** NOTE: in all references below, MPE refers to either the
unproctored Math Placement Exam or the proctored Math
Challenge Exam.
General Information about the Math Challenge Exam
The Math Challenge Exam (proctored version of the MPE) is given
on a "walk-in" basis ( when classes are in session) in the
PACe Testing Center (Weber 138) according to the table shown
below. The MPE consists of 50 multiple choice and multiple
choice-multiple response questions and covers topics in College Algebra,
Numerical & Analytic Trigonometry, and Logarithms & Exponential Functions.
The exam period is two hours and twenty minutes long. Calculators are
allowed, but you must use the TI-84 calculator provided by the
PACe Testing Center when taking the exam on campus. Reference
materials may not be used during the exam.
The Math Challenge Exam may be taken twice in a proctored setting. Exam
results are available immediately.
Incoming students have an additional opportunity to take the Math
Placement Exam remotely prior to their term of admission.
Students who have already taken the MPE and do not place into the
math course required by their degree program may study and retake the
MPE or complete the Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Tutorial and take
the ELM Exam instead. Please note that the ELM Exam can be used to place into
only MATH 117.
Do I need to take the MPE?
In general, most entering freshmen will need to take the MPE to
register for MATH 117 or above. The MPE is waived for students who
have scored 3,4, or 5 on an Advanced Placement Calculus Exam (either AB or BC),
passed an appropriate IB Exam, or have transfer credit in a math course at
the level of college algebra or above. Transfer students who have not
transferred any mathematics courses to Colorado State may need to begin with
the MPE. Use the link below for help determining if you need to take
the MPE.
Is there a fee?
A CSU exam fee of $15 is automatically charged to your student account the
first time you take the MPE. This is a one time fee and covers
subsequent attempts of the MPE. If you need to complete the ELM
Tutorial and take the ELM Exam, you will not be charged again.
What do you need to bring?
To take the Math Challenge Exam or the ELM Exam, you need to bring a pencil
or pen, and identification that includes your photo and student ID number.
Currently enrolled students are required to bring their Colorado State
RamCard as identification.Incoming students who do not
yet have a CSU ID should bring a photo ID (eg. driver's license) and stop in
the PACe Office (Weber 136) before requesting an exam. The PACe Testing Center
will provide you with an on-screen TI-84 calculator for the exam.
*** For "walk-in" exams, plan to arrive at the PACe Testing Center
well before the closing time listed below to be certain you will have
all the time allowed for the exam you will be taking.
*** The PACe Testing Center doors close 15 minutes prior to closing
time, and no new exams may be started. All exams must be submitted by
closing time.
SPRING, 2020
Tuesday, January 21 -
Friday, May 8
(** CLOSED March 16-20 )
