The placement exam used by the UNLV Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is based on questions that are relevant to CHEM 121 and CHEM 103. The exam was produced by faculty members in the Department that traditionally teach one or both of the courses. The placement test is required for all students prior to placement into either CHEM 121 (General Chemistry I) or CHEM 103 (Preparatory Chemistry). This is a multiple-choice test, consisting of 34 questions that assess the student's level of preparation in chemistry and basic math skills. In order to be placed into CHEM 121, the student must correctly answer 24 or more questions (70.6%). 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. No alternative examination to the UNLV Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry placement exam will be permitted.
Passing scores are valid for a two-year period from the date of the exam.
The chemistry placement exam is now online. Below are the instructions to register:
- Go to WebCampus (Canvas) to enroll in the Chemistry Placement.
- If you are not already logged into WebCampus, enter your ACE username and password. (Please contact the IT Help Desk at 702-895-0777 if you have trouble logging in)
- Click on Enroll in Course
- Click on Go to the Course to view instructions and begin the exam.
Exam Details
The time allotted for the exam is 45 minutes. There is no fee to take the test. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
If a student does not achieve a score of at least 24 on the test, the student will be required to take CHEM 103 and achieve a grade of at least C to satisfy the prerequisite for placement into CHEM 121.
The co-requisite for CHEM 121 is MATH 126 or placement into a higher MATH class.
To fulfill the prerequisites for CHEM 103, students must take the Chemistry Department placement exam and either be co-enrolled in MATH 126E/26B or place into MATH 126 or higher.
A student may not repeat the Chemistry Placement Exam within three months of taking it. The exam may be repeated only once. Students that do not pass the placement exam on the second attempt will be required to take CHEM 103 after fulfilling the pre-requisites for CHEM 103.