University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Placement Tests

All incoming freshmen admitted to UW- Milwaukee are required to complete placement testing in math and English. Depending on your course of study, you may also be required to take an exam in chemistry and/or foreign language. These tests help determine the appropriate placement in your college courses and must be completed before you can register for classes.

Required Tests

English Placement Test - The English Placement test consists of three subtests in the following areas: English Usage, Sentence Correction, and Reading Comprehension. The entire English Placement Test is designed to be completed in 90 minutes.

• English Placement Test Description and Sample Test Items

Math Placement Test - The Mathematics Placement Test measures three different sets of skills: Math Basics, Algebra, and Trigonometry. The test takes 90 minutes to complete. Graphing calculators are not allowed and will not be permitted in the testing room. Only non graphing, non programmable calculators are permitted for use on this test.

• Math Placement Test Description and Sample Test Items

Optional Tests Foreign Language Placement Tests - This is a test of grammar and reading comprehension. This test covers up to native knowledge of the language. These tests are 60 minutes. Students who have taken French, German, or Spanish in high school and plan to continue in the same language should take the appropriate foreign language test. Students are allowed to enroll in a course one semester more advanced or one semester less advanced than the recommended one. Students may be eligible for retro-credits  upon completion of that UWM course. For example, if you place into the third-semester course and complete that course with a grade of B or better posted to your transcript, you can apply through the language department and receive credits for that course and also the (retro-) credits for the second-semester course and first-semester course. Testing for other foreign languages besides those listed above is available as well. Please contact the Foreign Language Department directly to find out more information.

Chemistry Placement Test - The purpose of this test is to assist with placement in college level general chemistry courses. Student preparation is assumed to include one full year of high school chemistry and one full year of high school algebra. Certain plans require completion of the Chemistry placement test. Check the online Schedule of Classes for course prerequisites or check the link below for a full listing of programs that require completion of the chemistry test. There are three parts to the test: General Mathematics, General Chemical Knowledge, and Specific Chemical Knowledge. This test is 55 minutes. Non graphing, non programmable calculators are permitted for use on this test.

English as a Second Language - Placement in Composition Test (ESL-PIC) - If you grew up speaking a language other than English, you should take this test. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) writer, you can complete your English requirement by taking ESL writing courses instead of the English writing courses designed for native speakers of English. The ESL writing courses can also help you do better in all of your university courses. This test lasts 75 minutes and includes a 50 minute essay and a 25 minute reading comprehension test. You may bring a print dictionary to check your spelling in your essay. Electronic dictionaries are not allowed.

Please note that the ESL-PIC test is only offered at UW-Milwaukee and can be completed on New Freshmen Placement testing dates with no additional registration required. This test is not available at Regional Placement Testing even on UWM Regional Testing dates.

For more information on the ESL-PIC test, contact Cathy Kaye, the ESL Writing Course Coordinator at cjkaye@uwm.edu or 414-229-6180 or visit her office in Curtin Hall 678.