Purpose of the Diagnostic

The Chemistry diagnostic exam will determine if you are eligible for CHEM 1A or CHEM 22. The exam is a good tool to give students a way to determine if they have the Chemistry content that they would obtain in our Introductory Chemistry (Chem 22) course, which is our prerequisite course for Chem 1A. This exam was produced by faculty members in the Department that traditionally teach this course. We encourage students to take this exam to determine if they have the knowledge to be successful in CHEM 1A or if CHEM 22 is needed as preparation for CHEM 1A. To truly assess their chemistry content knowledge students should take the exam as a closed book and obtain no external help.  

What to expect

This is a multiple-choice exam, consisting of 30 questions that assess the student's level of preparation in chemistry and basic math skills. There is no fee to take the test. 

How long it may take

The time allotted for the exam is 60 minutes.

How to interpret results

• Students who correctly answer 25 or more questions are ready to take Chem 1A and will be automatically placed into CHEM 1A.
• Students who correctly answers less than 25, must take CHEM 22 and achieve a grade of at least C to satisfy the prerequisite for Chem 1A.

How many times can you take this assessment?

You may take this assessment twice. The second attempt can be taken at least 30 days after the first attempt.

Remember to really assess your Chem 1A readiness, take exam as closed book and all work should be your own.

Take the Chem 1A Diagnostic