If you’re majoring in a science field, you may be required to take the chemistry placement exam. The exam covers general mathematics, general chemical knowledge and specific chemical knowledge. If you score high enough, you’ll be able to enroll in CHEM 210 and 212 without having to first take CHEM 110.
There is a 55-minute time limit. You can use a nonprogrammable calculator. You can only take the exam once.
You need to take the exam if you plan to enroll in CHEM 210 and CHEM 212. You must also take the math placement exam and place into MATH 155 or higher, or have completed MATH 110 (or a higher-level math class).
Areas of Study that Require Exam
Areas of Study that Require Exam
Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Earth, Atmosphere and Environment-Earth and Planetary Science
Earth, Atmosphere and Environment- Earth and Space Science Education
Earth, Atmosphere and Environment- Water and Soil Science
Environmental Studies (B.S. major only)
Health Sciences (intended Medical Laboratory Sciences or pre-professional tracks only)
Under Choose a Group, select Chemistry Placement Exam - Online.
Complete the rest of the form, using your NIU student email address.
Check your NIU email account for a link to the exam. It can take several days for the link to arrive. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder. If you don’t receive the link after 14 days, email testing@niu.edu.
The link will only work one time, so don’t click on it until you’re ready to take the exam. When ready to test, click on the link.
Results
After you take the exam, you’ll see your score. You must also take the math placement exam and place into MATH 155 or higher, or have completed MATH 110 (or a higher-level math class).