Math Competency FAQ
- Why should I take the Math Competency Exam (MCE)?
- Will taking this test help me decide where to begin studies in math?
- Is earning a qualifying score on the MCE the only way to demonstrate preparedness for math courses?
- I already hold a college degree. Can I enroll in a math course without taking the MCE?
- How will I be able to show that I am prepared for a math course?
- Is passing the MCE the only way to satisfy the math competency requirement for graduation?
- What is the test like?
- Mathematics Competency Examination Test Selection Instructions
- Are review materials available for the test?
- What happens if I choose a test that is too easy or too difficult for me?
- How is the test scored?
- How will I know how close I came to qualifying for the next course?
- What are my options if I'm disappointed with my scores? May I review my mistakes?
- Is there a fee to take a math test?
- Is there a limit to the number of times I may take the same level test?
- When will the test be offered, and how do I sign up?
- Where can I get further information?
- Do I need to bring anything with me to the test?
- What if I am a student with a disability needing an accommodation?
Review before you test:
The Algebra Readiness, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and Pre-Calculus practice tests are available on the Testing Department web site. The web address for the practice test:
http://www.miracosta.edu/Instruction/Mathematics/brushuptests.htm
1. Q. Why should I take the Math Competency Exam (MCE)?
A. Take this test to
- Discover your current level of math skill
- Demonstrate preparedness for numerous math courses (i.e. meet prerequisites)
- Satisfy the MCC degree requirement for minimum competency in math (course completion may be required)
- Participate in an Advisement session and matriculate
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2. Q. Will taking this test help me decide where to begin study in math?
A. Yes. Your score will indicate your preparedness for a particular level of math unless you take a test that is too easy or too difficult for you, which may require you to re-test. Another possibility is that your score may be borderline. In this case, consider taking the lower level course or brushing up and retesting. Students with borderline entry skills for a course often have difficulty in that class. If your scores are lower than you expected, see Question 12.
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3. Q. Is earning a qualifying score on the MCE the only way to demonstrate preparedness for math courses?
A. No. Where applicable, a grade of at least a C in the preceding MCC math course will apply. If you wish to use a comparable college course from another school, submit a Requisite Review Request at Admissions and Records to determine your eligibility. Placement recommendations from other California Community colleges may also be submitted to Admissions and Records. Other math tests that may be substituted are listed in the credit class schedule.
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4. Q. I already hold a college degree. Can I enroll in a math course without taking the MCE?
A. Any student who holds a B. A. degree or higher is eligible to take Math 100. For higher courses, proof of prerequisite is required.
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5. Q. How will I be able to show that I am prepared for a math course?
A. When you sign up for any math course beyond pre algebra, the computer will check your records.
- If you took the math test here, our computers will show your placement.
- If you took the prerequisite course elsewhere, you must provide the Admissions and Records Office with a copy of your transcript or grade report.
- If you took a placement test at another California community college, you must provide the Admissions & Records office witih a copy of your score report.
- If you took an approved test elsewhere (see class schedule for listing of approved tests) you must provide the Testing Office with a document that clearly shows your qualifying score. You must meet the prerequisite before you register for any math course except Math 820. If you have not met the required skill level for the math course you wish to take, you will not be allowed to enroll.
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6. Q. Is passing the MCE the only way to satisfy the math competency requirement for graduation?
A. No. But the specifics vary with the MCC Catalog that you are following. Consult a college counselor for details.
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7. Q. What is the test like?
A. The MCE is a collection of four separate tests on computer. Calculators are not allowed on any of the tests. Each of these 75-minute, multiple-choice tests includes a few word problems. They are: Pre-calculus, Intermediate Algebra, Elementary Algebra and Algebra Readiness. You may take only one of the four tests on a given day. The entire testing process will take about 90 minutes. Read the following information carefully to help you decide which test to take. If you still have questions, your counselor, advisor, or Testing Services personnel will be happy to assist you.
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8. Q. Are review materials available for the test?
A. Math review for the Algebra Readiness, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra and Pre calculus tests is available online (see links below) You may also purchase this same review material in the College bookstore at either campus for $3.50 each (plus tax).
Review tests are also available online at:
Algebra Readiness Practice Test
Elementary Algebra Practice Test
Intermediate Algebra Practice Test
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9. Q. What happens if I choose a test that is too easy or too difficult for me?
A. You should plan a time to take another test. If the test was too difficult, take the test just below the level of the one you took. On the other hand, if you earned a very high score, consider taking a higher-level exam.
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10. Q. How is the test scored?
A. Each multiple-choice question is worth one point. You will also learn how well you did in each of the skill areas tested. It's a good idea to discuss your scores with a counselor or an academic advisor. If your score is borderline, carefully consider the possible advantages of taking the lower level course.
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11. Q. How will I know how close I came to qualifying for the next course?
A. Consult the Math Test Scores to Course Preparedness Table available at Advisement sessions or from Testing Services, Bldg. 3000, Oceanside Campus, or Tutoring Center, Room 105 in the Library & Information Hub at the San Elijo campus.
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12. Q. What are my options if I'm disappointed with my scores? May I review my mistakes?
A. To maintain test security we do not disclose answers to the test. Nevertheless, you may retest subject to certain limitations ( see question #13 and #14) ). Reviewing first is recommended.
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13. Q. Is there a fee to take a math test?
A. There is no fee to take the test for MiraCosta College. If you are taking the test for another college or institution, the fee is $30 per test.
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14. Q. Is there a limit to the number of times I may take the same level test?
A. You must wait at least 24 hours after any tests to retest on that level or to take another test. Effective March 1, 2007, you may take each level of the math test only twice.
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15. Q. When and where can I take the math test?
