Math Placement Tests: Four Different Levels

Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, College Level, and Calculus Readiness

Math Course Sequence

Click below for math level test information

• Basic Math (Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra)
• College-Level Math
• Calculus Readiness

Arithmetic and Elementary Algebra (computerized) Tests

These are 2 separate basic math tests. Tests are untimed multiple choice format.  Arithmetic Test clears students for entry into Math 210 or 212 depending on score.  Elementary Algebra Test clears students for entry into Math 210, 212, 114 depending on score.

Review sample test questions

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College-Level Math (computerized) Test

This test is untimed and covers Intermediate Algebra and Trigonometry skills for entry into Math 10, 11, 44, 46, 51, 49A.

Review sample test questions

Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra and College Level Math Tests are administered on drop-in basis. Calculators are not permitted. Students must bring photo ID and know De Anza 8-digit Student Identification Number.

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

Can placement testing or prerequisite courses completed at other colleges be used instead of testing?

1. Students who have completed Elementary Algebra or higher course work (grade "C" or better) at another college may provide a copy of their official college transcript to Assessment Center for review. Courses must have articulation with  De Anza. Completed course work without articulation agreements and unofficial transcripts must be reviewed by Dean of Physical Science, Math & Engineering (S3, Room S31). Students can check articulation on www.assist.org
2. Students who complete placement tests or prerequisite courses at Foothill should contact De Anza Assessment Center (408 864-8717) prior to registration.
3. Students who complete math courses at colleges outside the USA can provide copy of translated transcript to Dean of Physical Sciences, Math, Engineering for placement review.(S3, Room S31)
4. Students who have taken College Board "ACCUPLACER" math testing at another college can have their previous college provide Accuplacer test scores to De Anza Assessment Center Supervisor at flectcherstephen@fhda.edu for placement review. 

What are the re-test policies?

• Students must wait minimum 6 months to re-test on same math test.
• Placement tests are not challenge tests.  Students cannot re-test to challenge a failed course.
• Placement results expire after 1 year

Calculus Readiness Test: (paper & pencil test)

This is a one-hour timed multiple choice test for entry into Pre-Calculus Math 49A, 49B, and Calculus Math 1A. Test covers trigonometry and pre-calculus skills.

Download (PDF) sample test questions: Calculus.

Test is administered on limited dates and times. Calculators are not permitted. Test may be re-taken after minimum of 6 months.  Results expire after one year. 

Students must bring photo ID, several #2 wood pencils, and know their De Anza 8-digit Student ID Number. There are no appointments. Students are seated on first come basis. Calculus Test dates are:

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

 Can math placement tests or math courses completed at other colleges be used for pre-calculus or calculus placement?

1. Students who have completed trigonometry or higher course work (grade "C" or better) at another college may provide a copy of their official college transcript to Assessment Center for review. Courses must have articulation agreements with  De Anza.  Courses without articulation agreements and unofficial transcripts must be reviewed by Dean of Physical Science, Math & Engineering (S3, Room S31).  Students can check articulation on www.assist.org
2. Students who have completed prerequisite courses at Foothill must contact De Anza Assessment Center 408.864.8717 prior to registration.
3. Students who have received a qualifying score 3 or higher on College Board AP Calculus exams may provide copy of exam report to Assessment Center for placement review.
4. Students who have taken College Board "ACCUPLACER" College Level math testing at another college can have their previous college provide Accuplacer test score to De Anza's Assessment Center Supervisor at flectcherstephen@fhda.edu for placement review for Pre-Calculus 49A.  "ACCUPLACER" test scores are not used for placement into Pre-Calculus 49B or Calculus 1A at De Anza.

What are the re-test policies?

• Students must wait minimum 6 months to re-test on same level math test.
• Placement tests are not challenge tests. Students cannot re-test to challenge a failed course.
• Placement results expire after 1 year.