Placement Information

This page contains information to assist with placement, including ALEKS and Calculus placement testing.

Placement Information

Students entering UNC-Chapel Hill as first-year students are encouraged to take a standardized math exam (e.g. ACT, AP, IB) before the end of their senior year of high school, if they plan to take a class in the precalculus/calculus sequence or a STEM class that requires a math background. Please note these scores must be sent to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, so that they will be available for placement purposes during summer registration.

Students who have completed MAT171 or MAT172 in the NC Community College system or have math transfer credit from other universities with a grade of C or higher can get math placement credit that way and do not need standardized math exam scores. Transcripts must be submitted to UNC-CH admissions.

Students who do not have standardized math exam scores or transfer credit can take the ALEKS placement test. Students who know calculus but have not taken the AP test can take the Calculus placement tests.

Students who do not have any placement scores or transfer credit in their Connect Carolina account will not be able to register for courses like MATH 130, MATH 231, and CHEM 101 that require math prerequisites, but may enroll in MATH 110 and earn placement credit this way.

Placement Methods

Exam	Scores	Credit	Placement
MAT 171 from NC Community College System	C or Higher	Math 110P	Math 130 or 152
MAT 172 from NC Community College System	C or Higher	Math 130	Math 231
ACT Mathematics Test	26-28	Math 110P	Math 130 or 152
	29 and up	Math 110P and 129P	Math 231
ALEKS Placement Test	61-75	Math 110P	Math 130 or 152
	76-100	Math 110P and 129P	Math 231
AP Precalculus	1 or 2	none	based on ACT or ALEKS Score
	3, 4, or 5	MATH 110P and 129P	MATH 231
AP Calculus AB (or AB subscore on the BC Test)	1	none	based on ACT or ALEKS score
	2	Math 110P and 129P	Math 231
	3, 4, or 5	Math 110P, 129P and 231	Math 232
AP Calculus BC	1	none	based on ACT or ALEKS score
	2	Math 110P and 129P	Math 231
	3, 4, and 5	Math 110P, 129P, 231, and 232	Math 233
CLEP - College Algebra	50 and up	Math 110P	Math 130 or 152
CLEP - Precalculus	50 and up	Math110P and Math 129	Math 231
CLEP - Calculus	50 and up	Math 231	Math 232
International Baccalaureate, Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL	1, 2, or 3	none	based on ACT or ALEKS score
	4, 5, 6, or 7	Math 110P, 129P, 231, and 232	Math 233
International Baccalaureate, Mathematics Analysis and Approaches SL	1, 2, 3, and 4	none	based on ACT or ALEKS score
	5, 6, or 7	Math 110P, 129P, 231	Math 232
International Baccalaureate, Mathematics Applications HL	1, 2, or 3	none	based on ACT or ALEKS score
	4, 5, 6, or 7	Math 110P, MATH 129P, 231	Math 232
International Baccalaureate, Mathematics Applications SL	1, 2, 3, or 4	none	based on ACT or ALEKS score
	5, 6, or 7	Math 110P, 129P	Math 231
SAT Math Portion FOR STUDENTS WHO ENROLLED IN FALL 2024 OR LATER	610-670	MATH 110P	MATH 130 or MATH 152
	680 or higher	MATH 110P and MATH 129P	MATH 231
Swiss Maturity Exam	4.5 or greater	Math 110P, 129P, 231, and 232	Math 233

Noteworthy Placement Considerations

MATH 115, 116, 117, 118, and 119 all satisfy the General Education Quantitative Reasoning (QR) requirement and are open to all students (no prerequisites).
The AP Statistics Exam is not accepted for math credit or placement
For students who took International Baccalaureate tests prior to 2021, credits are granted for IB Mathematics and Further Mathematics but not for Mathematical Studies. Please see this table for details.
SAT MATH scores will only be accepted as placement for new or transfer students who are beginning with the Fall 2024 term. Students who started at UNC-CH prior to Fall 2024 and have no other means of placement credit will need to take the ALEKS Placement Test for placement.
Additional information on exams accepted for placement credit is given here.

