The Chemistry Placement Exam is required for all students prior to placement into CHEM 121 (General Chemistry I) without CHEM 103 (Preparatory Chemistry). This is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 22 questions to assess a student's level of preparation in chemistry and math. In order to be placed into CHEM 121, the student must correctly answer 16 or more questions (72.7%). A lower score places the student into CHEM 103. A passing grade of C in CHEM 103 is required for a student to matriculate into CHEM 121. The UNLV Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry does not permit alternative examinations to the placement exam.
Please see the UNLV Course Catalog for pre- and corequisite requirements for CHEM 103, CHEM 121A and CHEM 121L.
Starting June 1, 2024, the Chemistry Placement Exam will only be offered in-person through the UNLV Testing Center.
The UNLV Testing Center offers in-person proctoring for the Chemistry Placement exam Monday-Friday at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm. In order to schedule, submit an In-Person Placement Exam Request a minimum of three (3) business days prior to the desired exam date. Same day appointments and walk-ins are not available. An online option for the exam is not available. All testing is performed in-person at the Campus Resource Center on the UNLV Maryland Campus.
Exam Details
The time allotted for the exam is 45 minutes. There is no fee. Passing scores are valid for two-years from the date of the exam.
A student may not repeat the Chemistry Placement Exam within three months of their first attempt. Only one repeat attempt is allowed. Students who do not achieve a score of at least 16 on their first or second attempt are required to take CHEM 103.
Students who achieve a passing score will receive permission to enroll in MyUNLV within a week of the exam date.