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.

The test has two parts: Algebra and Precalculus. Each part is one hour. Calculators and electronic devices are not permitted. Scrap paper will be provided. Your placement is determined by your performance. Depending on your results on the Algebra section, you may or may not proceed to the Precalculus section.

How do I take the Math Placement Test?

Students take the test in person through Brightspace, CUNY’s learning management system. There is no online testing option.

Before you arrive for in-person testing, you must complete all four of the following steps in order to take the Math Placement Test: 

1. Know your CUNYfirst login credentials. You will need your CUNYfirst username and password to access Brightspace.
2. Download and set up Microsoft Authenticator MFA on your smartphone. MFA is required to log into Brightspace.
3. Bring your phone to the test. You will need it to complete MFA and access the exam.
4. Bring a photo ID, preferably your QC ID card or your driver’s license to the test. The name on your photo ID must match the name that appears in CUNYfirst.

Testing sessions are available Monday through Thursday in the Math Lab, KY 331. Sign up for an available time slot here.

NOTE – If you are a student entitled to accommodations due to disability and you are registered with the Office of Special Services (SPSV), please contact SPSV directly to schedule an accommodated testing appointment.

Office of Special Services (SPSV)
Location: Kiely Hall 104/108
Phone: 718-997-5870
Email: qc.spsv@qc.cuny.edu

For more information about SPSV, including how to register for accommodations, please visit their webpage.

Should I study or prepare for the Math Placement Test?

We recommend that you do not study or prepare for the placement test.

The purpose of the test is to determine the course level that best matches your current skills, not to pass or achieve a particular score. If you over-prepare, you might place into a class that’s too advanced, where you’ll struggle because you lack key foundational skills.

Taking the placement test is about long-term success, not short-term performance.

 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 should not take the Math Placement Test if:

• • Your major/minor does not require a course in the algebra-to-calculus sequence.
  • You are currently taking Math 115, 122, 131, 141, 142, 143, 151, or 152 and did not withdraw before the semester’s withdrawal deadline.
  • You have received a grade (including transfer credit) in Math 115, 122, 131, 141, 142, 143, 151, or 152. That grade will determine your math placement as follows:
    • • C- through A+ for Math 115, 122, 131, 141, 142, or 151. In this case, your placement is the next course in the sequence.
      • D+ or D for Math 115, 122, 131, 141, 142, 143, 151, or 152. In this case you may repeat the same course.
      • F or NC for Math 115, 122, 131, 141, 142, 143, 151, or 152. In this case, you may repeat the same course. However, we recommend that you consider enrolling in a lower-level course, if available and appropriate, to strengthen your foundational skills before attempting the course again.

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). Consult your department for full requirements and course preference.
  • Elementary Education: MATH 119 (Math for Elementary School Teachers). The Math Placement Test is not required

I took an AP class but have not yet received my score(s). Do I still have to take the Math Placement Test?

Yes, you still need to take the Math Placement Test even if you took an AP class and are waiting on your scores. We want to ensure you have a course placement now so that you can register on time.

Once your AP scores arrive, you can bring them to the Math Department. They’ll review your scores and, if appropriate, help you update your placement to reflect your AP credit. This could allow you to switch into a higher-level course if your scores qualify.

What if I have previous math credit awarded to me for a course in the Algebra to Calculus sequence?

You can send an email to math@qc.cuny.edu asking if the departmental credit evaluator can review your academic credits to determine if you may be awarded credit for a course in the Algebra to Calculus sequence. The evaluator can determine whether your prior coursework meets the requirements for course equivalency. If it is determined that there is no course equivalency, then you will need to take the Math Placement Test.

I took the Math Placement Test and have received my placement. What is the next step?

Your next step is course registration. How you register for math courses depends on your student status:

• • Incoming first-year students: Show your Math Placement Test scores in Brightspace, along with the confirmation email you received after completing the test (which includes your placement), to your Academic Advisor. They will assist you with course registration.
  • Macaulay Honors students: Show your Math Placement Test scores in Brightspace, along with the confirmation email (which includes your placement), to your Macaulay Advisor. They will assist you with registration.
  • SEEK students: Contact the SEEK department directly for assistance with registration.
  • TIME 2000 students: Contact the TIME 2000 program administrators directly for assistance with registration.
  • All other students: Forward the placement confirmation email your received after taking the test to mathregistration@qc.cuny.edu from your QC email account to request registration assistance. Mention that you were placed into Math 1XX by the Math Placement Exam. Be sure to include the class name, section, date, and time of the course you’d like to register for.

If you don’t want to take the course you were placed into after the Math Placement Test, here’s what you should do:

• • Consider your placement recommendation seriously: The placement is based on your current skill level and is meant to help you succeed. Skipping ahead might leave you underprepared, while dropping to a lower level might delay your progress unnecessarily.
  • Talk to the Math Department after meeting with an Advisor: We can explain why you were placed in that course and what your options are if you feel it’s not the right fit.

Ultimately, it’s possible to change your placement, but it should be done in consultation with the department.

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)

If you still have questions, you can reach out to us at MathPlacement@qc.cuny.edu.