Placement Tests Offered at UNC

The Mathematics Department offers Calculus placement tests each semester on the last business day before classes begin. The departmental calculus placement exam is open only to students who already have been placed into MATH 231 or above. This exam is not a means to award credit. Rather, it is a means to appropriately place students within the calculus sequence.

The Math Department also offers an ALEKS placement test for Algebra and Precalculus. This test is intended for students who do not already have placement scores via the ACT or SAT Math Subject Test, but any student may take it. Students can take ALEKS at any time using online proctoring.

For course-specific placement questions not answered here, contact Dr. Joe Compton. For class registration assistance, contact Jaxon Miller.

At UNC, the ALEKS Placement Test is intended for students who know Algebra and / or Trigonometry but do not already have ACT scores or other scores accepted for math placement at UNC. However, any student can take it. Only proctored tests count for placement.

ALEKS consists of three parts:

An initial unproctored placement test (you can think of this as a practice test, but please take it seriously and give it your best, honest effort)
The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review, and 2 additional practice placement tests
A final proctored placement test, which is the only test that actually determines your course placement. Note: only this proctored placement test (usually proctored via MonitorEDU) counts for placement credit.

How and when can I get started on ALEKS? You can get started anytime up to 6 months before the final proctored placement test. To start, login to ALEKS using SSO (preferred) or go to www.aleks.com, and sign up using the code VMHXV-KADRR. Once you take the initial unproctored placement test, you will have a chance to practice in the Prep and Learning Module to improve your preparation level before you take the final proctored placement test. You are encouraged to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if your desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

Where and when do I take the final proctored ALEKS placement test?

You have a few options for taking the final proctored ALEKS placement test:

(preferred option) take the proctored test online. Online proctoring is offered through MonitorEDU. Please complete your proctored test at least two weeks before you register for classes. See instructions below.
(back-up option) take the proctored test in person on UNC campus, usually the last day before the first day of classes in Fall and Spring semesters. To reserve a spot for in-person testing, please sign up on this google form.
The next time ALEKS will be offered in person is Sunday, August 16th, 2026 from 10am – 1pm; room TBD.

What materials do I need to for the final proctored ALEKS placement test?

A photo id (one card or government id such as passport or drivers license)
A pencil and blank scratch paper for doing the problems
A computer or laptop with a webcam, microphone, and Google Chrome installed
A mobile phone with a working camera and the Google Meet app installed
Internet access

More detailed instructions are in this Student Instruction Guide.

You do not need a calculator. For some problems, an online calculator will appear within ALEKS for you to use, and this is the only calculator that you will be allowed to use.

How do I get ready for the proctored test on MonitorEDU?

Make sure you have logged into your ALEKS account, completed the tools tutorial, and completed at least one practice placement test before your test date. If you are in the middle of a practice placement test (e.g. the initial knowledge check), you’ll need to complete that or exit out of it before you take your proctored placement test
Go through this Student Instruction Guide from MonitorEDU to make sure you have your devices and apps ready to go

What happens on test day with MonitorEDU?

You do not need an appointment with MonitorEDU. Make sure you have gone through the Student Instruction Guide and tested your devices in advance. When you are ready, you can use this link to connect to a proctor
Once you have completed the startup process with the proctor, you will go to your ALEKS account home screen.
- On the left side, click on the word “Proctored” or “Unproctored”.
- Another window will open up with a space for a password, or if not, you can click on the words “Placement Assessment Override” to get a spot for the password.
- The proctor will give you the password and you are ready to go.
- It is important to type in the password so that the test will register on ALEKS as a proctored test instead of an unproctored test.
- If you already are in the middle of a practice assessment in ALEKS, you may need to exit by clicking “I Don’t Know” on all the questions before you can start a new, proctored assessment (don’t do this on the real thing!)
- If you already took an unproctored placement test, you do NOT have to wait until the 24 hour cooldown period is over or complete any additional topics before taking the proctored placement test. The proctor can override those settings by clicking “Placement Assessment Override”. Please refer the proctor to the Placement_Assessment_Override instructions if the proctor seems unaware.
- You do NOT have to complete any of the practice ALEKS assessments before taking the proctored assessment, although it’s recommended to take at least one.
Note that you cannot return to previous questions on the ALEKS test.
Once you are finished, you can close up ALEKS and your connection to MonitorEDU

