See the test sections below to find out if you need to take a placement test. Placement tests are used to help select appropriate classes for your first semester.
You must take all necessary placement tests before attending orientation.
You must bring a picture ID and a #2 pencil to all tests.
If you are registered with UAB Disability Support Services and are eligible to receive academic accommodations, schedule your placement tests through the testing center at (205) 934-5503 or e-mail placetest@uab.edu.
English Placement Test
You must take the test if you:
- Transferred to UAB and have not completed English Composition (101) with a grade of C or better;
- Have a score lower than 20 on the English and Reading subtests of the ACT on file with the Undergraduate Admission office (freshmen only); or
- Have a verbal SAT1 score less than 480 (freshmen only).
You may take the English placement test ONE time. You do not need to make an appointment to take the test. Simply attend one of the test sessions listed below. If you require special accommodations for the test, contact the testing center at (205) 934-5503 or e-mail placetest@uab.edu.
English As a Second Language Placement Test
You must take the test if your first language is NOT English and you:
- Completed college-level coursework at a U.S. institution or international school but have not completed English Composition (101) with a grade of C;
- Have a score lower than 20 on both the English and reading subtests of the ACT on file with the Undergraduate Admission office (freshmen only); or
- Have a verbal SAT1 score of less than 480 (freshmen only).
You may take the English as a Second Language placement test ONE time.
To schedule a test, contact the testing center at (205) 934-5503 or email placetest@uab.edu.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
The Department of Academic Programs & Policy is responsible for having your transfer transcript evaluated for UAB credit. If you are transferring credits taken prior to Fall 1995, there is a possibility that you will be asked to provide course descriptions for evaluation. If course descriptions are needed, you will be contacted by the Department of Academic Programs & Policy or your academic advisor.
For more information about transferring credits to UAB visit BlazerNET or go to www.app.uab.edu for specific school and course information. For more information about international transfer credit, please go to www.app.uab.edu/intl_articulation.asp . Additional questions can be answered by your academic advisor or by calling the Department of Academic Programs & Policy at (205) 934-5503.
Math Screening Tests
If you have no math credit above the remedial level, you are required to take one or more of the following screening tests for initial placement in mathematics:
- For MA 102, MA 110, MA 105, or MA 107: Advanced Screening Test
- For MA 106 or MA 109: Calculus Screening Test, Part I
- For MA 125: Calculus Screening Test, Parts I and II
- You can take each math screening test only ONE time.
- A list of topics covered by each mathematics screening test is available on the UAB Placement Testing web-site www.uab.edu/testing.
- You may bring a scientific calculator to the tests. Programmable/plug-in calculators, computer algebra systems, and graphing calculators are not acceptable.
- You do not need to make an appointment to take the tests. Simply attend one of the test sessions listed below.
- The Advanced Screening Test lasts for one hour and 15 minutes, and the Calculus Screening Test includes an hour for Part I and another hour for Part II.
- You must take the test(s) before attending orientation.
- If you require special academic accommodations for the tests, contact the testing center at (205) 934-5503 or email placetest@uab.edu.
Foreign Language Placement Tests
- If you have never taken a foreign language course, you do not need to take a foreign language placement test. You will begin with a 101 foreign language course.
- If you have had one or more years of foreign language in high school (within the last two years), you must take a test in that language before enrolling in the 100-level sequence.
- Native speakers of French, German, and Spanish cannot take a beginning course in their native languages for credit. They must take the online placement test to determine the appropriate level.
- You can take placement tests in French, Spanish, and German from any Internet-linked computer. Go to http://www.uab.edu/foreignlang/ and click on "Web CAPE Proficiency Language Placement." Then follow the directions to take the exam. Both you and UAB will see the results immediately, along with a recommendation for the level of classes you should take.
- For additional information, contact the UAB Testing Center at (205) 934-5503 or placetest@uab.edu.
Physics Placement Test
- If you have never taken a physics course, you do not need to take a physics placement test. You will begin with Physics 100.
- Call your advisor to see if College Physics I (Physics 201) or General Physics I (Physics 221) is a requirement for your major. If so, you will need to take the test.
- You should have a strong math background (precalculus trigonometry at a minimum) if you plan to take a physics placement test.
- To schedule a test, contact the testing center at (205) 934-5503 or email placetest@uab.edu.