About Math Placement at NAU
All students are required to have math placement before enrolling in NAU mathematics and statistics classes in order to foster a positive learning opportunity and maximize the likelihood of student success.
Online Math Placement Testing Available:
Due to the COVID-19 health situation, NAU is currently providing a free remote online math placement testing option. To learn about how to start the test click here.
Learn more about how to access and prepare for the test by visiting the links below.
How is Math placement determined? Accordion Closed
Math placement is determined from a combination of the following:
- 4 years of the appropriate high school math classes
- SAT or ACT math subscores
- AP exam credit
- college transfer math credits
- NAU Math Placement Test
- HS Core GPA (beginning with high school graduates from Spring 2022 and later)
Who needs to take the Math Placement Test for NAU? Accordion Closed
The majority of incoming freshman and transfer students will receive math placement at NAU without needing to test at all.
This includes students whose chosen degree has MAT 114 as the math requirement. You can search your degree requirements to help you determine what math is required for your degree. Search for your major, using the online Academic Catalog.
If your chosen degree requires higher math courses, there are tools available to help you decide if you need to take the math placement test.
I think I need to take the Math Placement Test Accordion Closed
To determine if you need to take the NAU Math Placement Test, you’ll first need to determine the following 2 items:
- First, you will need to determine your current math placement at NAU. This tool looks at all of the information that you have officially submitted to NAU and has loaded into your student account. If you have not submitted documentation to NAU, this placement will not be accurate. You will be prompted to log into your NAU account; this ensures it is looking specifically at your student account.
- Second, you’ll need to learn which math class is required for your chosen degree plan. Search for your major, using the online Academic Catalog.
After determining the answers to the above, you need to compare the required math class with your current placement level. If these do not align, we suggest you consider taking/retaking the NAU Math Placement Test.
What if I want to improve my placement? Accordion Closed
If your current math placement is not as high as you’d like, or it does not align with what is required for your degree, then you’ll need to take/retake the NAU Math Placement Test.
How do I study for the Math Placement Test? Accordion Closed
- Year Round: Open to All Students
Enroll in the Math Placement Test Canvas shell to use the free practice test and study plan. - Summer: Peak Performance program – Open to Incoming Freshmen looking to improve their placement!
- Learn about the Peak Performance Summer program. Limited seats available.
