Math Placement Test (MPT)

The Math Placement Test (MPT) assesses mathematical knowledge and skill, and places students into the appropriate entry-level math courses.

Students who do not meet the prerequisite for a mathematics or statistics course, but have learned material through another means, are able to prove their knowledge by writing the MPT. The MPT will determine which course(s) they are qualified to take.

The MPT does not replace learning, and writing the MPT does not guarantee entrance into a particular course. There is a waiting period before a student can rewrite the MPT, so it is important to be prepared.

Test scores are used only at Capilano University and are not transferrable. Placement tests from other institutions are not accepted.

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) Department offers their own assessment for placement into ABE courses for students who need to complete high school math courses or improve their high school grades to meet prerequisites. Please see the ABE website for more information.

MPT dates

The MPT is offered every term around the time of the registration period.

Registration for fall courses: test dates are typically scheduled in June/July.
Registration for spring courses: test dates are typically scheduled in October/November.
Registration for summer courses: test dates are typically scheduled in February/March.

Students should enroll on the MPT eLearn page to check for upcoming test dates and to book a test time.

Fees and payment

The fee to register for the MPT is $25. This fee is charged to the student’s account by the Cashier's Office. There is a separate fee each time the test is written.

Students who register for the MPT but do not attend, or do not cancel their registration at least one full day before the test, will still be charged the $25 fee.

Waiting Period to Rewrite

There is a waiting period before students can rewrite the test:

1 month for the Basic MPT
12 months for the Precalculus MPT
12 months for the Calculus MPT

On the Test Date

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the MPT. No students will be admitted after the scheduled start time.

Bring photo identification to the test. Examples include a driver's license, Capilano University student card, a passport, or a B.C. Services Card.

Bring a pencil and eraser.

The following items are not permitted during the test:

Calculators
Cell phones
Electronic devices
Formula sheets
Notebooks

At least twenty-four hours’ notice is required to cancel any booking.

Accessibility

For academic accommodations, please contact Accessibility Services at access-serv@capilanou.ca or visit the Accessibility Services page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to write the MPT?

In order to register for a MATH or STAT course, you must satisfy the prerequisite. Prerequisites for MATH 097, 105, 108, 116, 190 and STAT 101 are listed in the Prerequisite Grid. You should take the course that your prior high school or university courses allow you to take.

If you need to complete high school math courses or improve your high school grades to meet prerequisites, the Adult Basic Education Department offers their own assessment for placement into ABE courses. Please see the ABE website for more information.

If you wish to register in one of these courses and do not have the prerequisite, but you believe you have the knowledge and skills to take the course, you must write a placement test to demonstrate your knowledge.

If you completed course prerequisite(s) more than 12 months ago, you are encouraged to write the MPT to assess your current math skills.

You must have a valid Capilano University student number to take the test. The MPT is designed specifically for use at Capilano University.

How long is the MPT?

The MPT is a 2-hour exam consisting of 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions.

Can I use a calculator?

No. Calculators and cell phones are not permitted in the MPT.

Can I bring a formula sheet?

No. Formula sheets and notebooks are not permitted in the MPT.

Can I write the MPT online?

No. The MPT must be written in person and on campus.

Which test do I write?

Basic MPT

for placement into MATH 097, MATH 190, STAT 101

Precalculus MPT

for placement into MATH 105

Calculus MPT

for placement into MATH 108, MATH 116

What grade do I need to “pass”?

The MPT assesses several categories of mathematical knowledge and skills that depend on the level of the test (Basic MPT, Precalculus MPT or Calculus MPT). You do not need to achieve a perfect score to place in the course for which you are taking the MPT.

Your goal should be to achieve the highest possible score on the test. Be sure to come prepared and do your best.

Each MPT will place you in an appropriate entry-level course. If you don’t meet the required knowledge and skills for your desired course, the MPT may place you in a lower-level course. If the MPT does not place you into any courses, you might need to take an Academic Upgrading Course or write a lower level MPT.

Can I rewrite the MPT?

Yes. However, there is a waiting period before you can rewrite the same test:

1 month for the Basic MPT
12 months for the Precalculus MPT
12 months for the Calculus MPT

There is no waiting period to write a different test. For example, if you wrote the Precalculus MPT and were not placed into any course, there is no waiting period for writing the Basic MPT.

How do I register for the MPT?

To register for the MPT you must:

Have a valid Capilano University student number.
Enroll yourself on the MPT eLearn pageand then register for your preferred MPT sitting by clicking the appropriate link and submitting the requested information.
- Reservations are limited and made on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Only students who have reserved a spot in advance will be permitted to write the MPT.

If there are no appointment times available on the MPT eLearn page, check back at a later date or email sciences@capilanou.ca for more information.

The MPT is offered every term just before the next registration period.

Registration for fall courses: test dates are typically scheduled in June/July.
Registration for spring courses: test dates are typically scheduled in October/November.
Registration for summer courses: test dates are typically scheduled in February/March.

How do I get my results?

Allow at least two days for the test to be graded and the results recorded. Your test results, which can be picked up from the Registrar's Office (Library Building, room LB152), will include a statement of eligibility for Capilano University mathematics courses, as well as a diagnostic assessment.

MPT scores are valid for the 3 terms following your test date. For example, if you write an MPT in July, your test results and placement are valid for the following fall, spring and summer terms.

What should I study to prepare for the MPT?

You are strongly advised to prepare for the MPT. Resources and reference links are provided below for each level of the MPT.

Each sample question document states the topics that the corresponding placement test covers. Further resources are available on the MPT eLearn page and at the Library under MPT Course Reserves. Reserves are available for check out by asking at the Library Services Desk.

Students may visit the Math Learning Centre in LB 126 for extra help during scheduled hours.

If the topics you are reviewing are new to you, you should take a different MPT for entrance into a lower level course. For example, if you are preparing for the Calculus MPT but you have not studied precalculus before, you should prepare for and take the Precalculus MPT for entrance into MATH 105. If you are preparing for the Precalculus MPT and have limited algebra knowledge and ability, you should take the Basic MPT for entrance into MATH 097.