Placement Testing and Test Credit FAQs

   For Prospective Students

What placement tests does DePaul University offer?
DePaul offers placement tests in the following subjects: math, writing, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

What placement tests do I need?
Unless exempt (see exemption grid), all entering freshman and undergraduate transfer students will need to complete both the writing and math placement tests. These must be completed before a student can register for orientation. The modern language tests are optional.

What is the format for the placement tests?
The tests are offered online, in a timed, multiple-choice format (except for the writing test, which is in an essay format). Each specific exam contains additional instructions describing the format for that specific exam. Except for the writing exam, once an exam has been opened, it must be completed within the allotted time.

Do I need to do anything to make sure my computer is ready?
Visit our Computer Requirments page to make sure your computer/browser is setup for the Online Placement Tests.

   For Current Students

How do I know if I am exempt from a placement test?
Check out the test exemption grid to see if you are exempt from taking placement tests. If you are exempt, the testing button for this test should be grayed out in Campus Connection.

When should I take my placement tests?
You need to complete your placement tests before you can register for orientation. You can take your test at any time, day or night.

Where do I access these tests, and do I need to register for them?
All admitted student can access and take these exams at their convenience online through: Campus Connection: For Students > Records and Registration > Placement Testing. If you are eligible for an exam, it will automatically be made available to you (indicated by a yellow testing button) and prior registration is not necessary.

Who should I contact if I am unable to access my tests, or if I experience a problem during my test?
If you are unable to access a test, or experience a disruption in the middle of a test, please return to Campus Connection and go back into the test. If the testing time has expired, email DePaul Central at dpcl@depaul.edu. Include your name, student ID number, and a detailed description of your issue.

What do I do if I do not have a computer at home or my computer can’t handle the test?
Please try to take the exam on a computer with a faster Internet connection, perhaps at a public library or school. If you reside close to DePaul you may use our facilities. Please contact us at dpcl@depaul.edu to set-up computer time.

What should I do if I’m getting a strange error message when trying to take the test?
Please email DePaul Central at dpcl@depaul.edu with “Placement Testing Error” in the subject line. In the email include your name, student ID number, and a copy of the error message you received.

What should I do if I am unable to submit my writing essay?
If you still have the essay question, please complete your writing essay in a Microsoft Word document, and email it as a MS Word attachment to dpcl@depaul.edu with your name, student ID, and “writing placement test” in the subject line of the email.

When can I expect to get my scores, and who should I contact about my scores?
You will go over your placement test results with an academic advisor while registering for courses at orientation or at your first academic advising session. If you need your scores before this time, please contact your college office and/or student advisor.

Are alternative testing arrangements available for students with learning disabilities or physical or mental impairments?
Yes, please visit Placement Testing Information for Students with Disabilities for more information.

What if I do not take my placement tests?
Either completion or exemption from the math and writing placement tests is a necessary prerequisite to register for orientation. You will be unable to register for orientation until the tests are completed.

Can I retake a placement test?
Under certain circumstances, if a student feels that their score does not reflect their ability, then they can communicate this to their academic advisor. If the advisor deems it appropriate, they may submit a request for a retest.

   For Parents

Who should I contact to find out how my student did on the placement test(s)?
Due to FERPA regulations, please have your student contact their undergraduate college office and/or academic advisor to inquire about their placement test results.