UNO | Testing Center
UNO | Testing Center

UNO | Testing Center

Helpful Hints and Exam Guidelines

The Testing Center is prohibited from assisting with test preparation. Exam review materials are available from a number of sources, such as testing guides sold in bookstores, textbooks, etc.

MPE Guidelines

Following are math testing guidelines provided by the UNO Mathematics Department:

MPE scores will be generated from ACT-Math scores according to the following scale:

ACT Score MPE Score Level of Math Class
ACT = 0 - 18 MPE = 1 (no placement, take noncredit beginning algebra at Metropolitan Community College, or placement exam)
ACT = 19 - 22 MPE = 2 (Math 1310)
ACT = 23 - 25 MPE = 3 (Math 1320 or 1330 or 1340)
ACT = 25 MPE = 5 (Math 1930 or need only 1330 for enrollment in 1950)
ACT = 26+ MPE = 6 (Math 1950)

*NOTE: A student may enroll in any course at or below their level of placement.

Placements are valid for five years after the ACT test date. After this time, the student must take the Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE) or the Calculus Readiness Exam (CRE) to receive placement for enrollment in a mathematics course. Students who have not taken the ACT, or those who took it more than five years ago, must take the MPE or CRE for math placement. MPE and CRE results are valid for two years.

Any student may challenge his or her ACT math placement by taking the Mathematics Placement Exam or the Calculus Readiness Exam. (Contact the Math Department at (402) 554-2443 or (402) 554-3430 if you require additional information regarding math placement guidelines.)

Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE)
  • 25 multiple-choice items.
  • No calculator is allowed.
  • Guessing is discouraged.
  • Areas tested: arithmetic and pre-algebra/algebra skills.
  • 30 minutes allowed for testing.
Calculus Readiness Exam (CRE)
  • 30 multiple-choice items.
  • No calculator is allowed.
  • Guessing is discouraged.
  • Areas tested: algebra and trigonometry.
  • 30 minutes allowed for testing.
Calculus Readiness Exam (CRE)

The CRE consists of two sections. The first section is over algebra. A student wanting to test into Math 1930 (Applied Calculus) is required to take only this portion. The second section is over trigonometry. A student wanting to test into Math 1950 (Calculus I) is required to take both portions and score sufficiently on both.

If a student takes both portions, they will be scored separately on the two and will be given placement accordingly:


Part I Only: Placement = 3 (1320, 1330, 1340)
or
  Placement = 5 (1930 or enroll in 1950 after completing 1330)

Parts I & II Together: Placement = 6 (Math 1950)
Placement = 5 (Math 1950 AFTER Math 1330)
Placement = 4 (Math 1950 AFTER Math 1320)
Placement = 3 (Math 1950 AFTER Math 1320 and 1330)

If placement into any of the above mentioned courses is not achieved, the following options are available:

  • Retake the MPE or CRE if student does not feel the test score reflects true abilities (due to anxiety, problems on testing day, etc.)
  • If students are not prepared for algebra, and the real problem is poor arithmetic skills, students should consider taking a remedial, noncredit Introductory Algebra course at Metropolitan Community College to improve in this area. To register, phone Metropolitan Community College: Elkhorn campus at (402) 289-1205; Fort Omaha campus at (402) 457-2705; or South Omaha campus at (402) 738-4500.
  • If planning to enroll in Math 1310 in the near future, purchase course textbook and use the Diagnostic Pre-Test at beginning of book to help prepare for MPE.
English Placement / Proficiency Exam (EPPE)

English composition and/or proficiency in English composition is required of most students at UNO. The EPPE, developed by the English Department, is used to determine placement or proficiency in Freshman Composition by testing vocabulary, reading comprehension, and composition skills.

All regularly admitted students must take the exam before registering for any English class, except 1040, 1090, 2000, and 2250. Students transferring credits should consult with their academic adviser concerning the need to take this exam for proof of proficiency. (Contact Freshman English at (402) 554-3476 if you require additional information on English guidelines.) Students may retake the EPPE only once in a 12 month period. Students testing into ENGL-1160 or ENGL-2000 via the EPPE may be eligible for 3 or 6 hours of retroactive composition credit. See "Placement Info" at www.unomaha.edu/english or contact 402/554-3476 for more details.

Chemistry Diagnostic Test (CDT)

Students intending to take Chem 1180, General Chemistry I, as their initial college chemistry class are expected to take the CDT. To enroll in Chem 1180 undergraduates must have a CDT result of 2 or 3, any Chemistry Advanced Placement Test score, or a prior grade of C or better or current enrollment in a college chemistry course such as Chem 1140. Schedule the CDT before the opening of enrollment for the term in which CHEM 1180 is to be taken. Students not taking 1140/1144 are encouraged to take mathematics courses to solidify their background in this area before taking chemistry.

The CDT has 44 multiple-choice items. It is scored based on the number of correct responses. Exam time is 45 minutes, not including check-in, administration instructions, and check-out. Examinees should allow one hour and 15 minutes for an exam session. Non-programmable calculators are allowed for the CDT.

The test probes mathematical skills, general science concepts applicable to chemistry (e.g. measurement), and specific chemical information (e.g. chemical formulas) related to that in high school-level chemistry. The test is designed to identify those likely to struggle to pass Chem 1180 with C or better. It tests facility more than specific content. There is no expectation that students review particular material before taking the test.

Within about one week after testing, the placement will be posted to your unofficial transcript, available on E-BRUNO. Further advising information is available at www.unomaha.edu/chemistry. Results remain valid for three years or as long as the student remains continuously enrolled, whichever is longer. A CDT RETEST IS NOT PERMITTED LESS THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE PRIOR TEST. (Contact the Chemistry Department at (402) 554-2651 if you require additional information on chemistry guidelines.)

Spanish and French Placement Exams

All students with prior Spanish or French language experience who wish to enroll in their first UNO Spanish or French course, including incoming and transfer students, must take the Spanish Placement Exam (SPE) or French Placement Exam (FPE). Students with no prior Spanish or French experience need not take these exams.

The Foreign Languages Department will use results of the SPE/FPE to determine the most appropriate level of Spanish or French language study into which a student should enroll. Students who place into Spanish or French at the 1120-level or higher may be eligible for retroactive credit for UNO courses they test out of. Students must earn a final course grade of "C" or better in the course in which they are placed and enrolled into in order to receive retroactive credit.

Both exams include a short listening comprehension section; a computer-scorable written section; and a short composition section.

Within about one week the Foreign Languages Department, ASH Room 301, will post your test results on the University Student Information System. You will be able to view them via your E-BRUNO account under "View Unofficial Transcript". Results are valid for one year. A retest is not permitted less than one year after the prior test. Exams taken within less than one year will not be scored.

Note: Any student with prior German or Russian language experience should see an adviser (ASH 301) to determine placement for their first UNO course.