Incoming First-Year Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Placement Testing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Placement Testing
When will I be notified about taking my math placement test?
Upon your acceptance, you will be notified by Admissions regarding placement testing information and registration. For more information about placement testing, click here.
How do I register for the placement test?
You may register for the placement test here or contact: placementtesting@njit.edu or call (973) 596-8389.
What if I cannot take the placement test on my registered test date?
The date in which you registered for the placement test should be kept except in rare circumstances. If you must change it, you will need to contact the Office of Placement Testing at (973) 596-8389 to determine an alternative test date.
How long is the math placement test?
The math placement test (Mobius) is approximately 2 hours and is divided into three sections: Basic Algebra (25 problems), Advanced Algebra (25 problems) and Trigonometry (30 problems). (Calculator usage is not allowed.)
Is it necessary to prepare for the math placement test?
Since the math placement test is used to determine your first-semester math course, we strongly recommend that you prepare for the math placement test by reviewing the subject areas on the test. Please review practice questions and answers as well as take a sample test and review possible math course placement by using the placement calculator. (No calculators usage permitted during the test.)
Do I need to take the English placement test?
Yes, if you have not submitted: Advance Placement (AP) electronic score report or International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate, official transcript from college/university for English Composition 1 with a grade of C or better, you are required to take the English Placement Test. (All international students are required to take the English Placement Test.)
How long is the English placement test?
There are two parts of the English placement test : The English Placement Survey and English Placement Essay. The English Placement Survey test is approximately 20 minute and English Placement Essay (Criterion) is approximately 1 hour (two essays on selected topics - a half hour each).
If I receive extra time on exams at my current/previous school, how do I receive the same accommodations on the placement test?
You need to contact the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (OARS) at oars@njit.edu or call (973) 596-5417 to make arrangements for accommodation during the placement test. (Registration for testing accommodations is by appointment only and you should contact the Placement Testing Office directly once you have contacted OARS; do not register on-line.)
When will I receive my test results?
Within 5-7 business days via e-mail. (English placement results may take longer.)
What if I fail my math placement?
The placement test is not a pass/fail exam. Your results determine the math course in which you will be placed during your first semester at NJIT. If you believe that your initial placement test scores are not representative of your mathematical capabilities and level, you may request a one-time retake of the math placement test that you can schedule at least 2 weeks after your first placement test date. (The deadline for students to retake the math placement test for the Fall 2022: July 15. No calculators permitted.)
Do I need permission to take a Pre-Calculus math course at another college/university?
As an incoming first-year, prior to matriculation, no special permission is needed to take a pre-Calculus math course at another college/university. However, we highly recommend consulting with your academic advisor prior to registering to make sure the course in which you register is equivalent to your NJIT math placement. Continuing NJIT students MUST obtain prior approval from the Department of Mathematical Sciences before taking any math course at another school. Click here for details.
If I decide to take a Pre-Calculus course at another college/university, what grade do I need in the course to move to the next level?
You need a grade of C or better in order to move to the next level math course. An official transcript from the college/university at which the course was taken must be submitted to NJIT in order for you to receive transfer credit.
Are my first semester classes merely general education requirements or are they specific to my major?
Your first semester courses consist of general education requirements as well as specific major courses depending upon course placements, departmental standards, and major curriculum. Please review major requirements in this catalog: http://catalog.njit.edu/undergraduate/.
If I am taking advanced placement courses, can I be exempt from the taking the placement test?
Students who have taken the Advanced Placement Exam through College Board and/or have completed a college-level course affiliated with a college/university and can provide an official score report and/or a transcript from the college/university and/ or have obtained a certificate of completion of International Baccalaureate courses may be eligible for exemption from placement testing. Please contact the Placement Testing Office at (973) 596-8389 for further details. (Please note: You should have already received your scores or grades prior to taking the placement test.)
Can I take the placement test more than once?
If you believe that your initial placement test scores are not representative of your mathematical capabilities and level, you may request to take the math placement test a second time. We allow only one retake of the math placement test which you can schedule at least 2 weeks after your first math placement test date. (The deadline for students to retake the math placement test for the Fall 2022: July 15. No calculators permitted.)
Retaking the English placement test is not permitted. If you have problems or concerns with your English course placement, you need to contact the Humanities and Social Science Department: (973) 596-3269 or humanities@njit.edu.
If I have earned Advanced Placement course credits, where do I send my results?
As long as you requested that your results be sent to NJIT through the College Board, your scores will be sent directly to the Admissions Office. If you have not done so, then please request that your AP report be sent to: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Admissions Office , University Heights, Newark New Jersey 07102. If you have taken a course in high school that was affiliated with a college/university, you need to have an official transcript sent from that college/university to New Jersey Institute of Technology, Office of Admissions, University Heights, Newark New Jersey 07102. (Please Note: If you took a college level course affiliated with NJIT, please notify the Placement Testing Office prior to registering for the placement test.)
What does my course placement mean?
Course placements in math and English are determined by the results of your placement tests as well as SAT/ACT scores and advance course credit. Students will be registered for the courses in which they were placed according to criteria established by the various academic departments base on major/curriculum. For more details, please click math or English.
New incoming first-year who place in Math 107, Math 108 or Math 110 are encouraged to *retake the placement test and/or register for a Pre-Calculus course during the summer. Consult with your academic advisor before registering for a summer course. (*The deadline for students to retake the math placement test for the Fall 2022: July 15.)