Entry Level Math (ELM) Exam

The CSU requires new students to be tested in mathematics as soon as possible after they are admitted and before the term begins. The test is used to determine whether students are prepared for college work, and if they are not, to place the students in appropriate remediation courses or activities. Students may be exempt from this test if they have scored well on other specified tests or have completed appropriate courses. (This test is not part of CSU admission requirements, but is a condition of enrollment if the student is not otherwise exempt.) There is an $18 charge to take the test.

The ELM examination tests for entry-level mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics coursework (normally Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry). All undergraduate students must take the test or be exempt from it prior to placement in appropriate university mathematics coursework. Specific policies regarding re-testing and placement will be determined by the campus. Exemptions from the test are given only to those students who can present proof of one of the following:

• A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT: Reasoning Test or on the College Board SAT Subject Test: Mathematics Tests Level I, IC (Calculator), II, or IIC (Calculator).

• A score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test

• A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement mathematics examination (AB or BC)

• A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination

• Completion and transfer of a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education Breadth or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) quantitative reasoning requirements, provided this course was completed with a grade of C or better

• A result of "ready for CSU mathematics" on the Early Assessment Program (EAP)

To support students in meeting the ELM Requirement, the California State University has developed the Math Success Website.

On this site you will find:

• Information about the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Requirement

• A personalized roadmap with an interactive checklist to track your progress

• Information about the ELM test including practice problems and assessments

• Video testimonials of students