Chemistry Placement Assessment
Overview
The Chemistry Placement Assessment determines if you are eligible to sign up for CHEM 200 or CHEM 202 during registration. Enrollment in CHEM 200 or CHEM 202 requires satisfying one of the following prerequisites:
- Completion of CHEM 100 (Introduction to General Chemistry with Laboratory) with a grade of C or better.
- Satisfaction of the Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Assessment Requirement AND passing the Chemistry Placement Assessment.
Assessment and Registration Details
Students planning to take CHEM 200 or CHEM 202 who have not completed CHEM 100 are strongly encouraged to register for the assessment.
Timing
We recommend taking the assessment a full semester before enrolling in CHEM 200 / CHEM 202. For example, to take CHEM 200 in Fall 2026, complete the assessment before June 17, 2026, to leave time for CHEM 100 in the summer if needed.
Topics Covered
High school-level general chemistry (matter, nomenclature, chemical reactions) and basic algebra (scientific notation, unit conversions, significant figures).
Scoring
This is a Pass/Fail test. Passing requires 71% on Math Skills and 75% on Chemistry Concept Skills.
Access & Results
The assessment is offered multiple times throughout the academic year, allowing at most, 2 attempts per term. Once a window opens, you have 7 days to complete the exam. After finishing, you can view scores in my.SDSU under Academic Records > Test Results.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit
If you received a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Chemistry Exam, you should receive credit for CHEM 200 and CHEM 201, and should not need to take the Chemistry Placement Assessment.
If you received a score of 5, 6, or 7 in the IB Chemistry exam, you should receive credit for Chemistry 100 and should not need to take the Chemistry Placement Assessment.
Note: High school chemistry classes (including non-exam AP/IB classes) do not satisfy course prerequisites. If you plan to enroll directly in CHEM 100, you do not need to take this assessment.
Breakdown of the Chemistry Placement Assessment
NOTE: Only available and must be completed within the 7-day testing window.
Getting-Started Assignments
Getting-Started Assignments: Two introductory assignments to orient you with OWLv2 basics, such as answer entry and formatting. Must be completed before starting any assessment.
Optional Non-Graded Review and Practice Quiz
Review assignments and practice quizzes for math and chemistry skills. You can take the practice quiz multiple times to receive a personalized study plan based on your results.
Math Skills Placement Assessment
Assesses math skills by topic. Most topics require getting 2 out of 3 questions correct for credit. Untimed with 1 attempt per set; can be completed across multiple sessions within the 7-day testing window.
Chemistry Concept Skills Placement Assessment
Evaluates core chemistry concept skills. 90-minute timed assignment with only 1 attempt. Must be completed in a single session with a stable internet connection.
Who needs to take the Chemistry Placement Assessment?
SDSU recommends that students in the following majors enroll in CHEM 200 (General Chemistry) or CHEM 202 (General Chemistry for Engineers) during their first semester.
CHEM 200
Majors: Athletic Training, Biology, Chemical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Kinesiology, Microbiology, Physical Science, Physics.
CHEM 200 or CHEM 202
Majors: Chemical Physics, Engineering (Aerospace, Civil, Construction, Environmental, Mechanical), Geological Sciences (with emphasis in engineering geology, environmental geosciences, geology, geophysics, and hydrogeology).
Guidance and Advice
The assessment is online and is not proctored. We emphasize that it is not beneficial to cheat. CHEM 200 or 202 are advanced courses and without proper chemistry and math preparation, you stand a good chance of doing poorly in the course and would then need to repeat it.
Questions
For more information, please contact [email protected]. All communication regarding the Chemistry Placement Assessment must be conducted through official SDSU e-mail accounts. To ensure a prompt response, please include "Chemistry Placement Assessment Cohort (#)" in the subject line and provide your full name, RedID, and cohort number in the message body.
Technical Support
Contact Cengage Tech Support, or use the help links you see in OWLv2.
Disability Accommodations
Students requesting accommodations for the Chemistry Placement Assessment should have their accommodations approved by SDSU Student Disability Services.
Registration
Registration deadlines are on Wednesdays by 8:00 a.m.
Assessments are at 10:00 a.m.
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