Math Placement Testing

All students who do not have college level course work in Mathematics must take the Mathematics placement test prior to registering for the following Mathematics courses: Math 010, 020, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 203 or 246.

When are they taken:

Most students take them through Regional Placement testing prior to enrolling at UW-Eau Claire, or during New Student Orientation. Students needing placement tests at other times should contact Academic Testing, Schofield 226, 836-5522.

Description of the test:

The placement test contains items from elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, college algebra and trigonometry.

Complete description and sample questions.

Scores

The current test has 3 scores: Basic, Algebra and Trig.

Prior to spring 2005 there were 4 scores: E-Alg (Elementary Algebra); I-Alg (Intermediate Algebra), C-Algebra (College Algebra) and Trig (Trigonometry).

The test has a score range from 150-850.

Placement

• Math placement chart, spring 2005 on
• Math Placement chart prior to spring, 2005

Interpreting the results:

• A student’s course placement based on the placement test is indicated on the Blugold System. However, students and advisers should still make certain that the student has the prerequisite high school course work.
• The registration system will enforce these placement scores. A student may enroll in a course below their placement, but not one above.

New freshmen whose scores place them into the mandatory remedial category must take the remedial course prior to completing 30 credits or their registration will be blocked.

REMEDIAL POLICY 

Mandatory Placement into Mathematics 020 or 010

By mandate of the UW-System Board of Regents, each university is required to implement mandatory placement into remedial courses in Mathematics if minimal criteria for entering credit bearing courses are not met.

• New freshmen whose Algebra score is below 376 must successfully complete remedial Mathematics (Math 010 or 020) prior to completing 30 credits or future registration will be blocked.
• New freshmen must take the remedial work even when their program does not require the sequential Mathematics courses.
• Some students may first need to take Mathematics 010 to obtain proper preparation for Mathematics 020.
• A low, but passing grade in Mathematics 020 will satisfy the Regents' remedial course mandate but may not be sufficient preparation for success in other mathematics courses.