It is very important that students begin their college mathematics coursework at the appropriate level, and the math placement exam helps to facilitate this.
All incoming first-year students must schedule and take their mathematics placement exam prior to attending orientation. This allows students to schedule the appropriate mathematics and/or science course during orientation. Students opting not to take the placement exam will begin their math courses at Math 010 (no credits towards degree) to satisfy the Math Milestone.
Understand RIC's Two Math Requirements
Preparing for and Taking the Exam
If a student earns transfer credit for a course that is exactly equivalent to a RIC math course, they will have satisfied the math milestone. They may choose to take the math placement exam if they are attempting to register for a course that requires a higher placement/prerequisite than which they have credit.
A transfer student who has not earned college credits equivalent to a RIC math course must take the math placement exam to determine their initial math course. Students opting not to take the placement exam will begin their math courses at Math 010 (no credits towards degree) to satisfy the Math Milestone.
If you have questions about your math transfer credits, please contact Megan DiBonaventura. Please include your RIC ID, the specific math courses taken, and the college from where the credits were earned.
Understand RIC's Two Math Requirements
Preparing for and Taking the Exam
The Math Milestone is a requirement that must be completed within your first 20 attempted credits at the college. It can be satisfied with an appropriate placement on the exam (Level 1 or higher) or by successfully completing Math 010. Transfer students can satisfy the Math Milestone by transferring in a course equivalent to a RIC Math course.
All students must also complete a course listed under the math category for general education. The Math Milestone is a prerequisite for all general education math courses as well as courses in biology, chemistry, management, etc.
You should receive a confirmation to your RIC email address.
There is no cost for students to take the exam.
Yes. Use this Microsoft Bookings link to schedule (you may need to use your RIC email address). You will need approximately one hour of time, access to a laptop/desktop computer with internet, and a webcam for the duration of the exam.
Students must have paid their enrollment deposit to attend RIC, then there is a 48-72 hour waiting period for the system to update. Once students are matriculated, they can register for the placement exam.
Yes. All students should take the Math Placement Exam prior to attending New Student Orientation. A minimum of a level 1 placement is required for courses in many disciplines.
Yes. In order to prepare you may use the PDF Practice Test, with answers at the bottom of the last page.
Also, this Guide to Achieve a Level 1 Math Placement is a good way to focus your preparation to meet the Math Milestone and place into college level math courses.
An online practice test can be attempted once. It is highly recommended that you attempt the online practice exam prior to testing in a proctored setting to get a sense of the answer format, type of questions, and the timing. The online practice test is NOT scored and does not count towards your placement.
Please Note: Your account information is loaded after you deposit. Continue to check back sporadically if the system does not yet recognize you. You should not use any outside sources when taking the practice exam (including calculators, text books, people, the internet, etc.) and you should plan to do this all in one sitting. After 30 minutes of inactivity you will be logged out and not allowed back in.
Upon completion of the exam, you will be placed into your initial mathematics course. Your placement will appear on the screen. Scores are uploaded to MyRIC within 24 hours of test completion.
Please note that although this may not be the course required by your major, successful completion should adequately prepare you for the required course.
*Math course that satisfies the General Education Mathematics requirement.
All students may retake the math placement exam once, following a two-month waiting period that should be used to prepare.
Use the Guide to Achieve a Level 1 Math Placement to best prepare to meet the Math Milestone.
Students requiring a higher placement for courses in their major should use the all-level practice exam, as well.
Not necessarily, but it is a prerequisite for courses in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, etc. Programs like Nursing and Education require the Math Milestone for program eligibility.
We strongly recommend using our practice materials prior to testing.
Yes! To request testing accommodations for the math placement exam (such as extra testing time, a separate testing space, or the use of assistive technology), follow the steps outlined at Requesting Accommodations with the Center for Disability Access (CDA). After the CDA team receives your CDA New Student Application and supporting disability documentation, you will be invited to a meeting to discuss your needs and determine your eligibility for accommodations.
Students intending to use accommodations should refrain from taking the exam until their accommodations are approved, as students are only permitted two total exam attempts. Also, please note that due to the nature of the math placement exam, calculator use is not considered a reasonable accommodation.
Once your math placement accommodations are approved, email Megan DiBonaventura to schedule your exam. For more information, email CDA or call CDA.
All students must complete the Math Milestone to be able to register for college level science and math courses. This milestone can be completed by placing into Level 1 or higher on the math placement exam. We've put together questions you must be able to answer correctly in order to reach a level 1 placement.
After looking at the Guide to Achieve a Level 1 placement, did you feel like you could benefit from guided practice? Register for one-on-one peer tutoring by creating an account with your RIC email address and logging into the Math Tutoring schedule. Schedule Tutoring Here
Please Note: It is strongly recommended that you come prepared with your work from your practice of the Guide to Achieve a Level 1 placement.
All students are allowed one retake on the Math Placement Exam. There is a two-month waiting period before you may retake the exam.
