Skip to main content

Placement Testing

In an effort to ensure you are registered in the appropriate courses, placement/skills assessments are offered – and some required – by certain departments such as math, chemistry, writing, and world languages. Whether or not you need to complete assessments depends on the requirements of your degree program.

In addition to completing placement assessments, you will also participate in academic advising before you register for your first semester of classes. Your college or program’s advising team will take into account your placement scores and your intended academic path when making recommendations for courses. This is why it’s important to complete placement activities in a timely manner, and many courses will not allow you to enroll until a placement test has been taken.

AP, IB, and Transfer Credit

We recognize that some students may also have test scores from AP/IB exams or are bringing in additional transfer credits. If you don’t have a test score by the placement test deadline dates listed below, go ahead and take the placement test to ensure timely course registration. You can always make changes to your schedule later if needed when you receive your other test scores. 

Select your college or program to learn which assessments you need to complete:

Agricultural Institute students are not required to take any University placement tests but will instead take an AGI Math Placement test during the summer. Details and instructions will be emailed to students in the summer. The University math placement test will not take the place of the AGI math test.

*Students enrolled in the Life Sciences First Year Program should locate instructions below under the heading Life Sciences First Year Program

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website.

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before.

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Test
  • World Language Placement Test

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

Chemistry Placement (*not required)

The College of Design does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a chemistry course

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The College of Design does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a world language course.

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam (*required for specific majors)
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may need to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement (*required for specific majors)

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website
  • Find your major (or intended major) in the table below to determine if you need to take the Chemistry Placement Exam. If you are unsure of your major you can find this information via your WolfPAW account (https://wolfpaw.ncsu.edu).
Test RequiredMajorAcad PlanAcad Sub Plan
NoEducation, Elementary13ELMEDBS13ELMEDSTM
YesEducation, High School Math13MTHEDBS13MTHEDMS
YesEducation, High School Science13SCIEDBS13SCIEDBIO
NoEducation, Middle Grades Language Arts/Social Studies13MIDEDBS13MIDEDLAS
YesEducation, Middle Grades Math (with Science Option)13MTHEDBS13MTHEDMSM
YesEducation, Middle Grades Science13SCIEDBS13SCIEDMID
YesEducation, Undeclared13EDUD 
YesEducation; Technology, Engineering, and Design13TDEBS 

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The College of Education does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before.

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Test
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you KNOW you have earned credit for Calculus I (MA 141) via AP / IB scores or transfer credit, you do not need to take the Math Placement Assessment. If you are waiting to see if you will receive credit for MA 141 via one of the above methods, but you have not yet received your official score or transfer credit grade, you should plan to take the Math Placement Assessment. When in doubt – take the assessment. The Math Department & the College of Engineering will honor your highest level of placement.
  • The highest score on the Math Placement Assessment places students into Calculus 1 at NC State. If you have earned credit for Calculus 1 (MA 141) or beyond (MA 241, MA 242, etc.), you do not need to take the Math Placement Assessment.
  • For additional information, please read the Math Placement website

Writing Placement

World Language Placement (*not required)

The College of Engineering does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before (like for a minor or second major).

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test
  • Math Placement Test (*required only for BS degree programs)
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Test

World Language Placement

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Math Placement (*required only for BS degree programs)

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • The math test is not required unless you are in a BS degree program or anticipate wanting or needing to take Calculus (Math, Science, Engineering, or Management double majors)
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

Chemistry Placement (*not required)

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a chemistry course

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam (*required for specific majors)
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may need to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement (*required for specific majors)

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website
  • Find your major (or intended major) in the table below to determine if you need to take the Chemistry Placement Exam. If you are unsure of your major you can find this information via your WolfPAW account (https://wolfpaw.ncsu.edu).
Test RequiredMajorAcad PlanAcad Sub Plan
YesEnvironmental Sciences15ENVSCBS 
YesEnvironmental Technology & Management15ENVTBS 
YesFisheries & Wildlife Science, Fisheries Concentration15FWSCIBS15FWSCIF
YesFisheries & Wildlife Science, Wildlife Concentration15FWSCIBS15FWSCIW
YesForest Management15FORMTBS 
* See #1 belowNatural Resources in Parks15PRTBS15PRTNRR
YesNatural Resources, Ecosystem Assessment Concentration15NATREBS15NATREECO
YesNatural Resources, Policy & Administration Concentration15NATREBS15NATREPOL
* See #2 belowNatural Resources, Undeclared15NTRUD 
YesPaper Science and Engineering14EFY 14PSEI
* See #1 belowParks Management15PRTBS15PRTNRR
* See #1 belowParks, Recreation and Tourism Management15PRTBS15PRTNRR
NoProfessional Golf Management15PGMBS 
* See #1 belowProgram Management15PRTBS15PRTPM
* See #1 belowSport Management15SPMGTBS 
YesSustainable Materials & Technology15SMTBS 
* See #1 belowSustainable Tourism15PRTST 
  1. This plan requires 7 hrs of Natural Sciences and CH 101 is on option on the list.
  2. If you are currently in an undeclared major, look at the major(s) that you are considering to determine if the CPE is required.

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The College of Natural Resources does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before.

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

*Students enrolled in the Life Sciences First Year Program should locate instructions below under the heading Life Sciences First Year Program

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam (*required for specific majors)
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement (*required for all majors except Statistics)

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Note for Statistics majors: You are not required to take the Chemistry Placement Exam unless you choose to take a chemistry course.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The College of Sciences does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam
  • World Language Placement Test
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

Chemistry Placement

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website.

World Language Placement

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

You must complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website.

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The Life Sciences First Year Program does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before.

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Test
  • World Language Placement Test

Math Placement

All incoming Poole College of Management students will need to take the Math Placement Test.

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

Most Poole College of Management students will take ENG 101 in their first or second semester. Students who are transferring in with credit for English should contact poole_advising@ncsu.edu to confirm their remaining English requirements.

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

Chemistry Placement

Most Poole students do not need to take the Chemistry Placement Exam. However, if you wish to take a chemistry course (not required), you should take the exam.

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website.

World Language Placement (*not required)

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

You should complete the…

  • Chemistry Placement Exam
  • Math Placement Test
  • Writing Placement (Review the Chart)

You may choose to complete the…

  • World Language Placement Test

Chemistry Placement

  • Format: Online Exam (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Chemistry Placement website to determine if you should take the placement exam. 
  • If you anticipate needing testing accommodations, review the specific procedures on the Chemistry Placement website.

Math Placement

  • Format: Online Test (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024 
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Writing Placement

  • Format: This is not a test. You just need to review online placement information to determine if you are exempt from the first-year writing requirement (ENG 101) based on your standardized test scores. If you are not exempt from the first-year writing requirement, then you should review the “Typical Placement Scenarios” to help you determine if you should begin your instruction in ENG 100, 101, or 202.
  • Deadline: Review before course registration
  • Writing Placement Chart Website

World Language Placement (*not required)

The Wilson College of Textiles does not require this test, but you should take it if you wish to register for a course in a language you’ve studied before.

  • Format: Online Test available May 10 (take on your own)
  • Deadline for Fall Students: May 17, 2024
  • Deadline for Spring Students: October 4, 2024
  • If you wish to begin a language you have never studied before, you do not need to take the placement test.
  • Coming in with AP/IB scores or transfer credit? Read the World Language Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.

Accommodations

Students that have a disability and need testing accommodations for placement tests should first register with the Disability Resource Office. Once registered, you should email the placement exam contact person and copy the DRO service provider so a verification email can be sent. Additional instructions may be provided on the webpages for each assessment.