TESTING

Math Diagnostic Test (MDT)

About the MDT

The Department of Mathematics offers the Mathematics Diagnostic Test (MDT) to provide opportunities to STEM students to be placed in the highest possible level in their calculus sequence, and it is also utilized to determine the appropriate course level for non-STEM students who change their major to STEM. The MDT is used to ascertain eligibility for enrollment at a higher level, starting from MATH 105 all the way to MATH 150A and 255A. It is a free proctored test that must be taken at CSUN within two months preceding enrollment in the courses.

The MDT utilizes ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL), an online platform. After the completion of the initial assessment, students will have guided practice problems, and one practice diagnostic test. A maximum of three attempts of proctored tests can be taken, and the highest obtained score on these attempts will be used to determine placement. The diagnostic test consists of 30 problems, and students have 3 hours to complete the test.

The summary of qualifying scores can be found in Table 1 below.

Students must register online for the MDT via the Department of Mathematics website. The first attempt of the proctored test will be offered to students, upon request, no earlier than one week after their registration.

 

How to take the MDT

The Mathematics Department is offering an alternative placement test primarily to students who want to switch from a non-STEM major to a STEM major. STEM students may request this alternative placement test in order to qualify for a higher level of mathematics course, and such requests will be given careful consideration by the department. 

 

How to Register for MDT

Students must register online for the MDT via the Department of Mathematics website. The first attempt of the proctored test will be offered to students, upon request, no earlier than one week after their registration.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB/BC Credit

Students earn credit for MATH 150A with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam or a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam.

Students earn credit for both MATH 150A and MATH 150B with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam and a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. Both exams must be completed; an AB subscore from a BC exam attempt is not sufficient to grant credit in both courses.

 

Table 1. Course Prerequisites

CourseCourse OnlyCourse and Lab/Supplemental InstructionCourse and Lab/Supplemental Instruction and Additional Support
Pre-Calculus IMATH 102

 

Prerequisite: Category I Placement

MATH 102 and MATH 102L

 

Prerequisite: Category II Placement
or credit in MATH 093 or MATH 196S or ESM 099 or ESM 196P
or score of 40-64 on ALEKS PPL

MATH 102MATH 102L and MATH 091B

 

Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement

Mathematical Methods for BusinessMATH 103

 

Prerequisite: Category I Placement

MATH 103 and MATH 103L

 

Prerequisite: Category II Placement
or credit in MATH 093 or MATH 196QR or MATH 196S or ESM 099 or ESM 196P
or score of 40-64 on ALEKS PPL

MATH 103MATH 103L and MATH 091B

 

Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement

Pre-Calculus IIMATH 105

 

Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 102

MATH 105 and MATH 105L

 

Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 102
or score of 65-79 on ALEKS PPL

n/a
Mathematical Foundations for Non-Calculus PhysicsMATH 106

 

Prerequisite: Category I or II Placement
or score of 40-64 on ALEKS PPL

MATH 106 and UNIV 060NN

 

Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement
or credit in MATH 093 or MATH 196QR or MATH 196S or ESM 099 or ESM 196P

n/a
Calculus IMATH 150A

 

Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 105

MATH 150A and MATH 150AL

 

Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 105
or score of 80-100 on ALEKS PPL
or 3 in AP Calculus AB

n/a
Calculus IIMATH 150B

 

Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 150A
or 5 in AP Calculus AB
or 4 in AP Calculus BC

MATH 150B and MATH 150BL

 

Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 150A
or 4 in AP Calculus AB
or 3 in AP Calculus BC

n/a
Calculus for the Life Sciences IMATH 255A

 

Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 105

MATH 255A and MATH 255AL

 

Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 105
or score of 80-100 on ALEKS PPL
or 3 in AP Calculus AB

n/a
Calculus for the Life Sciences IIMATH 255B

 

Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 255A
or 5 in AP Calculus AB
or 4 in AP Calculus BC

MATH 255B and MATH 255BL

 

“C-” in MATH 255A
or 4 in AP Calculus AB
or 3 in AP Calculus BC

n/a