The Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) is a CSUN test, which is used to determine eligibility for enrollment in MATH 102, 103, 104, 105, 150A and 255A. The MPT must be taken within the year preceding enrollment in the courses. Students have 90 minutes to complete the test. It can be taken only once in a four-week period. The MPT does not replace the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) requirement, but it is used in addition to the ELM to determine eligibility for enrollment.

The MPT exam consists of 31 intermediate algebra problems and nine trigonometry and logarithm problems. The score in the algebra portion (abbreviated ALG) will be used to place students into MATH 102, 103, 104 and 105. For placement into calculus, MATH 150A or 255A, both the algebra and the trigonometry and logarithm scores (abbreviated TR) will be used.

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

Students must register online for the Mathematics Placement Test at least one week prior to the test date. Space is limited, and registration closes when capacity has been met. See the Testing Center website for test dates, the test fee and registration information. The website also describes the type of payment accepted, identification required, other test regulations that must be followed, the qualifying scores required for specific CSUN Math classes and how to obtain scores.

Students are advised to visit the Mathematics Diagnostic Placement Testing website and take the free online sample tests to help prepare for the CSUN MPT.

Prerequisite Mathematics Courses

The University entrance requirements (2 years of high school algebra and 1 year of geometry) are the basic prerequisites to all Mathematics courses. Additional prerequisites may be listed in the course descriptions that follow. Prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or better, unless otherwise stated. The specific minimum prerequisites for Calculus and Calculus preparatory courses are listed in Table 1 below. Students who are only conditionally prepared for a course may not enroll in that course unless they have credit for or concurrently enroll in the accompanying lab course. Students who have passed the prerequisite of a class at another college or university must enroll in the lab of the subsequent class.

Table 1. Course Prerequisites