Placement tests are designed to assess your level of mastery in certain subjects so that you do not have to take courses you don't need.

Do I need to take a placement test? If you are planning to take a math, chemistry, foreign language and/or music history and theory course at the UW youmay need to take a placement test. 

Chemistry

Chemistry placement test may be required to register for chemistry at the UW. 

• The General Chemistry placement test is required for placement into CHEM 110, CHEM 120, CHEM 142, or CHEM 143
• The Honors General Chemistry placement test is required for placement into CHEM 145
• AP scores may be used in lieu of a placement test

Learn more about the different course options and placement. 

Math

Math Guided Self-Placement (GSP) is encouraged for those who want to enroll in MATH 111, MATH 120, or MATH 124. Learn more about the different course options and placement. 

Foreign Language 

Foreign language test is required if you plan to continue the foreign language you took in high school.

If you already have college credit in that language you can continue on with the next course; no placement test is required.

• All majors in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Social Work require evidence of proficiency in a foreign language, which can be demonstrated in several ways, including taking foreign language through the third college quarter or placement by the UW into the fourth college quarter.
• Majors in most other colleges, including Engineering and Business, don't require foreign language past the two high school years required for UW admission. You may want to talk with an adviser about whether you should take a foreign language. If you plan to continue your foreign language but not right away, you should probably wait and take the placement test just before you resume your study to get the most accurate placement.

Incoming students: plan to take your placement test before attending your A&O.

Learn more about the different course options and placement. 

Introduction to Computer Programming 

Computer Scence Guided Self-Placement is encouraged for those who want to enroll in CSE 121, CSE 122, or CSE 123. Learn more about the different course options and placement.