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Transfer Placement Testing

In an effort to ensure you are registered in the appropriate courses, placement/skills assessments are offered – and some required – by certain departments such as math, chemistry, writing, and world languages. Whether or not you need to complete assessments depends on the requirements of your degree program.

In addition to completing placement assessments, you will also participate in academic advising before you register for your first semester of classes. Your college or program’s advising team will take into account your placement scores and your intended academic path when making recommendations for courses. This is why it’s important to complete any needed placement activities in a timely manner, and many courses will not allow you to enroll until a placement test has been taken.

Credit from Transfer Classes and AP/IB Exams

If you have transfer credit or AP/IB scores that will receive credit in Chemistry, Math, or world languages, you are not required to take the placement tests. Your placement will be based on your transfer credit or AP/IB scores. Transfer credit (including dual enrollment) information can be found on NC State’s Transfer Course Equivalency Database or Transfer Credit Resources webpage.

Completing Placement Testing

Transfer students should make note of the following related to placement tests

  • All tests are available and completed online.
  • Math: Placement test for math may not be required if you have certain transferable math credit. Read the Math Placement website to determine if you should take the placement test.
  • Writing: Transfer students should review the transfer policies of the First-Year Writing Program.
  • Chemisty and World Languages: Based on your needs you may be required to complete placement tests in chemistry and/or foreign languages.

View the placement tests/skills assessments at NC State and use the links to learn more:

Accommodations

Students that have a disability and need testing accommodations for placement tests should first register with the Disability Resource Office. Once registered, you should email the placement exam contact person and copy the DRO service provider so a verification email can be sent. Additional instructions may be provided on the webpages for each assessment.