The purpose of this test is to place students who wish to study Classical Physics (Physics 7 series) into the appropriate physics course. The Physics 7A/7B placement test is not required (see "How can I enroll in Physics 7A or 7B?" below).

Based on their results, students will be placed into one of two courses: Physics 7A or Physics 7B. Physics 7A is offered in fall and winter quarters. Physics 7B is offered in winter and spring quarters. Mathematics 2A (first quarter of calculus) is a corequisite for Physics 7A. Mathematics 2B (second quarter of calculus) is a corequisite for Physics 7B.

Who needs to take the Physics 7A/7B Placement Test?

• Chemistry majors
• Earth and Environmental Sciences majors
• Physics majors

Engineering majors should take the Physics 2 placement test.

Note: Applied Ecology and Biological Sciences majors usually take Basic Physics (Physics 3) which does not require a placement test. Physics 3 is also taken by students preparing for medical, dental, pharmacy school, or other health professions.

How can I enroll in Physics 7A or 7B?

• Students who wish to enroll in Physics 7A, offered in the fall, may do so without taking the placement test as long as they meet the mathematics corequisite requirement. Passing Physics 7A will enable you to enroll in Physics 7B without having to take the Physics Placement Test.
  
  
• Students who wish to be exempt from Physics 7A and enroll in Physics 7B must take the Physics Placement Test. Results from this test are valid until the time you enroll in the course.

You are exempt from this placement test if you earned a score of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Physics Examination, Exam C, Part I (Mechanics) or Exam C, Part II (Electricity and Magnetism). You may enroll directly into Physics 7B.

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

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. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Sixth Edition, by Serway & Jewett (Thomson,
   Brookes/Cole publishers).
2. Physics textbook - Halliday, D. et al., Fundamentals of Physics (5th ed., ex.), New York: J. Wiley & Sons, 1997
3. High School Course - Before taking the test, you should review your high school physics material.
   

You will have 60 minutes to answer 31 multiple-choice questions.

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 items:

Click here for sample items. ....................................

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