Mathematics Placement Homepage

Note: If you have taken AP Calculus (even if you haven't taken the official AP test), you need not take the MTH 122 or MTH 123 proficiency tests. We will update your placement in person on your registration day to MTH 122 & MTH 123 Fulfilled.

Directions to prepare for and take the MTH 122 and MTH 123 proficiency tests:

• First, take the MTH 122 and MTH 123 practice tests at http://gvsu.edu/s/2hJ and http://gvsu.edu/s/2hK. These are PDF versions and do not require the online system.
• Next watch this video to learn how to take the test online: http://gvsu.edu/s/2hH  (the video explains the process for the MTH 110, 122, and 123 proficiency tests).
• Finally, ensure that you have a strong and stable internet connection, and take the actual online MTH 122 and MTH 123 proficiency tests: from https://www.gvsu.edu/s/jk using your GVSU login and password*. Choose one of the two MTH 122 exams and then one of the MTH 123 exams. You can take each version of each exam once for two attempts total.
  * if you are a new student, directions to set up your GVSU network ID and password were emailed to you shortly after you were admitted to the university; the subject line was “Your Network Credentials”.  If you haven’t yet set them up, you can do so via your GVSU application portal.  If you have questions about your login credentials, please contact GVSU Admissions at 616-331-2025 or [email protected]).

A score of 9/15 or better on each exam is needed to demonstrate proficiency in the respective courses and thus be ready to take courses with MTH 122 and/or MTH 123 as a prerequisite.

Additional information about MTH 122 and MTH 123 and why proficiency testing is important:

MTH 122 (College Algebra) and MTH 123 (Trigonometry) are courses that are required for many majors on campus, either as prerequisites or other courses or as terminal courses themselves.  MTH 124 (Precalculus) is a related course that is at a similar level and is a prerequisite for MTH 201 (Calculus 1). 

The ACT/SAT does not always measure students' full aptitude and experience. Taking and passing the GVSU proficiency tests offers you the opportunity to pass out of MTH 122 and MTH 123 and thus take courses more suited to your mathematical preparation; this also saves tuition costs and time to graduation. Taking the tests now also makes it less likely you'll need to adjust your class schedule after your registration day. Many students pass the proficiency exams and end up with placement higher than their initial category. 

If you have any questions regarding the math proficiency tests, please contact the Department of Mathematics - Math Proficiency Testing: [email protected] or (616) 331-2040.