Requesting reasonable accommodations based on a disability
Eligible students with disabilities may seek reasonable accommodations to take the math placement test. Please submit disability documentation to NDSU Disability Services at least two weeks prior to the time in which the accommodations are needed, and schedule a consultation with a staff member to review your request before taking the exam. Documentation will be reviewed and students will be notified if additional documentation is needed to make an eligibility decision. Please submit documentation to:
NDSU Disability Services
Dept. 5160
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
(701) 231-8463
WHO is required to take the Math Placement Test?
All students are required to take the Math Placement Test prior to enrolling in a Math course at NDSU unless they have successfully completed and received college credit for a college-level algebra, trigonometry, or university calculus course. College credit may be earned through transfer credit, Advanced Placement Test scores, dual credit or Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO). In some cases, students may still choose to take the placement test in an effort to increase their placement. Students should consult their curriculum guides or their academic adviser/department for the math course required for their intended program of study. Sample questions are available at www.ndsu.edu/instruct/hass/placement or within the Blackboard site.
WHY is the Math Placement Test required?
The Department of Mathematics strives to place incoming
students in the most appropriate mathematics course, one that
is challenging but also one for which you have the appropriate
background. This is a placement tool only. It is not an exam
that is graded, or that you pass or fail.
The sequence of math courses is as follows:
HOW AND WHEN do I take the exam?
Students are required to take this test online prior to orientation.
This is a two-part timed test that should be taken in an environment free of distractions prior to your scheduled orientation session. The Algebra section allows 25 minutes and the Pre-Calculus section allows 25 minutes. Both sections of the test must be taken. A rolling timer will appear at the bottom of your browser to track the length of time you have used. A one-minute warning will be displayed when you have 1 minute remaining. Your test scores will be interpreted and handed back at your orientation session.
To access the test, log on to https://bb.ndsu.nodak.edu. Internet Explorer 8 is NOT currently compatible with Blackboard, the system used to administer the math placement test. Be sure to use an alternate browser (i.e. earlier version of IE or Firefox) when taking the test.
The following links will walk you through the steps needed to complete the process. Parts A, B, and C need to be completed in sequential order.
Part A: Activate Your Electronic ID
- Instructions for students who have NEVER had an email address from a North Dakota University System institution
- Instructions for students who HAVE had an email address from a North Dakota University System institution
- Instructions for International Students
Allow one business day for processing your account before
proceeding to Part B
Part B: Log in to Blackboard
- Instructions for logging in to Blackboard to take the math placement test
Part C: Take Test
- Instructions for finding and taking the math placement test.
*If it is determined that you will not be taking the Online Math Placement Test, you should still complete Part A: Activate Your Electronic ID.