The Douglas College Precalculus Placement Math Assessment (DCMA) is a 34-question multiple choice test that meets the Math prerequisites for some of our Math courses. This assessment takes approximately one hour to complete via Blackboard.
- Who should write
- What to bring to the test
- Preparation for the test
- What it tests
- Test results
- Waiting period for DCMA rewrites
- How to book an assessment
Who should write
The DCMA 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 DCMA is the correct assessment for you.
Before taking the DCMA, 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 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
Calculators are not permitted for this test.
Preparation for the test
We suggest reviewing books related to Basic Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, or College Algebra. The Douglas College Library has several of these books available.
For access to a practice exam, go to the Precalculus placement Math Assessment Practice Exam (PDF).
What it tests
The DCMA tests basic algebra skills that you will need to be successful in future Mathematics courses. Its contents include:
- performing arithmetic operations with integers
- applying the correct order of operations
- determining the equivalence of fractions
- calculating volumes, perimeters, or areas of given figures
- simplifying: algebraic expressions; rational expressions; expressions with roots and/or positive, negative, or fractional exponents; expressions with absolute values; complex fractions
- addition, subtraction, multiplication and factoring of polynomials
- finding the distance between points on a plane
- solving linear inequalities (with or without absolute values) and graphing the solution set
- solving equations: linear, quadratic, rational, literal
- finding domains of polynomial, radical and rational functions
- evaluating functions
- finding the equations or graphs of lines (i.e. slopes and y-intercepts)
- finding the equations or graphs of circles and parabolas
- solving systems of linear equations
You will be provided with formulas for the area and circumference of a circle, the volume of a box and the quadratic formula.
Test results
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.
Your DCMA results and high school math background will likely determine your course eligibility. Please refer to the chart below:
| Score | Class Eligibility | Notes |
| 20 or higher | MATH 1105 MATH 1110 | |
| 17 - 19 | MATH 1105 | If you also completed Foundations of Math 12, Precalculus 12, or Principles of Math 12. |
| 15 or higher | MATH 1101 | |
| 14 or less | n/a | We recommend you take Math Upgrading (MATU). |
Waiting period for DCMA rewrites
You can rewrite the DCMA 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.