If you are taking your test before May 31, 2025, then you will need to be proctored via ProctorU instad of MonitorEDU. Please follow these instructions:

Create a ProctorU account and download the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser
Schedule your exam at least 72 hours in advance. If you schedule less than 72 hours in advance you will be charged premium scheduling fees.
Test your equipment
Find out what to expect on test day by watching this 6 minute video. For additional information, read this article to ensure you are prepared for exam day.
Make sure you have logged into your ALEKS account, completed the tools tutorial, and completed at least one practice placement test before your test date.

On the test day, go to your ProctorU account.
- Once the test time period has begun, you can click on “Start Session” button, download the Proctor U Chat application. This allows you to live chat with your proctor.
- Expect the startup process with the proctor to take about 10-15 minutes. This time will not affect your exam time.
Once you have completed the startup process with the proctor, you will go to your ALEKS account home screen.
- On the left side, click on the word “Proctored” or “Unproctored”.
- Another window will open up with a space for a password, or if not, you can click on the words “Placement Assessment Override” to get a spot for the password.
- The proctor will type in the password and you are ready to go.
- It is important to type in the password so that the test will register on ALEKS as a proctored test instead of an unproctored test.
- If you already are in the middle of a practice assessment in ALEKS, you may need to exit by clicking “I Don’t Know” on all the questions before you can start a new, proctored assessment (don’t do this on the real thing!)
- If you already took an unproctored placement test, you do NOT have to wait until the 24 hour cooldown period is over or complete any additional topics before taking the proctored placement test. The proctor can override those settings by clicking “Placement Assessment Override”. Please refer the proctor to the Placement_Assessment_Override instructions if the proctor seems unaware.
- You do NOT have to complete any of the practice ALEKS assessments before taking the proctored assessment, although it’s recommended to take at least one.
Note that you cannot return to previous questions on the ALEKS test.
When you are finished, close your browser and the Proctor U Chat application.
More details on Proctor U’s what to expect page and video.

What UNC classes does the ALEKS Placement Test give placement credit for? Depending on your score, the ALEKS Placement Test can give you placement credit for Math 110P (Algebra) and / or Math 129P, which is the placement version of Math 130 (Precalculus).

Cut Score	Range	Placement Credit Awarded	Register for this Course Next if you want to go on in the Calculus Sequence
0	0-45	None	Math 110 (Algebra), but please use ALEKS to review before class begins
46	46-60	None	Math 110 (Algebra)
61	61-75	Math 110P (Algebra)	Math 130 (Precalculus) or Math 152 (Business Calculus)
76	76-100	Math 110P (Algebra) and Math 129P (Precalculus)	Math 231 (Calculus)

What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).

Is there a cost for the ALEKS Placement Test? No, all costs are covered by UNC-Chapel Hill

Does the ALEKS Placement Test give the same course credit as taking Math 110 or Math 130? No, students do not earn any course credits or units towards graduation by passing the ALEKS Placement Test. They only receive placement credit, which gives permission to take classes that require Math 110 or Math 130 as prerequisites.

Who should take the ALEKS Placement Test?
The ALEKS Placement Test is intended for students who need math placement credit (e.g. to take classes in the Calculus Sequence, or Chem 101, or Stor 155, etc. that have math prerequisites. The ALEKS placement test is intended primarily for students who do not have placement by other means. Students who already have placement scores (e.g. from the ACT or SAT Math Subject Test) or have already taken Math 110 or Math 130 are not expected to take the ALEKS placement test, but they are permitted to do so if they wish to use ALEKS’ Prep and Learning Modules to review and improve their mastery of Algebra and Precalculus and attempt to place higher in the Precalculus / Calculus sequence.