The test is given on a drop-in basis according to the schedule below:
Oceanside Campus
Testing Office, Building 3000, Room 3003
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Math Learning Center, Room 1200, Libraray & Information Hub (when classes are in session). Hours may change at the MLC from semester to semester, call 760-757-2121 ext. 6381 for the current schedule.
San Elijo Campus
Testing Office, Bldg. 100 (Library & Information Hub):
Call 760-944-4449, ext. 7752 for schedule -- hours will vary.
For November, 2006, math testing is available Tuesday 10AM-2:30PM and Friday from 9AM - 1:30PM.
Math Learning Center, Room 103 (Library & Information Hub, San Elijo Campus) when classes are in session. Hours may change at the MLC from semester to semester, call 760-944-4449, ext. 7781.
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16. Q. Where can I get further information?
A. For testing and matriculation information, copies of Score to Course Preparedness Tables and Assessment Guidelines, call 760-795-6685 or come to either of these locations:
Testing Services
Bldg. 3000, Room 3003
Oceanside Campus
(760) 795-6685 |
Testing Office
Building 100
San Elijo Campus
(760) 944-4449 Ext.7752 |
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17. Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to the test?
A. Yes. To be admitted for testing, you must present positive photo identification (i.e., a current driver's license or state identification card with photo, a school I. D., high school yearbook (picture with name), military I. D. or a passport). All of the necessary materials for testing will be provided. Calculators and other aids are not allowed.
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18. Q. What if I am a student with a disability needing an accommodation?
A. If you have a disabaility that would affect your test-taking ability, you may wish to contact the Disabled Students Program and Services Office (Room 3006 at the Oceanside campus, ext. 6658).
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Mathematics Competency Examination Test Selection Instructions
1. If you have never studied algebra, take the Algebra Readiness Test.
2. If you have studied algebra, use this chart to find the recommended test.
How to use this chart:
| First, determine how long ago you took your last math course and find the appropriate box in the column below. |
Second, move across the appropriate row until you find the level of your last math course. Therein you will find the test which is recommended to you. |
| Did you take your last math course: |
1 year of high school algebra or the equivalent |
2 years of high school algebra or the equivalent |
3 years of high school algebra or the equivalent |
| More than two years ago, OR was your grade a "C" or less (even if you took the course within the past two years? |
Elementary Algebra Diagnostic Test |
Elementary Algebra Diagnostic Test |
Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test |
| Within the past two years AND with a grade of "B" or better? |
Elementary Algebra Diagnostic Test |
Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test |
Pre calculus Diagnostic Test |
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A. The Algebra Readiness Test includes the following topics: integers, fractions, decimals, exponents, square roots, simple equations and geometry.
This is the test to take if you have never studied algebra.
Students who take this test will be advised to take one of these courses: Math 820, Pre-Algebra or Math 100, Elementary Algebra. (High scorers may wish to take the Elementary Algebra Test next.)
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B. The Elementary Algebra Test includes problems in arithmetic, polynomials, linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, graphing, rational expressions, exponents and square roots, geometric measurement, and word problems.
Students who take this test will learn whether enrollment in one of these courses is indicated: Math 820, Pre-algebra; Math 100, Elementary Algebra; or Math 101, Intermediate Algebra.
Take the Elementary Algebra Test if any of the following statements applies to you:
1) Elementary algebra was the highest math class that you completed.
2) You have taken at least two years of high school algebra (or the equivalent), but you took your last algebra course more than two years ago, or you earned a grade below "B".
3) You earned a very high score on the MCE Algebra Readiness Test and you have studied elementary algebra.
4) You took the MCE Intermediate Algebra Test, and you were advised to take this test next.
5) Your elementary algebra skills are sharp, and you are very confident about your ability to solve the types of problems listed above in the time allotted.
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C. The Intermediate Algebra Test covers elementary operations, rational expressions, exponents and radicals, linear equations and inequalities, quadratic polynomials and equations and inequalities, graphing, logarithms and functions, and word problems.
Students who take this test will learn whether they have met the graduation requirement forcompetency in math; whether retesting on the Elementary Algebra Test is recommended; if preparedness is indicated for enrollment in Math 101, Intermediate Algebra or if preparedness is indicated for enrollment in any of the following transfer courses: Math 103, Statistics; Math 105, Concepts and Structures of Elementary Mathematics I; Math 115, Calculus with Applications; Math 125, College Algebra or Math 130, Trigonometry.
This is the test to take if any of these statements is true:
- You have taken at least two years of high school algebra (or the equivalent), and you completed your last algebra course within the past two years with a grade of at least "B."
- You have taken three years of high school algebra or the equivalent, but you took your last algebra course more than two years ago, or you earned a grade below "B."
- You earned a very high score on the Elementary Algebra Test, and you have studied intermediate algebra successfully.
- You took the MCE Pre-calculus Test and were advised to take this test next.
- Your intermediate algebra skills are sharp, and you are very confident about your ability to solve the types of problems listed above in the time allotted
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D. The Pre-calculus Test covers elementary operations with numerical and algebraic fractions, operations with exponents and radicals, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials and polynomial equations, functions, and logarithmic and exponential functions.
Students who take this test will learn whether they have met the graduation requirement for competency in math; whether retesting on the MCE Intermediate Algebra test is recommended; if they qualify for Math 135, Pre-Calculus; or if they qualify for Math 150, Calculus and Analytic Geometry.
This is the test to take if any of the following statements is true:
- You have completed Trigonometry and at least three years of high school algebra (or the equivalent), you finished your last course within the past two years, and you earned a grade of at least "B."
- You earned a very high score on the Intermediate Algebra Test, and you have completed a course in Trigonometry.
- You have studied Trigonometry, your algebra skills are sharp, and you are very confident about your ability to solve the types of problems listed above in the time allotted.
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