Entry Level Math (ELM)

Purpose of the ELM
The ELM examination is designed to assess the skills levels of entering CSU students in the areas of elementary and intermediate algebra and plane geometry. Such skills generally are acquired in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school. Taking the ELM examination is not a condition of admission to the CSU. It is to be taken as soon as possible after admission.

The ELM is used to place students in CSUB mathematics courses; the test is a CSU system requirement. This sixty item examination tests students' competency in algebra and geometry and their preparation to advance to college mathematics; and if required, must be taken prior to attending classes.

Entry Level Mathematics Test (ELM)
You are exempt from ELM if you can present proof of one of the following:

  • Placement in the "Ready for college" or "exempt" category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II
  • Placement in the "Ready for College - Conditional" category on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II PLUS successful completion of a CSU-approved Math or appropriate Math-related course or activity taken before you enroll at a CSU campus
  • A score of 550 or above on the Mathematics portion of either the College Board SAT Reasoning Test (previously known as SAT I: Reasoning Test)
  • A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (levels 1 or 2)
  • A score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test taken October 1989 or later
  • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Mathematics exam (AB or BC) or the Advanced Placement Statistics exam
  • Completion (grade "C" or better) of a course at another college which satisfies the mathematics/quantitative Reasoning requirement in General Education

PENALTIES: Students who have not taken the ELM and are not exempt from the requirement will not be allowed to register for any classes. The college requires students to take this test their first quarter at CSUB; Students who do not complete this requirement will not be allowed to register for any courses in the University for their second quarter.

Registration and EPT/ELM TEST DATES: For test dates and to register to take the EPT and/or the ELM at CSUB see our On-Line Registration page.

To register to take the tests at another CSU campus see the EPT/ELM Information Bulletin.

OUT-OF-STATE: Students can arrange to take the EPT and ELM tests outside of California. Contact Educational Testing Service (ETS) at (925) 808-2142 and ask about "Out-of-State testing for the EPT/ELM program. ETS is the company that publishes and scores the tests. They can arrange for them to be given at a high school or college in your area. You will be asked to pay the administrative costs of the exam to pay the proctors.

FEES: The cost of each exam (ELM or EPT) is $18, paid at the time of the exam. If both tests are taken, the cost is $36. You must present a check or money order on the day of the test, payable to "ETS". Cash will not be accepted.

PHOTO ID: You will NOT be admitted without a photo ID.

Pre-Calculus Readiness Test
In order to take Math 191, students who do not have a passing score on the ELM exam, or any of the other exams listed above, must satisfy the Entry Level Mathematics requirement and pass the Pre-Calculus Readiness Test. Please contact the Mathematics Department for the appropriate test dates.

Calculus Readiness Test: In order to take Math 201, students without credit in CSUB's Math 192 must satisfy the Entry Level Mathematics requirement and pass the MDTP Calculus Readiness Test. Please contact the Mathematics Department for the appropriate test dates.

WHAT WILL THE ELM TEST COVER:
Calculators are not allowed for the ELM placement test. The questions on the ELM do not require involved computation. Rather, the placement test includes problems that emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem solving.

The content of the ELM test changed in March 2002. An explanation of the new test is available in Focus on Math 2002 and set of sample problems may be found here. Both are publication of the California State University System.

See the CSU Math Success Website for test review questions.

Additional details may be found at the official CSU EPT/ELM Website.