The purpose of the Calculus Placement Test is to place you into the appropriate introductory mathematics course at UCI. You will be placed into one of the following courses: Mathematics 2A, the first quarter of the calculus series, which is offered every quarter; or a course in precalculus (Mathematics 1A or 1B). Mathematics 1A is offered fall quarter; Mathematics 1B is offered fall, winter and summer.

Should I take the Calculus or the Mathematical Analysis Placement test?

Before taking this test, you should have completed a precalculus course, or the equivalent, with a grade of "C" or better. An example of a precalculus course is a fourth-year high school math course with trigonometry and math analysis or a community college course.

Mathematics 2A is required for the following majors:

Since test results are valid for only one year, students who do not plan to take Mathematics 2A in their first year may postpone taking this test for one year. This include ICS majors.

Students majoring in Anthropology, International Studies, Linguistics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, or Sociology may apply calculus toward satisfaction of their major requirements. Mathematics 2A may also be used to satisfy part of UCI's Mathematics and Symbolic Systems (Category VI) breadth requirement. Undecided/Undeclared students who are considering any of these options should take the test. Mathematics 2A is also required for students who plan to go into medical, dental, or pharmacy school, or other health professions.

There are two methods of enrolling in Mathematics 2A:

1. Calculus Placement Test. If you place into Mathematics 2A by way of the Calculus Placement Test, you must enroll in Mathematics 2A within one year of your test date. Results from this exam are valid for one academic year only.
   
   
2. Precalculus course. If your score on the Calculus Placement Test does not qualify you for Mathematics 2A, then you should enroll in the precalculus course specified on your result letter (Mathematics 1A or 1B). Passing Mathematics 1B (the second quarter of the calculus sequence) with a grade of "C" or better will enable you to enroll in Mathematics 2A without retaking the Calculus Placement Test; however, you must enroll in Mathematics 2A within one year of completing Mathematics 1B at UCI. Mathematics 1B is offered during both Summer sessions at UCI and in the fall and winter quarters. For students in the Schools of Engineering or Physical Sciences, taking Mathematics 1B in the summer makes it easier to stay on schedule for your major.

Note: WebReg will not allow you to enroll in Mathematics 2A unless you have satisfied one of the procedures above. Please refer to the Mathematics section in the Schedule of Classes for detailed information on enrollment procedures.

You are exempt from this test (and from taking Mathematics 2A) if you have earned a score of:

1. 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Mathematics Examination (AB). You may enroll directly into Mathematics 2B.
2. 4 or 5 on the College Board AP Mathematics Examination (BC). You may enroll directly into Mathematics 2D or 2J.
3. 3 on the College Board AP Mathematics Examination (BC only). You may enroll into Mathematics 2B.

You should take the placement test if you have taken the AP Mathematics Examination but have not yet received the result.

No other test scores or calculus courses (taken at other colleges or universities) may be used to exempt you from taking the calculus Test.

How can I prepare for the examination?

The Academic Testing Center has a small reference library to help you with your test preparation. Click here to learn about the check-out and return policies and procedures.

Review materials:

1. High School Textbook - Before taking the test, you should review your high school calculus material.
2. calculus Textbook - Sullivan, M., calculus (6th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1999.
3. Online Mathematics Diagnostic Test - Test your skills in algebra and geometry. (Note: Trigonometry is not covered on this exam.)

You will have 60 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. A calculator is permitted.

How many times can I take the test?

You are allowed to take the test only once per calendar month.

How long are the test results valid?

Test results are valid for a period of one calendar year from the test date.

Is test registration required?

Test registration is always required. You may register online, by phone or email.

Do I need an I.D. to take a placement test?

Yes. To be admitted to any test administered by the Academic Testing Center, you must present two forms of valid photo I.D. This requirement is strictly enforced.

The following are examples of acceptable forms of I.D.:

UCI or other school photo I.D. card AND a government-issued photo I.D. card. (e.g., a photo-bearing driver's license, a photo-bearing DMV-issued identification card, a photo-bearing military I.D. card, a passport featuring a current photograph, a Permanent Resident Card- commonly know as a Green Card- featuring a current photograph).

Sample problems:

Click here for sample problems.

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