Can I take the ALEKS Placement Test more than once?

You can take the unofficial, practice placement tests in ALEKS up to 3 times. You can take the final proctored placement test up to 2 times, but you must wait at least a week between tests. This cooling off period gives you time to review and study.

When will I find out the results? You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your proctored placement test. Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS later.

If I pass the proctored ALEKS Placement Test, how long will it take for the placement credit to appear in my ConnectCarolina account so that I can register for classes that require Math 110 and / or Math 130 as prereqs? If you are successful, your record should be automatically updated on Connect Carolina to include placement credit for Math 110P (and / or Math 129P), but the process will take 7 – 10 business days. Please account for this timing when scheduling your test. Once scores are updated, they will be visible in the ConnectCarolina Student Center under the “other academic” dropdown -Transfer Credit Report – Other Credits (at the bottom).

Here is how the process works: scores are reported to the Registrar’s Office weekly on Friday mornings. Once reported, the scores are typically added within one to two business days. Depending on when you complete the test, it can take 7-10 business days for your scores to be added to ConnectCarolina. If it has been 7-10 business days since your exam, and your score has not been added, please contact the Undergraduate Student Services Manager for the Math Department. She can assist with score troubleshooting, enrollment issues, or facilitate registration for classes in other departments that require Math 110 or Math 130 as prerequisites, space permitting.

Can I get accommodations for the ALEKS Placement Test? If you require accommodations for the placement exams, please work with Accessibility Resources & Services <[email protected]> to register for accommodations. Next, please contact Joe Compton at [email protected] to get a different ALEKS code that allows extended time.

Is there any other way to get placement credit for Math 110 or Math 130? Please see Math Department website for information on placement using ACT scores, SAT Math Subject Test scores, or IB scores.

Where can I get help with ALEKS?

http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical

http://support.aleks.com/assess_placement

What if I want to place out of Calculus? Please see Math Department website for information on placing out of Calculus using AP scores or IB scores. There are also Calculus Placement Tests for students who don’t have those scores.

What if I have additional questions about the ALEKS Placement Test? Please email [email protected].

What if I have additional questions about class registration? Please email [email protected]

Calculus Placement Test

The UNC Math Department Calculus Placement Tests are intended for students who know Calculus but do not have AP scores. There are three placement tests:

CPT1 for student who know Calculus 1 (equivalent to the AP Calculus AB test) and want to place out of Calculus 1 (Math 231) and into Calculus 2 (Math 232), and
CPT2 for students who know Calculus 2 (equivalent to the AP Calculus BC test) and want to place out of Calculus 2 (Math 232) and into Multivariable Calculus (Math 233).
CPT3 for students who know Multivariable Calculus and want to place out of Math 233.

How do I sign up? Register to take the Calculus Placement Test here. Please register no later than midnight on the day before the test.

When and where is the placement test offered? There are two main options:

You can take the Calculus Placement Test at UNC’s Testing Center anytime that the testing center is open. If you would like to use this option, please indicate that on your regisration form (see link above).
The Calculus Placement Tests are also normally offered Fall and Spring terms on the day before classes start. For Fall 2026, this is Sunday, August 16th, 2026 from 10am – 1pm; room TBD.

If you want to take more than one test, you will need to take them sequentially: e.g. first pass CPT1 before taking CPT2.

Is there an online placement test? We are no longer offering online placement tests for Calculus. All tests must be taken in person at the UNC testing center or proctored in Phillips Hall.

What materials do I need for the test?

For the in person test, you will need

A photo ID
A pencil and scrap paper

You do not need a calculator, but you can use an ordinary or scientific calculator if you would like. Graphing calculators and calculators capable of derivatives/integrals are not permitted.

