Placement & Challenges

No. All proctoring is done in person during scheduled proctoring hours.

Please be sure to R.S.V.P. for your Challenge Exam at the following link: 

Chemistry/ESL Challenge Exam R.S.V.P. (opens in new window)

You will be asked for a government-issued photo identification upon check-in. The test itself is timed at 50 minutes.

The best preparation for the test (and for Chemistry 11) is to review your algebra and chemistry skills. You should consider borrowing a Chemistry 10 textbook from the SMC Library to familiarize yourself with general chemistry concepts. You can also review other test preparation guides available at bookstores. You may also want to review the materials found at the following websites:

• Khan Academy Chemistry (opens in new window)

• Chemistry 10 Mock Exam (opens in new window)

• Chemistry 10 Mock Exam-Includes hints for common wrong answers (opens in new window)

SMC uses the California Chemistry Diagnostic Test to assess students' skills in chemistry. This is a timed, computerized test consisting of 44 questions. Students will be given 50 minutes to complete the test. You will be given scratch paper, pencil, calculator, and the periodic table to use on the Chemistry Exam. No outside calculators or electronic devices are allowed in the Testing Center.

This exam consists of questions based on high school chemistry and high school mathematics. Topics and skills tested may include:

• Math: solving simple algebraic equations; use of proportions and percentages; solving word problems.

• Chemistry: the majority of items are concerned with concepts addressed in Chemistry 10, including elements and their properties, chemical formulas, concentrations of solutions, gases, oxidation numbers, redox reactions and the concepts of acids and bases.

For testing: 

• You will need to have the copy of the periodic table you are given by staff
• You are not allowed a calculator. If needed, one will be provided on the exam
• No other materials are allowed for the exam

If you are dissatisfied with your math placement and believe it does not accurately reflect your skill level, you may challenge your placement with the Math Department chairperson. Please contact them directly for instructions.

If you completed a class in high school that is higher than your SMC Placement, speak to an SMC counselor. Provide them with a copy of your high school transcript. They may be able to place you higher.

Math Department Contact:
Colleen McGraw, Department Chair
Mathematics
Math Department is located in the Math Complex

If you are dissatisfied with your English placement and believe it does not accurately reflect your skill level, you may challenge your placement with the English Department chairperson. Please contact them directly for instructions.

If you completed a class in high school that is higher than your SMC Placement, speak to an SMC counselor. Provide them with a copy of your high school transcript. They may be able to place you higher.

English Department Contact:
Elisa Meyer, Department Chair
English Department 
English Department is located in Drescher Hall

If you are dissatisfied with your ESL placement and believe it does not accurately reflect your skill level, you may challenge your placement with the ESL Department chairperson. Please contact them directly for instructions.

ESL Department Contact:
Keith Graziadei, Department Chair
ESL Department 
The ESL Department is located on the 3^rd floor of Drescher Hall, Room 315.

The Mathematics Proficiency Assessment (MPA) is completed when a student is wishing to obtain a local Associate Degree from Santa Monica College who have not completed Math 18, 20, 50, or higher. 

To complete the math proficiency, you will need to log into Corsair Connect (opens in new window) and complete the math placement process for "Liberal Arts and Social Sciences". Once logged in, you can find the "Placement Tab" on the top right and corner of your screen. You must complete the whole placement process and accept your results. Once you have completed this process, please contact SMC Counseling to confirm your next steps.

Or   

If you completed high school Algebra 2 with a C or higher (both terms), you may take your full high school transcripts to the SMC Counseling Department for evaluation. You will also need to send your official high school transcripts to the SMC Admissions and Records Office.  

• SMC Counseling will confirm the requirements needed to complete the Math Proficiency exam. They will then recommend you contact the Success and Engagement Center to schedule a appointment. 

• Retesting for the Mathematics Proficiency Assessment is limited to one time only after waiting a period of eight (8) weeks after the first test was taken. Additional retesting will not be provided under any circumstances.

• Failing the test may necessitate the completion of Math 18, 20, 50 and any relevant prerequisites.