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Mathematics Placement Test



The Belmont University Mathematics Placement Test is given multiple times each year, most often during the time leading up to the advising/registration period in both the fall and spring semesters. The Mathematics Placement Test is taken by students who do not have the required math SAT or math ACT scores to enroll in a desired class. If an acceptable minimum score is received on the placement exam, the Mathematics /Computer Science Department will allow a student to receive an override in the desired course.

The Belmont Mathematics Placement Test consists of 40 questions and is a 40 minute timed exam.  Calculators are not allowed to be used while taking this exam.  Some of the topics covered on this test are:
  • decimals
  • percentages
  • arithmetic of fractions
  • rules of exponents
  • radicals
  • rectangles and rectangular solids (perimeter, area, surface area, and volume)
  • triangles (equilateral, isosceles, or right; area)
  • circles (radius, diameter, circumference, area)
  • adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing algebraic expressions
  • factoring (special factors, roots)
  • solving algebraic equations
  • solving small systems of algebraic equations
  • distance, rate, and time
  • direct, inverse, and joint variation
  • translating simple word problems into algebraic equations


To find the dates/times the test will be given, you may contact Susan Headrick to inquire about testing schedules.  We do have a limited number of spots available for each testing period but will be happy to work with your schedule to find a time that will work for you.


The Mathematics Placement Test scores required for our classes are:

MTH 1020 Introduction to Math Reasoning  0-23
CSC 1020 Introduction to Computer Science  20-40
MTH 1080 Mathematical Inquiry 24-40
MTH 1110 College Algebra 17-23
MTH 1150  Elementary Statistics 20-40
MTH 1151 Elementary Statistics for Sciences 20-40
MTH 1140  Quantitative Methods 23-26
MTH 1130  Precalculus 24-26
MTH 1170  Calculus I for Business, Economics 24-26
MTH 1210 Calculus I  27-40 


For information on Belmont policies regarding CLEP(College-Level Examination Program®) tests, please refer to the Belmont catalog.



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