What UNC classes do CPT1, CPT2, and CPT3 give placement credit for? CPT1 gives placement credit for Math 231, which allows students to register for Math 232 and for other classes that require Math 231 as a prerequisite (as space permits). CPT2 gives placement credit for Math 232 and allows students to register for Math 233 or other classes that require Math 232 as a prerequisite (as space permits). CPT3 gives placement credit for Math 233 and allows students to register for classes that require Math 233 as a prerequisite.

Do the Calculus Placement Tests give the same course credit as taking Math 231, Math 232, or Math 233? No, students do not earn any course credits or units towards graduation by passing the Calculus Placement Tests.

If I want to place out of more than one class, for example, both Math 231 and Math 232, then do I have to take both CPT1 and CPT2? Yes, unless you already have placement credit for Math 231 from the AP Calculus AB exam, in which case you only have to take CPT2. Similarly, if you want to place out of both Math 232 and Math 233, then you need to take both CPT2 and CPT3 unless you already have placement credit for Math 232.

Can I take a Calculus Placement Test again if I don’t pass the first time?

No, you can only take each test one time.

Who should take the Calculus Placement Tests?
The departmental calculus placement exam is open only to students who already have been placed into Math 231 or above. The Calculus Placement Tests are intended for students who do not have placement by other means. In particular, the test cannot be used to place out of Calculus by students who already registered for Math 231 (or Math 232 or Math 233) but withdrew or got an F in the class. In addition, students who have taken the AP exam are usually not eligible. Students may not retake a Calculus Placement Test.

When will I find out the results? You’ll get an email the day after the test with results.

What scores are needed to get placement credit? Students must score 70% or higher on CPT1 to get placement credit for Math 231. Students must score 60% or higher on CPT2 and CPT3 to get placement credit for Math 232 and 233, respectively.

If I pass CPT1 (or CPT2 or CPT3), how do I register for Math 232 (or Math 233 or other classes) ? If you are successful on CPT1 (or CPT2 or CPT3), your record will be automatically updated on Connect Carolina to include placement credit for Math 231 (or 232 or 233). However, it may take several days to several months for the update, so if you need to register for classes for the current semester and can’t wait, then the Undergraduate Student Services Manager for the Math Department can register you manually, space permitting.

How can I prepare for the Calculus Placement Tests?
CPT1 is similar to the final exam for Math 231, CPT2 is similar to the final exam for Math 232, and CPT3 is similar to the final exam for Math 233, so you could use the posted review materials for Math 231, Math 232, and Math 233 to prepare (see old finals and old midterms). CPT1 covers material on the AP Calculus AB test, plus L’Hospital’s Rule. This is equivalent to Chapters 2 – 5 in Stewart’s Calculus: Early Transcendentals textbook or Chapters 2 – 5 of Briggs Calculus: Early Transcendentals textbook. CPT2 covers material on the AP Calculus BC test. This is equivalent to Chapters 6, 7, 10, and 11 in Stewart’s Calculus: Early Transcendentals textbook, or Chapters 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 in Briggs Calculus: Early Transcendentals textbook. Math 233 covers material Chapters 12 – 16 of Stewart’s Calculus: Early Transcendentals textbook, or Chapters 13 – 17 of Briggs Calculus: Early Transcendentals textbook.

Can I get accommodations for the Calculus Placement Tests? If you require accommodations for the placement exams, please contact Accessibility Resources & Services at [email protected] or visit their website accessibility.unc.edu for more information.

Is there any other way to get placement credit for Math 231, Math 232, or Math 233? Please see Math Department website for information on placement using AP Calculus scores, IB scores, and CLEP tests. You can also get transfer credit if you take equivalent courses at another college or university.

What if I just want to place out of Math 110 (Algebra) or Math 130 (Precalculus)? Please see Math Department website for information on placement using ACT scores or SAT 2 Math Subject scores. There is also an ALEKS placement test for students who don’t have those scores.

What if I have additional questions? You should get an email with additional information about a week before the test, or if you register less than a week in advance, soon after you register. Please email [email protected] if you don’t receive this info email, or if you have additional questions about the calculus placement test. Please email [email protected] if you have any additional questions about registering for classes.