What is the Queens College Mathematics Placement Test?

The Queens College Math Placement Test is designed to place you in a course that matches your current skills. The goal is to find the right starting point for you in the algebra to calculus sequence. Students take the test through Brightspace, CUNY’s learning management system.

How do I take the Queens College Math Placement Test?

Access the placement test here.

You will need to login to Brightspace using your CUNYfirst login credentials (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu, where ## is the last 2 digits of your CUNY EMPL ID.)  

Click the “Enroll in Course” button, then click “Ok” if prompted. Finally click the “Open Course” button and follow the instructions in the posted announcement.

Who is required to take the Math Placement Test and what is my placement?

You must take the Math Placement Test if:

• • Your intended major requires a course in the algebra to calculus sequence, and you have not received credit for MATH 115, 122, 131, 141, 142, 143, 151, or 152.

You cannot take the Math Placement Test if:

• • You have credit for Math 115, 122, 141, 142, or 151. In this case, your placement is the next course in the sequence.
  • Your major/minor does not require a course in the algebra-to-calculus sequence.

What is the Algebra to Calculus sequence at Queens College?
The Department of Mathematics offers three sequences for students whose major/minor requires calculus (or in the case of Accounting, requires at the minimum the Precalculus course).

• • Standard sequence (16 credits in total). This is the most common and recommended sequence.
    1. MATH 115. College Algebra for Precalculus (3 credits)
    2. MATH 122. Precalculus (4 credits)
    3. MATH 141. Calculus/Differentiation (3 credits)
    4. MATH 142. Calculus/Integration (3 credits)
    5. MATH 143. Calculus/Infinite Series (3 credits)
  • Accelerated sequence (15 credits in total). This is the sequence for the strongest math students.
    1. MATH 115. College Algebra for Precalculus (3 credits)
    2. MATH 122. Precalculus (4 credits)
    3. MATH 151. Calculus/Differentiation & Integration (4 credits)
    4. MATH 152. Calculus/Integration & Infinite Series(4 credits)
  • Applied sequence (10 credits in total). This is the sequence for students whose major requires MATH 131 and prefer not to take MATH 141 or MATH 151 in the other sequence.
    1. MATH 115. College Algebra for Precalculus (3 credits)
    2. MATH 122. Precalculus (4 credits)
    3. MATH 131. Calculus with Applications to the Social Sciences I (3 credits)

What are the MATH course requirements for my major?

• • Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, and/or Health professions pathways such as Pre-Med/Pre-Dental, Physical Therapy, etc.: At least one semester of Calculus (MATH 141 or 151). Consult your department for full requirements and course preference.
  • Business and Economics: At least one semester of Calculus (MATH 131, 141, or 151). Consult your department for full requirements and course preference.
  • Accounting: A working knowledge of Precalculus (MATH 122). If you place into Calculus after taking the Math Placement Test, you meet this requirement.
  • Elementary Education: MATH 119 (Math for Elementary School Teachers). The Math Placement Test is not required

What are some Math courses I can take if I don’t need Precalculus or Calculus?
Even if you don’t need to take calculus, you will need to earn the Math and Quantitative Reasoning (MQR) Pathways requirement.

For majors not requiring Calculus (e.g. English, History, Political Science, Drama, etc.) we recommend one of the following courses:

• • MATH 110 (Adventures in Mathematics / Math Literacy),
  • MATH 114/114W (Elementary Probability and Statistics),
  • MATH 119 (Math for Elementary School Teachers),
  • MATH 128 (Mathematical Design)

How do I get help if my question isn’t answered here?
If you still have questions, you can reach out to us at mathplacement@qc.cuny.edu.