The Douglas College Math Assessment (DCOM) is a series of four multiple choice tests which range from Intermediate Algebra to Functions and Trigonometry. Everyone starts with Test 1 and if you score high enough, you can move on to Tests 2, 3, and 4. This assessment takes approximately four hours to complete via Blackboard, and can be done over multiple sessions if needed.
- Who should write
- What to bring to the test
- What it tests
- Test results
- Waiting period for DCOM rewrites
- How to book an assessment
Who should write
The DCOM is for students who don't meet all of the math requirements for the following courses. Before registering, we recommend that you click on the link for the class you want to take and review its requisites. This will help you determine if the DCOM is the correct assessment for you.
- MATH 1120: Calculus I
- MATH 1123: Calculus I for Life Sciences
- MATH 1125: Calculus for the Social Sciences
- MATH 1130: Discrete Mathematics I
- MATH 1160: Introduction to Statistics
Before taking the DCOM, you must have proof of one of the following:
- A grade of C or higher in Foundations of Math 11, Principles of Math 11, or Precalculus 11.
- A grade of C or higher in MATU 0411; or
- A referral from the Mathematics Upgrading Department.
What to bring to the test
Please bring:
- Government issued photo identification (ie: a passport, a driver's license)
- You Douglas College Student Number
- A pen or pencil
- A scientific calculator
What it tests
What it tests
The assessments consist of questions drawn from the following topics:
- evaluating/simplifying algebraic expressions
- operations with integers
- simplifying expressions with integer and rational exponents
- radicals
- operations with polynomials and rationals
- factoring polynomials
- solving quadratics
- solving rational equations
- solving literal equations
- slope-intercept form of the equation of a line
- solving and graphing linear equations and linear inequalities
- systems of linear equations
- functions; domains; max/min value for quadratics
- word problems
Preparation for Test #1
Texts with Basic and Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra
Format of Test #1
The assessment 20 question multiple-choice test which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
Score needed to proceed to Test #2:
Score of 14 or higher
What it tests
- operations with integers, rationals, exponents, radicals
- absolute value equations and inequalities
- distance between two points
- operations with algebraic expressions; algebraic fractions
- operations with polynomials and rationals
- factoring polynomials
- solving quadratics and quadratic inequalities
- solving rational equations
- solving radical equations
- solving and graphing linear equations and linear inequalities
- systems of linear equations
- functions, including composition
- logarithms
- word problems
Preparation for Test #2
Text with College Algebra or Advanced Algebra
Format of Test #2
This assessment is a 24 question multiple-choice test which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Score needed to proceed to Test #3:
Score of 14 or higher
What it tests
- functions; composition, notation
- fractional equations
- factoring; operations with algebraic expressions
- quadratic inequalities; graphs
- systems of linear equations
- graphs; quadratics, linear equations
- logarithmic and exponential functions
- geometry; distance
- trig identities
- trigonometric graphs
- special angles; trig functions
- word problems
Preparation for Test #3
Text with Precalculus
Format of Test #3
This assessment is a 26 question multiple-choice test which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Score needed to proceed to Test #4:
Score of 13 or higher
What it tests
- fractional equations
- inequalities
- absolute value; graphing
- exponential and logarithms functions
- graphing; exponentials, logarithms, conics
- higher degree polynomial equations non-linear systems of equations; graphs
- right triangles, definition of trig functions
- special angles; radian measure
- trig identities, cofunctions
- trigonometric graphing
- trig equations
- non-right triangles; laws of sines and cosines
- inverse trigonometric functions
Preparation for Test #4
Text with Pre-Calculus
Format of Test #4
This assessment is a 24 question multiple-choice test which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Test results
To satisfy prerequisites for the following courses, students must achieve the scores on the tests listed below.
| Course: | DCOM Test: | Score: |
| MATH 1160 | MA 3: Mathematics 3 | 12 |
| MATH 1130 | CR 1: Calculus Readiness 1 | 13 |
| MATH 1125 | CR 1: Calculus Readiness 1 | 15 |
| MATH 1123 | CR 2: Calculus Readiness 2 | 12 |
| MATH 1120 | CR 2: Calculus Readiness 2 | 12 |
You'll usually get your results and meet with an Assessment Services Coordinator right after the test. If results take longer (up to 24 hours), a Coordinator will contact you. If you're not successful, they'll help you explore other options to meet your math requirement.
Waiting period for DCOM rewrites
You can rewrite the DCOM four months after your initial attempt, and you are allowed a maximum of two attempts every two years.
How to book an assessment
Visit How to book an Assessment.
You can register up to 48 hours (two business days) before your desired exam date. If you need to cancel, it must be done no later than 24 hours (one business day) before the exam.