Placement Tests
Many placement tests can be taken online prior to coming to campus. Please take them before you register for classes.
Please read the following carefully to determine which exams you need to take.
This test is used to place you into the appropriate math course at USF. Previous college-level coursework will also be used when determining the appropriate course. This is a 40-minute algebra and trigonometry test, with 32 multiple-choice questions. No calculators are permitted. You may only take this test once, all subsequent scores will be not be accepted.
Required of the following majors: Architecture and Community Design, Biology, Business (all majors), Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Kinesiology, Math, and Physics. All other majors do not need to take the Math Placement Test.
You do not have to take this test if you have submitted a SAT or ACT score to USF, or if you already took this test from home (link to test sent via email).
Undeclared students: If there is even a remote chance that you may choose a Math, Science, Business, Kinesiology, Architecture and Community Design, or Economics major, and you have not taken the SAT or ACT, then you should take the math test.
This test is used to place you into the appropriate calculus course at USF. This is a 30-minute test, with 24 multiple-choice questions. No calculators are permitted. You may only take this test once, all subsequent scores will be not be accepted.
Required of the following majors: Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Math, and Physics.
Recommended for Economics and Environmental Science majors.
You do not have to take this test if you have completed and passed Calculus I at another college, or if you have submitted an AP Calculus score of 4 or 5.
Note: If you are interested in going to medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school after attending USF, one semester of Calculus is strongly recommended by many schools.
Foreign language test scores are used to place you into USF language courses. You only need to take this test if you plan on studying a foreign language at USF that you have previously studied.
A foreign language is required of all Arts and Science as well as International Business majors.
You do not have to take this test if you are beginning a new foreign language.
Online Tests
The following are available to take online:
- French
- Chinese
- German
- Filipino
- Japanese
- Spanish
Take the Online Foreign Language Placement Test
Please make sure to click Log In with my organization credential.
Please take these tests prior to Webtrack.
On-Campus Tests
The following must be taken on-campus:
- Latin
- Italian
- Russian
Call the Foreign Language department at (415) 422-2802 to make arrangements. The format of these tests vary.
Starting in Summer 2014, all incoming students who need a chemistry class should review our web-based tutorial site, then take our online diagnostic test (including transfers). The diagnostic test results will appear along with advice on how to prepare best for General Chemistry I (Chem 111/112L) or advice to take Foundations of Chemistry (Chem 001). Normally, Chem 001 is the course to take if you did not take High School Chemistry. The goal is to place you into a course where you will have success.
Step 1: We have obtained permission for you to use the Washington University Chemistry Tutorials Website. Review topics, complete practice problems, and quizzes (you cannot take their Diagnostic Exam!). This may take you several hours or longer in order to help you to prepare for college chemistry.
Step 2: Take the USF Chemistry Diagnostic Test, a 45-minute test with 42 multiple-choice questions on material from a typical year-long high school chemistry course. You will need a pencil, scratch paper, calculator and periodic table. Relevant equations are provided. We suggest you print out a periodic table. You may not use a chemistry textbook or online sources of help (you will run out of time).
Notes: A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam normally gives you credit for Chem 111 and possibly Chem 113 (you may want to take the test anyway to see where you stand. Please speak with a chemistry advisor). Even if you completed a college pre-general chemistry course at USF or another institution you must take the diagnostic test to gauge your readiness.
Note: If you are a student with a disability who will need accommodations for the placement tests, please contact Student Disability Services at (415) 422-2613 one week before the scheduled test date.
More Questions? For foreign language placement test questions, please call Modern & Classical Languages at (415) 422-2802. For math placement test and chemistry diagnostic test questions, call CASA at (415) 422-5050 or email Tonya Miller at miller@usfca.edu.