Chemistry Placement Test (CPT)
The Chemistry Placement Test (CPT) is a CSUN Department exam used to determine eligibility for enrollment in CHEM 101. Students who are planning to enroll in CHEM 101 must satisfy one of the following requirements prior to registration:
- Satisfactory score of 40 or higher on the CSUN CPT taken within the previous two (2) semesters.
- Score of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Test in Chemistry.
- Score of 50 or higher on the General Chemistry Exam of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
- Grade of “C” or higher (“C-” does not satisfy the prerequisite) in CHEM 100* taken at CSUN.
*Eligibility to enroll in MATH 102 or equivalent required.
The CPT is a 55-minute, three-part test. Part I (20 points) covers elementary algebra, including exponential notation. Part II (20 points) deals with general chemical knowledge. Part III (20 points) deals with specific chemical knowledge. The CPT can be taken only once in a 6-month period. Students who earn a CPT score below 40 should not retake the test, but instead enroll in CHEM 100 to prepare for CHEM 101 the following semester.
Students must register online for the CPT at least one week prior to the test date. Space is limited. Registration will close when capacity has been met. See the Testing Center website for test dates, test fee and registration information. The website also describes the type of payment accepted, identification requirements, other regulations that must be followed for the test and how to obtain scores.