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:
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:
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
You do not need a calculator, but you can use an ordinary or scientific calculator if you would like. Graphing calculators 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 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 accessibility@unc.edu 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? Please email Joe Compton at comptja@live.unc.edu if you have additional questions.
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