Placement Testing

Preparing for Your Math Placement Tests

Once accepted, you can register for placement testing through your Applicant Dashboard, where you’ll also find your acceptance letter and instructions on how to set up your PCT account. You will need your PCT account to complete the placement test. 

Practice tests are an excellent way to prepare for placement testing. They will give you an idea of what to expect and help you identify where you need to brush up. Visit links to practice tests below. 

Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra

Measures ability to perform basic operations and to solve problems that involve pre-algebra and elementary algebraic skills and concepts.

Intermediate Algebra

Measures ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve intermediate algebraic skills and geometry concepts.

Functions & Graphs

Measures ability to perform operations and to solve problems that involve functions and graphs. Readiness for calculus is determined through the use of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

  • This is an invitation-only test. No practice tests are offered. However, we've compiled this list of topics you can expect to be covered during this test.

Now that you've taken your practice tests, here are some resources to help you evaluate each area and identify room for improvement. Use your results from each practice test and the corresponding analysis chart to see which topics you should review before taking the actual placement test. 

Taking Your Math Placement Tests

If you choose to meet placement requirements through testing, you'll need to take two of the three tests below. All tests are taken online via the Student Portal using your PCT username and password.

Measures ability to perform basic operations and to solve problems that involve pre-algebra and elementary algebraic skills and concepts.

  • 45 minutes
  • 58 questions

Measures ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve intermediate algebraic skills and geometry concepts.

  • 30 minutes
  • 26 questions

Measures ability to perform operations and to solve problems that involve functions and graphs. Readiness for calculus is determined through the use of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

  • 45 minutes
  • 37 questions

Math Test FAQ

Receiving Your Results

Our math faculty determines the best placement for students. They take three things into consideration while making their assessment. These include:

  • Placement Test Scores
  • Transcripts, which provide insight into the following:
    • Completed courses and level of success
    • SAT/ACT scores and state assessment scores
    • The amount of time that has passed since your last math course
    • High school rank
  • Student Math Information Form, which highlights your motivation and attitude toward math and test-taking 

This holistic review allows faculty to make recommendations that are appropriate, realistic, and supportive of your goals. 

After successfully completing the placement test, it may take up to two weeks for math faculty to score and release results. You'll receive an email notification at your personal email address when your results are available, prompting you to:

  1. Log in to the Student Portal using your PCT username and password.
  2. Select "External Links," then "Legacy SIS" on the left.
  3. Log in again using your PCT username and password.
  4. Choose "Placement Results" under "Placement Information" on the left. 

Potential Results
  • No Developmental/prerequisite Requirements (NONE): You can start in the first math course required for your academic program.
  • Prerequisite Requirements (MTH108): You must complete this course before entering the first math course required for your academic program. Depending on your program, this may delay the start of program-specific courses and could add additional semesters to complete your degree. 
  • Developmental Requirements (MTH 005 or MTH004): Some majors are subject to specific remediation requirements and are noted in the major’s curriculum information in the College Catalog. In some cases, this may delay the start of program-specific courses and could add additional semesters to complete your degree. 
  • Lowscore: When placement results indicate that a student is significantly underprepared for college-level coursework, acceptance may be rescinded until the necessary academic deficiencies are remediated. Speak with math faculty to determine the best remediation plan for your situation. 

Review our Admissions Policy for more information about placement results and their potential impact on your enrollment at Penn College. 

Recommendations from Math Faculty

Depending on your results, you may be ready to begin your required math course, exceed your program’s requirements, or benefit from additional support. Based on your placement results and the math required for your academic program, you may receive a recommendation designed to help you stay on track while minimizing time and cost. This may include:

  • Starting in developmental coursework to build the foundation skills required for your program
  • Retesting after you've completed an in-progress high school or math course
  • Starting coursework early, like during the summer months
  • Strengthening skills through practice, then retesting
  • Exploring different course options
  • Taking an additional placement exam(s) to qualify for a higher-level course, which can reduce the time and cost needed to complete your requirements

The math department is available to guide you at any step. Reach out to mathtesting@pct.edu to discuss your situation.

Putting it Together

Here's how to connect your results to your specific program requirements to best understand how you are impacted. When in doubt, reach out to mathtesting@pct.edu 

  1. Find your major in the College Catalog. If you don't remember the exact name of your major, find it in your Applicant Dashboard.
  2. Scroll down until you find the section titled "Remediation Strategies."
  3. Review the math required to start in program courses. 
    • If you tested into MTH108, MTH005, or MTH004, note any specific guidance about how this may impact your ability to start in program-specific courses. Here are some examples of the language you may see: 
      • Students who begin their first semester below MTH181 may not begin taking CET coursework. Related coursework (courses other than CET) may be completed. Students placing below MTH181 will need additional semesters to complete the degree.
      • Students who require a developmental math course will not be able to stay in sequence for program completion within the advertised number of semesters; additional semester(s) may be necessary.
      • All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. 
    • If you tested into NONE, you do not need to complete any remediation. 

Placement Testing with Accommodations

To ensure an equal playing field for all students, accommodations are available for eligible students. Some examples include having extra time or working with a test reader. Check out Disability and Access Resources for a more complete list.

The accommodation approval process typically takes 1-2 business days. Accommodations need to be approved prior to placement testing. Accommodations can be arranged based on a history of the accommodations you received during high school. However, documentation of your disability is needed for accommodations as an enrolled student. To get started, complete the self-disclosure form.

International Students

Placement requirements must be met before an offer of acceptance will be made. You’ll receive 1.5 times the usual allotted time to complete placement testing.

Spring Start: Placement testing must be completed by October 1

Fall Start: Placement testing must be completed by May 1