Fall 2023
Your Precalculus Placement Math Assessment (DCMA) will be offered in-person using Blackboard for the Fall semester. Registration must be done 72 (business) hours in advance because you will need to complete the Tech Set Up Test found under Course Content in Blackboard to ensure you have working access before your scheduled date and time. Access and completion is mandatory for you to sit your session date and time.
- Who should Write
- Test Exemptions
- What to bring to the test
- Preparation for the test
- What is on the test
- Format of the test
- Test result
- Test policy
- Test schedule
- How to book an assessment
Who Should Write
The Douglas College Precalculus Placement Math Assessment is only for students who already have a C grade or better in B.C. Principles of Math 11, B.C. Precalculus Math 11, or B.C. Foundations of Math 11.
This test will determine correct placement in:
- MATH 1101 - Basic Algebra,
- MATH 1105 - Intermediate Algebra,
- or MATH 1110 - Precalculus.
Test exemptions
Students who wish to register in MATH 1101 can do so without an assessment if they have a C grade or better in B.C. Principles of Math 11 or B.C. Precalculus 11. They may choose to write the (Precalculus Placement) Math Assessment to demonstrate that they are prepared for MATH 1105 or MATH 1110.
Students with the following can register directly in MATH 1105 or MATH 1110 (or some other MATH courses -- see Math Advising) without taking the (Precalculus placement) Math Assessment.
- B.C. Precalculus 12 with a grade of B or higher (either MATH 1105 or MATH 1110)
- B.C. Principles of Math 12 with a grade of B or higher (either MATH 1105 or MATH 1110)
- MATU 0411 (formerly DVST 0411) with a grade of A (for MATH 1110) or a grade of C- or better (for MATH 1105)
- MATU 0412 (formerly DVST 0412) with a grade of B or higher (either MATH 1105 or MATH 1110)
- MATH 1101 with a grade of B- or higher (for MATH 1110) or a grade of C- or better (for MATH 1105)
What to bring to the test
Please bring:
- your Douglas College student number, photo identification (driver's license, passport, or Douglas College student card),
- A pen and pencil.
Calculators are not permitted for this test (electronic or otherwise).
Preparation for the test
Any book entitled Basic Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, or College Algebra can help you prepare for the test. The 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 Douglas College (Precalculus Placement) Math Assessment is a test of the basic algebra skills that you will need to be successful in future Mathematics courses. The test consists of questions drawn from the following topics:
- 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.
Format of the test
It is a 34 question multiple-choice test that takes approximately one hour to complete.
Test results
The invigilator will give you your test results once the exam is completed and marked. The test results go directly on the computerized student record system but you should keep your copy of the test results in case you must register in person for Math during the first two weeks of classes.
Assessments completed via Blackboard will normally have results emailed to you and entered onto your student record 72 (business) hours after completion.
Test policy
Students may take an assessment for admission to courses and/or programs a maximum of two times within a two-year period. Students who believe extenuating circumstances exist may contact the Registrar to request consideration or exemption to this policy.
Test Schedule
Please follow the steps on - Assessment Testing Information to book your exam.
How to book an assessment
Visit page How to book an Assessment page.
Please note that registration or cancellation of assessments must be done 24 (business) hours in advance of the scheduled date and time.