after they complete the test.


Online/Computer Problems


I've forgotten my Math Placement Exam username! How can I find it to take the test?

Your exam username is the first part of the email address on file with the University as your primary contact address for admissions and campus correspondence. For most, this will be the first part of your UC Davis email address. For example, if your email address is jsmith@ucdavis.edu, then your username would be jsmith .

If you have forgotten your contact address, you can email placementexam@math.ucdavis.edu with your full name and student id, requesting this information.


My web browser crashed or my computer turned off, what do I do?

If your web browser crashes, immediately reopen the test. It will let you continue working where you left off until the timer counts down to zero. However, the timer will keep counting down even if your computer is not on.


What if I am having issues with completing the exam online?

For computer/technical questions or advising questions regarding the online math placement exam, please contact our staff at placementexam@math.ucdavis.edu


Scheduling the Test


Do I have to complete the whole online exam at one time?

Yes. You have 90 minutes to take the exam, and you cannot save your progress and finish at another time. The timer continues to count down as soon as you choose to begin the test.


What if I am unable to take the exam during my time frame?

If you are unable to complete the online math placement exam during your designated time frame or need to re-take the exam, you are able to do so at scheduled times during the academic year. For more information about upcoming times, contact our staff at placementexam@math.ucdavis.edu.

Do note that you are only allowed two attempts per quarter. Also, taking the online math placement exam for Summer Orientation does count as one attempt for the Fall quarter qualification period.


When can I complete the online math placement exam?

Beginning Fall 2010, all students registered in either MAT 12, 16A, 17A, 21A, 21AH or 36 must take the math placement exam to ensure their enrollment in these classes. Failure to meet the placement requirements will result in being administratively dropped from the class. Please reference the Math Placement Requirement web page for information about the minimum cut-off scores needed to place into these classes.

The Math Placement Exam is ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Students will be notified via email of when they will be able to take the exam. Instructions and links to the exam will be provided. For more information about the online exam, please check the Online Math Placement Exam web page.

Note: As with any exam, if you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the UC Davis Student Disabilities Center.

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