Chemistry and Biology Placement Tests

Two separate tests clear prerequisites for different courses in Chemistry and Biology

Click below for the test information details

• Chemistry 1A / Biology 6A Placement Test
• Biology 40A Placement Test

​Chemistry 1A / Biology 6A Placement test

This test is a prerequisite for Chemistry 1A and Biology 6A. Download sample test questions (pdf).

• The results for Chemistry 1A are valid for 12 months from the test date.
• There is no expiration of results for Biology 6A.
• Test may be re-taken after minimum of 6 months.
• Test may not be used to challenge a failed Chemistry 50 course.
• Calculators are allowed.
• Students are seated on first come basis.
• Photo ID and De Anza Student ID number required.

Chemistry 1A/Biology 6A test is administered on the following dates and times only.

*Assessment Center is located in Student & Community Services Building, Room 143 

To be eligible for Chemistry 1A, a student must:

1. Obtain a satisfactory score (22 out of 44) on the Chemistry1A/Biology 6A Test AND
2. Provide transcript proof to Assessment Center of completion of course work equivalent to high school chemistry and intermediate algebra with a grade of "C" or better.

Exceptions

1. Students who complete De Anza's Chemistry 50 with a "C" grade or higher are eligible for Chemistry 1A. They do not need to take the placement test or verify prerequisites.
2. Students who complete prerequisite courses at other colleges may bring official transcript proof to Assessment (SCS, Room 143).  Unofficial transcripts and foreign transcripts must be reviewed by Dean of Physical Science/Math/Engineering,(S3, Room S31). 
3. Foothill students who qualify for Chemistry 1A by testing at Foothill or who passed Foothill's Chemistry 25 with grade "C" or higher should contact Assessment (408 864-8717) prior to registration.

To be eligible for Biology 6A, a student must:

1. Obtain a satisfactory score (22 out of 44) on the Chemistry 1A/Biology 6A Test.

Exceptions:

1. Students who complete  De Anza's Chemistry 50, or Chemistry 1A with a grade of "C" or higher are eligible for Biology 6A.  They do not need to take the placement test.
2. Students who complete prerequisite courses at other colleges should provide transcript proof to Dean of Biological, Health Sciences, Kirsch Center, KC 228 for prerequisite review.
3. Foothill students who qualify for Chemistry 1A by testing at Foothill or who passed Foothill's Chemistry 25 with grade "C" or higher should contact Assessment (408 864-8717) prior to registration.

​Biology 40A Test

This test is a prerequisite for Biology 40A.

• It is a 45-minute multiple choice test administered on computer.
• Questions are chemistry based.
• A qualifying score (14 out of 44) is prerequisite for Biology 40A.
• There is no expiration of results for Biology 40A.
• Test may be re-taken after minimum of 6 months.
• Calculators are allowed.

Download sample questions for Biology 40.

Biology 40A Testing is administered on drop-in basis on days and times listed below.

*Assessment Center is located in Student & Community Services Building, Room 143

To be eligible for Biology 40A, a student must:

1. Obtain a satisfactory score (14 out of 44) on the Biology 40A Test.

Exceptions:

1. Students who complete De Anza's Chemistry 50, or Chemistry 1A, or Chemistry 30A with a grade of "C" or higher are eligible for Biology 40A.  They do not need to take the placement test.
2. Students who complete equivalent prerequisite chemistry courses at other colleges should provide transcript proof to Dean of Biological, Health Sciences, Kirsch Center, KC228 for review.
3. Foothill students who complete Foothill's Chemistry 25, Chemistry 1A or Chemistry 30A with grade "C" or higher should contact Assesement Center 408.864.8717 prior to registration.