Chemistry Placement Test

At SMU, in order to enroll in Chemistry I: General Chemistry (CHEM 1303), students must take the Chemistry Placement Test.

Students who do not pass the test will enroll in Preparatory Chemistry (CHEM 1302) to prepare them for CHEM 1303 in a future semester. Review the table and instructions below on current chemistry placement tests required for enrollment. 

Placement test details

Test

Description

Who Takes It

Passing Score

Number of attempts

Instructions

Chemistry Placement Test

This non-credit placement test assesses a student’s proficiency with Chemistry concepts necessary for Chemistry I (CHEM 1303). Students must pass this test to enroll in CHEM 1303; students who do not pass will need to take the CHEM 1302 Preparatory Chemistry course as a pre-requisite.

Any student with plans to enroll in CHEM 1303

18

2

Go to the Canvas Self-Enroll page and select Placement Tests. Click the "Sign in with SMU single sign on" button.  Click the blue "Enroll" button.  Log into Canvas, and you will see the "Placement Tests" course added to your Canvas dashboard.  Enter the course, and follow the directions to take your placement test.

Frequently-asked Questions

Yes, all students who intend to enroll in CHEM 1303 must take the Chemistry placement exam.

No, you do not need to take the placement test in order to enroll in CHEM 1302 – but work with your advisor to request departmental permission.

Talk to your academic advisor about whether a Chemistry placement test is appropriate for your academic plans.

No.