The General Chemistry Placement Test is for students who want to enroll in CHEM 1402- General Chemistry I and did not have a minimum score of 24 on the science reasoning section of the ACT. Students must pass the CHEM 1402 Placement Test with a grade of 60 or higher.

Placement Test Details

  • The test consists of 40 multiple choice questions (20 math questions and 20 chemistry questions) that must be completed in 40 minutes
  • Students with appropriate documentation from the Disability Resource Center will receive extended time.
  • You will be provided a non-graphing scientific calculator to use on the test.
  • Each student can attempt the placement test twice per semester with a gap of at least one week, in order to be eligible to take the test the second time in the same semester.

The test is administered at Testing Services, in room 315 in the Student Services Center. You can register for the test online.

Test Topics

In order for a student to pass the placement test, they will need to be able to do the following:

20 basic math questions that include the following learning objectives:

  • Manipulate and solve simple algebraic equations, including order of operations and how to work with fractions
  • Using scientific notation
  • Use logical reasoning to deduce an answer
  • Interpret graphs

20 general chemistry questions covering the following learning objectives:

  • Differentiate between chemical and physical properties and changes
  • Classify different types of matter
  • Deduce the properties of elements based on their position on the periodic table
  • Identify components of atoms and how they vary to produce isotopes and ions
  • Distinguish between different types of compounds and their properties
  • Convert between units
  • Read instrument to the number of significant figures
  • Read and analyze phase diagrams

Some Example Questions:

1. (2.80×10-3) (1.28 x 101) / (3.20 x 10-4)   = _____

A) 27 x 101
B) 0 x 102
C) 2 x 106
D) 12 x 102

2. Solve the following equation for x: 4x – b = 2x + c

A) c – b – 6
B) (c + b) / 2
C) (c + b) / 6
D) (c – b) / 2

3. How many total atoms are in the formula Al2(CO3)3?

A) 12
B) 14
C) 9
D) 8

4. How many electrons are in Br_ ?

A) 4
B) 7
C) 36
D) 34

5. Which one of the following is a metalloid?

A) S
B) Ge
C) C
D) Pb

6. A certain atom has a charge of -2 and has 16 protons and 16 neutrons in the nucleus. How many electrons does this atom possess?

A) 34
B) 14
C) 32
D) 18

Answers:

  1. D
  2. B
  3. B
  4. C
  5. B
  6. D

General Chemistry Placement Test Study Guide

The following are free online resources by topics that can help to prepare for the General Chemistry Placement Test. Please note, studying these does not guarantee that you will pass the test.

20 Basic Math Questions

Solving algebraic equations including order of operations and fractions:

Interpretation of graphs

20 General chemistry questions

Classification of the matter. Chemical and physical properties and changes.

Properties of the elements based on the position in the periodic table.

Component of the atoms and isotopes

Types of compounds and their properties

Unit conversions

Reading instruments to the number of significant figures 

Read and analyze phase diagrams