Orientation - Math Placement

RIC Math students in class in front of whiteboard

It is very important that students begin their college mathematics coursework at the appropriate level. All incoming first year students will take the mathematics placement exam at orientation to match them with the mathematics course that will give them the greatest opportunity for success.

There are two requirements at RIC involving math: the math competency requirement and the general education math category.

Math Competency Requirement: a milestone that must be completed within your first 15 attempted credits at the college. It can be satisfied with an appropriate placement on the exam or by successfully completing Math 10.
General Education – Math: All students must also complete a course listed under the math category for general education. The Math Competency Requirement is a prerequisite for all general education math courses as well as courses in biology, chemistry, management, etc.

Transfer students who have not satisfied their math competency requirement must register to take the math placement exam. Transfer students who would like to place directly into a math course they do not have a prerequisite for are eligible to register for the math placement exam.
Transfer students may transfer in a course that fulfills the general education math category but does not satisfy math competency. If you have questions about your math transfer credits, please contact Megan at mdibonaventura@ric.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Incoming first year students will take the placement exam at orientation. Incoming transfer students must register for a test in MyRIC prior to attending orientation.

Yes, regardless of courses taken in high school and standardized test scores, this timed exam is used to determine the appropriate math course for your current level of preparation. Use of a calculator is not permitted.

An online version of the test can be attempted ONCE at https://ric.placementexam.com/onlinepractice. (Please note that your account information is loaded after you deposit. Continue to check back sporadically if the system does not yet recognize you.) The online practice exam is not scored and does not count towards your placement. You should not use any outside sources when taking the practice exam (including calculators, text books, people, the internet, etc.) and you should plan to do this all in one sitting. After 30 minutes of inactivity you will be logged out and not allowed back in.

Download a printable practice exam here

The exam ranges from Pre-Algebra to Calculus. It is highly recommended that you attempt the online practice exam prior to taking it in a proctored setting in order to get a sense of the answer format and type of question.

Upon completion of the exam, you will be placed into your initial mathematics course. Please note that although this may not be the course required by your major, successful completion should adequately prepare you for the required course.

Course Placements:

Math 010 (non-credited course necessary to satisfy math competency)

Math 120, 139*, 143, 240* (Placing in this level or greater means you have successfully completed the College Mathematics Competency Requirement.)

Math 177*

Math 209*

Math 212*

*Math course that satisfies the General Education Mathematics requirement.

Yes. In addition to placing into the proper mathematics course, students must meet the College’s Mathematics Competency Requirement. The requirement can be met by placing into a course above Math 10 or by earning a passing grade in Math 10. This requirement must be fulfilled before completing 15 credits at the college or a hold will be placed on your account preventing you from registering for courses.

Not necessarily, but it is a prerequisite for courses in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, etc. Programs like Nursing and Education require the competency for program eligibility. If you do not meet the minimum requirement you must take the required course, Math 10, in your first semester.

You will know your placement immediately. They will be automatically added to your MyRIC account within 24 hours.

Yes. To request reasonable testing accommodations for a disability or medical condition, please contact the Rhode Island College Disability Services Center at dsc@ric.edu or 401-456-2776 before you take the exam. You will be asked to provide documentation of your disability. Note, reasonable accommodations do not include use of a calculator.