Mathematics Placement Test (MPT)

General MPT Information

The Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) is a CSUN test, which is used to determine eligibility for enrollment in Math 103, 104, 105, 150A and 255A and must have been taken within the year preceding enrollment in these courses. The MPT does not replace the ELM requirement, but is used in addition to the ELM to determine eligibility for enrollment. MPT Part I is 45 minutes long and consists of 45 multiple choice questions on intermediate algebra. The MPT Part II is 60 minutes long and consists of 40 multiple questions based on trigonometry and advanced topics from intermediate algebra.

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MPT Exemptions

There are no exemptions made for the MPT.

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MPT Test Dates

The MPT is offered twice in the fall semester and four times during the spring semester. The test consists of two parts: Part I and Part II. The MPT Part I consists of 45 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. The MPT Part II consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Including admission and instructions, expect to be in the testing room approximately 2 hours. Students are allowed to leave early upon completion of their exam. Test dates and registration deadlines are:

Test Date Registration Deadline
11/14/09 11/06/09
12/19/09 12/11/09
01/15/10 01/08/10
03/27/10 03/19/10
05/22/10 05/14/10
07/10/10 07/02/10

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MPT Registration Information

You must register online for the Math Placement Test at least one week prior to the test date. Visit the Testing Center Registration website, www.csun.edu/testing/reg, to register. Complete the registration form as directed and print your admissions ticket. Bring the admissions ticket with you the day of the test!

There is a $10 charge for the MPT, payable the day of the examination. Payment can be made by exact cash, check or money order, payable to CSUN. A picture ID is required on the day of the test. Students must know their CSUN student ID! No calculators are permitted. Students should report to Sagebrush Hall (on Plummer Street) and arrive 15 minutes early for room assignment. Students who arrive late, without required fee or ID will not be tested. A student may test only once in a 6 month period.

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Special Accommodations

If special circumstances make it impossible for you to take the test at the first available administration, you must plan to meet the requirement at the next scheduled opportunity. If your religious convictions prevent you from taking the MPT on the scheduled test dates, you must request special arrangements by contacting the Testing Center. If you have a disability that requires special accommodations, you should contact the Center on Disabilities (818) 677-2684.

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MPT Test Scores

In scoring the test, only correct answers will be counted. If you have no idea which of the answers to a given question is correct, you should leave the question blank. If you happen to guess correctly answers to questions you do not understand, you may be advised to take a course for which you are not adequately prepared. Your examination results will be posted on SOLAR one week after the test.

Passing score on the MPT are as follows:

  • 24 or more answers correct (out of a total of 45 questions) on MPT Part I allows entrance to MATH 103
  • 27 or more answers correct (out of a total of 45 questions) on MPT Part I allows entrance to MATH 104 or 105
  • 27 or more answers correct (out of a total of 45 questions) on MPT Part I & 24 or more answers correct (out of a total of 40 questions) on MPT Part II allows entrance to MATH 150A
  • 27 or more answers correct (out of a total of 45 questions) on MPT Part I & 22 or more answers correct (out of a total of 40 questions) on MPT Part II allows entrance to MATH 255A

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Viewing MPT scores on SOLAR

Go to CSUN at www.csun.edu.

  • Login to the Portal
  • In the section "My Path to Graduation", click on "Student Center (SOLAR)" link
  • In the "Academics" section, locate the drop down menu entitled "other academic."
  • Click on "View My Test Scores"
  • click on the blue double ">>" box

Scores are available through SOLAR approximately 1-2 weeks after the test administration. Scores are not provided over the phone or via email.

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Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
(except State and CSU holidays)

Locations

Bayramian Hall, Rm 225
View Campus Map

Contact Information

(818) 677-2369
Testing.center@csun.edu

Questions/Comments

Have any questions or comments? Please Contact Us.