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Physics 7C Placement Test

This test is currently scheduled for November 23rd, register now online.


What is the purpose of the Physics 7C Placement Test?

All students who wish to take the Physics 7 series must take the placement test for Physics 7C unless otherwise exempt.  The Physics 7C placement test will assess your preparation for university-level physics coursework, and covers topics in both physics and calculus. Reviewing your notes and study guides from high school will be very useful!

If you score 75% of higher on the Physics 7C placement test you may enroll on Physics 7C (offered winter quarter). NOTE: you must have taken, or received credit for, Mathematics 2A (Introductory Calculus) before you can enroll in Physics 7C.

If you score less than 75% on the Physics 7C placement test you will eligible for one of the following courses:

  • Physics 2 (for all students in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering). Successful completion of Physics 2 will allow students to take Physics 7C in winter quarter and Physics 7D in spring quarter.
  • Physics 7A (for all students in the School of Physical Sciences). Successful completion of Physics 7A will allow students to take Physics 7B in winter quarter and Physics 7D in spring quarter.

Who is exempt?

If you earned a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Physics Exam C, Part I or II, and you are an Engineering major, you are exempt from this placement test and may enroll in Physics 7C.

If you earned a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Physics Exam C, Part I or II, and you are a Physical  Sciences major, you are exempt from this placement test and may enroll in Physics 7B for fall quarter.

You should take the placement test if you have taken the AP Physics Exam C but have not yet received the results.

How can I prepare for the placement test?

  1. Before taking the test you should review your high school physics material.
  2. Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Sixth Edition, by Serway and Jewett (Thomson, Brookes/Coles publishers).
  3. Fundamentals of Physics, 5th Edition, by Halliday et al. (J.Wiley publisher)

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.

How long is the test?

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

This test is not available online for Fall quarter. Please refer to our current schedule for updates.

Sample items:

Click here for sample items.

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