Santa Rosa Junior College

Which test should you take?

The study guide is intended to give you a general idea of what is on the test. The questions and answers are similar, but not identical, to those presented on the test.

If you are interested in taking an English, math, or chemistry course at SRJC, you are required to take a placement test prior to registering for the class. The results of your placement test will help determine which college course is appropriate for you current skill level. Multiple measures are also considered when determining course placement.

English - places you into an College Skills or English course. It also gives you a pretty good idea of your reading comprehension, and sentence structure skills. With this information, a counselor can help you choose the right classes to ensure your academic success.
Graduation Math Competency Exam (MCT) - Passing this exam will satisfy your math requirement for the associate degree. Important Note: the Graduation Math Competency Exam will not transfer, nor can it be applied to the Math Sequence.
Computational Skills - The COMP (Computational Skills Test) is to help you find out where your arithmetic and pre-algebra skills are right now. College Skills courses will help you develop those skills. This test is also used for admission into some health sciences programs, for example: Psychiatric Technician, LVN, Dental Assisting, and Radiology Technology. The Fire Academy also requires this test.
Algebra Readiness - The ARDT (Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test) is to help you find out whether you remember any basic algebra or have the skills to get into an elementary algebra or review of elementary algebra course. Math 150A 150B is a 3-unit, 2 semester beginning algebra course. Math 151 is an accelerated review of elementary algebra course, which meets 5 hours a week, for 1 semester. You should have had an algebra course recently to take Math 151.
Elementary Algebra - The EADT (Elementary Algebra Diagnostic Test) is to help you find out how much elementary algebra and geometry you remember before taking an Intermediate Algebra course. Math 155 is the Intermediate Algebra course at SRJC. Math 155 is a 4-unit course for students taking only the required math courses for transfer, or for non-math/science majors. Math 155 is a prerequisite for transfer math courses such as Math 9, 10, 15, 16.
Intermediate Algebra - The IADT (Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test) is to help you find out if you remember elementary algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra. This test is required prior to entering Math 27 (Intermediate Algebra/Trigonometry) as well as other math courses which follow 2nd year algebra, such as Math 9 or Math 15. Other study guides for the IADT math placement test are also located on the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project Web site at http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/.
Pre-Calculus - The PCDT (Pre-Calculus Diagnostic Test) is to help you find out if your algebra/geometry/trig skills are current and sharp enough for calculus Math 27, Math 1A, 8A, or 36. Other study guides for the PCDT math placement test are also located on the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project Web site at http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/.
Chemistry - The Chemistry Diagnostic Test is taken prior to enrolling in a chemistry class. The test will help you know what level of Chemistry to begin with: Chemistry 4A or 1A. Calculators are allowed.
Ability to Benefit Test (ATB)/Wonderlic - Students who are interested in receiving financial aid must take the ATB/Wonderlic test if they do not have a high school diploma or GED. There are also ATB/Wonderlic Practice Test Booklets available for free at the Assessment Services Centers.
These study guides are in PDF format. Acrobat Reader (free of charge from Adobe) is required.

Questions or comments about this page may be sent to:

Parveen Nasseem
pnasseem@santarosa.edu