Math placement test

The purpose of math placement testing is to place you in a math course appropriate to your skill level to ensure success. If you plan to take math as part of your studies at UW Tacoma, you will need to take the math placement test before registering for any math classes. You do not "pass" or "fail" the placement test, but it is very important that you do your best to have an accurate measure of your academic skills.

Taking the math placement test

Math placement tests will be held on the first and third Thursday of each month from May through August at 2:00 pm.  Advanced registration is required. To schedule a test, please call 253-692-4740.

There is a $25 fee for the math placement test that must be paid before taking the test. Payment can be made by phone with a credit or debit card by calling 253-692-4669, or in person at the Cashier’s Office in MAT 354. If payment is made in person, please bring a copy of the receipt to the testing session to verify payment.

On the date of the test, bring photo identification along with your receipt if the fee was paid in person. Basic calculators (no graphing, sine or scientific features) are allowed during testing. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided.

How the test works

The UW Tacoma math placement test is an adaptive, computer-based test. Questions are chosen on the basis of your answers to previous questions. There is no time limit on the test, so you can give each question as much thought as you need. You cannot skip a question or go back and change your answer, so it is important to take the time and double check your work before submitting an answer. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices, then pick from the remaining choices.

You begin with the Elementary Algebra Test (twelve questions). Based on the results you may then automatically progress to either the College-Level Mathematics Test (twenty questions) or the Arithmetic Test (seventeen questions) based on your performance. Practice questions are available on the College Board website.

It is recommended that you allow approximately two hours to complete the test. The test is not timed, so you may take as long as you need.

How to read your scores

Your student record will be updated within seven to ten days. Once updated, you will be able to register for your math course. Click on the course that matches your score for more information.