Math Assessment

Hello. Are you planning to continue your studies at DVC? If so, you may need to take a Math Assessment Test at the Assessment Center. For assessing into either Math 110 or Math 75 you will need to take the Algebra Readiness Test, and for assessing into either Math 120 or Math 110 you will need to take the Elementary Algebra Diagnostic Test. If you are at a more advanced level and think you can assess into any course from Math 121 (Trigonometry) through Math 181 (Finite Math) you will want to take the Intermediate Algebra Test.  Last, if you’re really advanced and believe you can assess into any class from Math 182 (Business Calculus I) and above you will want to take the Pre-Calculus Test. (For details and dates of these assessment tests contact the Assessment Center at ext 2545.)  

Below are links to practice assessment tests. By trying these practice tests you will get a feel for where you stand, mathematically speaking, and the areas you may wish to brush up on before attempting the actual assessment tests at the Assessment Center. Also note that for each of the actual assessment tests given at the Assessment Center you will have 45 minutes and you will NOT be allowed to use a calculator. Keep in mind that the these practice tests will give you only a sampling of some of the types of problems on the actual assessment tests, not all, and so some additional review on your part may be worthwhile.  

Special Note If you feel you are ready to take Math 110, but could really use a quick review of the basics of arithmetic (integers, fractions and decimals) and the basics of algebra (variables, combining like terms, solving simple linear equations), the course Math 80K might interest you. This is a 0.5 unit short course, offered once before the start of each semester, and once during the semester, covering these topics. Contact the Math department for details (ext 2608).

Best of luck to you!

Here are the links to the various practice tests:

Students may choose from four different math assessments (level: 2, 3, 4, or 5) depending on their individual background and preparation.

Level 2 - If you have never taken an algebra class, you should consider taking the ALGEBRA READINESS test. Topics include arithmetic operations with integers, fractions, decimals and simple equations. This test will recommend the following courses:

Math 110 Elementary Algebra

Math 75 Arithmetic & Pre-Algebra

Math 65 Arithmetic & Problem Solving

Algebra Readiness Practice Test    (link to “Algebra Readiness Assessment Test-online practice.doc”) (actual test is 45 minutes)

Level 3 - If you have completed the equivalent of Algebra I or PCM I or II (see proctor) you should take the ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA test. Topics include algebra expressions, inequalities, polynomials and linear equations. This test will recommend the following courses:

Math 120 Intermediate Algebra

Math 110 Elementary Algebra

Math 75  Arithmetic & Pre-Algebra

 Elementary Algebra Diagnostic Practice Test  (link to “Elementary Algebra Assessment Test –online practice.doc”) (actual test is 45 minutes)

Level 4 - If you have completed the equivalent of Algebra II or PCM  II or III (see proctor) you should take the INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA test. Topics include exponents and radicals, quadratic equations, logarithms, graphing and functions. This test will recommend the following courses:

Math 181 Finite Math

Math 142 Statistics               

Math 135 College Algebra

Math 124 Math for Liberal Arts

Math 121 Trigonometry       

Math 120 Intermediate Algebra

Math 110 Elementary Algebra

Math 75   Arithmetic and Pre-Algebra

Intermediate Algebra Practice Test     (link to http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/test/test.asp) (actual test is 45 minutes) 

Level 5 - If you have completed the equivalent of Algebra II and Trigonometry, Functions or PCM III you should take the PRE-CALCULUSS test. Topics include polynomials, trigonometry, logarithms and exponential functions. This test will recommend the following courses:

Math 192 Analytical Geometry &  Calculus I

Math 182 Calculus for Management

Math 191 Pre-Calculus

Math 181 Finite Math

Math 142 Statistics

Math 135 College Algebra

Math 124 Math for Liberal Arts

Math 121 Trigonometry

Math 120 Intermediate Algebra

Math 110 Elementary Algebra

Pre-Calculus Practice Test    (link to http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/crtest/test.asp) (actual test is 60 minutes)

Ø   EACH LEVEL MATH ASSESSMENT MAY BE TAKEN ONLY ONCE PER YEAR.

Ø   RESULTS MAY BE AVAILABLE THE SAME DAY THAT YOU COMPLETE THE EXAM.

* Enrollment in desired math courses require placement by assessment scores or successful completion of the appropriate prerequisite. (See course catalog)