Entry Level Mathematics (ELM)

General ELM Information

The ELM (Entry Level Mathematics) examination is designed to assess the skills levels of entering CSU students in the areas of elementary and intermediate algebra and plane geometry. Such skills generally are acquired in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school. Taking the ELM examination is not a condition of admission to the CSU. It is to be taken as soon as possible after admission.

The CSU requires you to take the ELM after admission and prior to enrollment in the CSU unless you are exempt by means of scores earned on other appropriate tests such as the SAT, ACT and EAP. The ELM is not an admissions test; instead, it determines eligibility to enroll in specific courses. If you are required to take the ELM but fail to do so, you will not be allowed to register.

The Entry Level Mathematics test (ELM) requires approximately 90 minutes and contains 50 multiple-choice questions.

The test content of the ELM emphasizes working with numbers and data, the connections between algebra and geometry, and problem solving. The test provides the major geometric formulae for reference because its purpose is to assess understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving skills rather than recall of facts and equations.

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ELM Exemptions

To be exempt from the ELM, students must present proof of the one of the following:

  • a score of "College Ready" on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II
  • a score of "conditionally exempt" on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II PLUS successful completion of a Senior-Year Mathematics Experience (SYME)
  • A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test or on the College Board SAT II: Mathematics Tests Level I, IC (Calculator), II, or IIC (Calculator).
  • a score of 23 or above on the enhanced ACT® Mathematics Test
  • a score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Mathematics examination (Calculus AB or Calculus BC) or Statistics examination
  • Completion and transfer to the CSU of a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education-Breadth or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) quantitative reasoning requirement, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better.

*NOTE: The College Board SAT I and SAT II were renamed SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests, respectively, beginning March 2005.

Students who qualify for an exemption that is not reflected in University records should check to see if the qualifying score was sent to CSUN when the test was taken. Contact ETS at 925-808-2142 to double check where your scores were sent. If your scores have not been reported to CSUN, send a copy of your qualifying test scores to CSUN, Admissions & Records Office, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8207 so the exemption can be documented on your permanent academic record at CSUN.

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ELM Test Dates

All 23 CSU campuses administer the ELM (and the EPT) on a variety of variable dates. For a complete listing, check the CSU EPT/ELM Information bulletin. Pay close attention to the registration deadline listed by each test date since your registration must reach the testing office by the registration deadline.

Students may take the test at the most convenient CSU campus. Online registration is available at most campuses. If you wish to take the ELM at CSUN, online registration is available. It is highly recommended that you test by one the test dates listed below.

CSUN EPT/ELM TESTING CALENDAR For 2009-2010

Test Date Registration Deadline (at 5 pm)
02/13/10 01/29/10
02/27/10 02/12/10
03/20/10* 03/05/10
04/17/10 04/02/10
05/01/10* 04/16/10
06/19/10* 06/04/10

*All CSU campuses give the EPT/ELM tests on these dates.

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ELM Registration Information

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) is given in conjunction with the English Placement Test (EPT) exam. Many campuses have online registration available. Go to the CSU EPT/ELM Information bulletin (www.ets.org/csu) for a complete list of EPT and/or ELM test dates and registration procedures on all the CSU campuses.

If you wish to take the ELM at CSUN, online registration is available.

There is an $18 charge for the ELM, payable on the day of the examination. Payment must be made by check or money order, made payable to ETS. Cash will not be accepted. No student will be tested without proper payment and picture identification with a signature. All fees are non-refundable and subject to change.

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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. Each test administration requires a separate registration form. If your religious convictions prevent you from taking the ELM 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 at (818) 677-26840.

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Out of State Testing

Students, who are non-California residents and are unable to test at one of the California State Universities and need to test in your state, may contact the Educational Testing Service office at (925) 808-2142 or email csuout-of-state@ets.org to set up out-of-state testing. There is a fee of $50 for testing outside of California.

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ELM Test Scores

Because the ELM is a placement test, scores determine what courses students must attend. The chart below will help you and your advisor select the appropriate course:

ELM Score Course placement
33 and below MATH 092: Developmental Math I
34 - 49 MATH 093: Developmental Math II
50 or higher See advisor for course placement

Failure to complete the required developmental courses in two semesters will result in disenrollment from CSUN. For information about compliance policy, visit the CSU Executive Order 665.

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Helpful Sample Materials

You will almost certainly benefit from reviewing for the ELM, especially if you have not taken a math course during the past year. Again, you can refer to the complete list of topics covered by the test. You can find some sample questions for practice on this web site. You can find more information about the test and more practice questions - 50 of them - in the CSU publication Focus on Mathematics (PDF). Another CSU publication, the ELM Problem Book (PDF), also offers numerous practice problems for review.

See the CSU Math Success website (www.csumathsuccess.org) for test review questions.

Additional details may be found at the official CSU EPT/ELM Website (www.ets.org/csu).

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Hours of Operation

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

Locations

Bayramian Hall, Rm 190
View Campus Map

Contact Information

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

Questions/Comments

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