CSU Entry-Level Mathematics Exam
General Information
The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination is designed to assess the skill levels of entering California State University (CSU) students in the areas of elementary and intermediate algebra and plane geometry. Such skills generally are acquired in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school. Taking the ELM is not a condition of admission to San Diego State University (SDSU), but you need to take the ELM or be exempt from the requirement before you can enroll in classes at SDSU. The ELM is a 90 minute timed test. The passing score is 50 or higher. If you pass the test, you clear the California State University Entry Level Mathematics requirement. The ELM contains questions dealing with data interpretation, counting, probability and statistics. Calculators are not allowed when you take the ELM.
For study: ELM Study Guide
Who Needs to Take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination?
Anyone who has not satisfied the Entry Level Mathematics Requirement. If you have not satisfied the ELM requirement upon admission to SDSU, you must take the ELM test prior to being allowed to enroll in any classes at SDSU. You need to meet this requirement before you can enroll in many of the mathematics and statistics courses offered at SDSU.
Determine if you need to take the ELM
Answer "YES" or "NO" to the following questions:
| Yes | No | 1. SAT or SAT I. Did you earn a score of 550 or higher on the Mathematics section? |
| Yes | No | 2. ACT. Did you earn a score of 23 or higher on the Mathematics section? |
| Yes | No | 3. Did you place in the "unconditionally exempt" category on the Early Assessment of Readiness for College Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II? |
| Yes | No | 4. Did you place in the "conditionally exempt" category on the Early Assessment of Readiness of College Mathematics taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards Test in High School Mathematics or Algebra II PLUS successfully complete a CSU-approved math or math-related course or activity taken before you enroll at a CSU campus? |
| Yes | No | 5. Achievement Test. Did you earn a score of 550 or higher on the Mathematics Test, Level I, IC, II or IIC? |
| Yes | No | 6. SAT II/Subject Test (beginning 1/94). Did you earn a score of 550 or higher on the Mathematics Test Level I, IC, II or IIC? |
| Yes | No | 7. Advanced Placement Test. Did you earn a score of 3 or higher on Calculus AB or BC examination or the Statistics examination? |
| Yes | No | 8. Did you pass with a C or better a transferable college mathematics course, above intermediate algebra, that satisfies General Education requirement in Quantitative Reasoning by the end of the Spring 2013 term? |
1. If you answered "YES" to any of questions 1-8 above, you do not have to take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test and will not need any
remedial course work in mathematics.
2. If you answered "NO" to all of the questions above, you must take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Scores Released |
|---|---|---|
June 1, 2013 |
May 31, 2013 |
July 8, 2013 |
July 6, 2013 |
July 5, 2013 |
August 5, 2013 |
August 24, 2013 |
August 23, 2013 |
November 11, 2013 |
November 9, 2013 |
November 8, 2013 |
December 2, 2013 |
January 11, 2014 |
January 10, 2014 |
February 3, 2014 |
Registration Procedures
Register online for the ELM (or both the EPT and ELM tests) at www.ets.org/csu
The exam fee for the ELM is $18, paid at the time of test registration online.
***Students Requiring Disability Accommodations please read!
The score release dates reflects when students may access their results online at www.ets.org/csu.
All California State University campuses receive results from each administration for everyone that took the test, so you could take the test at a different CSU and SDSU will get the results.
For Further Information
EPT/ELM information bulletin
Directions and Parking Instructions
English Placement Test (EPT) Information