Math Placement Test
If you apply as a test-optional applicant, we need to gauge your mathematics capabilities to place you in the appropriate math course.
Who Needs to Take the Math Placement Test?
Most students who have not taken the ACT, SAT or CLT need to take the Math Placement test. If you fall into one of the below categories, you need to take the test.
- Test optional with no test score on file, unless you have transfer/dual enrollment/AP* credit that:
- Satisfies the prerequisite for the math class you need to take.
- Satisfies the general education requirement and you do not need another math class at Lipscomb.
- Test optional with an unofficial score on file
- You can also submit official scores if you prefer via admissions [at] lipscomb.edu.
- Desire to place in a higher math course.
*Please be aware that AP scores are rarely reported before advising. We recommend signing up for the course you would take if you did not pass the AP exam but leaving room in your schedule for the course you actually want to take.
*If you are "test optional with no test score on file" and feel anxious about taking a math course, we recommend taking the math placement test and a math course sooner rather than later. This will set you up for a better college and academic experience!
You are given 50 minutes to complete 40 multiple-choice questions. You may take this test only one time. Calculators are not allowed.
Topics that may be covered in this test include:
- Percentages and fractions
- Rules of exponents
- Radicals
- Rectangles and rectangular solids (perimeter, area, volume)
- Triangles (area)
- Circles (radius, diameter, circumference, area)
- Factoring
- Solving algebraic equations & translating simple word problems into algebraic equations
- Distance, rate, and time
- Direct, inverse and joint variation
The math placement test is administered using a Respondus Lockdown Browser. Please note that the lockdown browser is not compatible with a Chromebook, so please make arrangements to use an appropriate device.
Dependent on your score, you can anticipate placement within the following courses:
| Course |
Math Placement
Test Score |
| MA 1020 Introductory Algebra* |
< 10 |
| MA 1030 Intermediate Algebra* |
10-14 |
| MA 1043 Survey of Fundamentals of Math |
15 |
| MA 1053 Survey of Algebra & Statistics |
15 |
| MA 1113 College Algebra |
16-22 |
| MA 1135 College Precalculus |
23-29 |
| MA 1123 Trigonometry |
≥ 30 |
| MA 1314 Calculus I** |
≥ 30 |
| MA 2183 Elementary Statistics |
≥ 30 |
*Non-credit course
**Should have had some trigonometry in high school
Preparation is advised but we do not offer a study guide. Using the algebra section of www.khanacademy.org is a great resource. You may also find other helpful sites on the internet in order to practice more advanced levels of math.
Check that you have sufficient battery on your computer for the complete 50 minutes before you start. Once you start, the clock doesn't stop. You are allowed two sheets of scratch paper.
Student can take this test at any time, however, may benefit from taking the test during the hours in which Lipscomb’s IT department is available:
IT Help Desk Hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If students need extra time, they should contact the Math department before taking the test and validate their need for the accommodation.
1. Log in to your MyLipscomb account. Log in using your username and the password you created once you were accepted to the university. If you need assistance here, please contact the Lipscomb IT Department.
2. Go to your Canvas dashboard - this is where your Math Placement Test is held.
3. Within Canvas, select the Math Placement Test.
4. Within the Canvas course, you will find instructions on how to download the Lockdown Browser - a secure browser that will record your test-taking session to ensure integrity. This may be a commonly used browser in your classes, so you're getting ahead by becoming comfortable with it now!
5. Once you have downloaded the Lockdown Browser, you should complete the practice quiz within it to get used to it.
6. Once you feel ready to take the Math Placement Test, make sure that your computer is plugged in or fully charged, you have a reliable internet connection and two sheets of paper to work from. You can only take the test once, so be sure that you're ready!
Further instructions are located on the home page of the Lipscomb Math Placement Test Canvas course*.
*Please follow all directions and use the short non-math practice quiz to test the system. This is located on the home page referenced above.