Mathematics Proficiency Examinations | Department of Mathematics

We currently offer proficiency exams for MATH 220, 231, 241, 257, and 285.

All exams are taken through the Illinois Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF): https://cbtf.illinois.edu/

The links to sign up for an exam are below. If you have any questions, they are likely answered on this webpage.

Next Proficiency Exam Dates and Times

The summer 2025 exam will be available during variety of dates throughout the Summer 2 semester (June 16 - July 31). Please see registration links for dates that are currently available.

Registration for these exams is open May 22 - July 24.

Please note if you are an incoming student, you must use your NetID to register for an exam.

Exam dates are offered at the beginning of the Fall semester, in September/October, at the beginning of the Spring semester, and during the Summer 2 semester. Please note that these dates are subject to change.

Proficiency Exam Results

All exams are graded pass/fail to determine credit for the course.

The Mathematics department typically uses a 80% threshold for passing on any given exam.

Students will typically be able to see their score at the time of the exam. All test-takers will receive an email within three (3) business days of the close of the exam window, and they can share this email with their advisor for interim proof of a passing grade.

Official notification will be sent to the Registrar no later than two weeks after the close of the exam window. Please note that it can take the university a few weeks to have these results reflected in your official transcript.

Eligibility and restrictions

In certain cases, you may not be eligible to take a proficiency exam. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to determine eligibility; if a student is ineligible, they will not receive credit. Review the Student Code, Section 3-203: Proficiency Examinations for full details on eligibility.

All eligible students may take each proficiency exam once per academic year (August - July).
However, you are allowed to take more than one exam at CBTF during a given exam period.
You cannot receive a proficiency credit for a course for which you have already received a grade.

CBTF Procedures

You can reserve any time that is available.

The CBTF proctors reserve the right to refuse admittance if you are late to your sign-up time. Please arrive at the CBTF location on time.

If you miss your scheduled time, you will be allowed to sign up again --- however note that times near the end of the exam period will tend to be full.

If you ever need to cancel or change your reservation, please visit https://cbtf.illinois.edu/students/res

Disability Accommodations

If you have an accommodation letter from the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), please follow the instructions on the CBTF FAQ page to submit your letter to the CBTF.

Note that they typically take 5 business days to process the letter and set up your accommodations.

If you need disability-related accommodations and do not yet have a DRES letter, contact DRES as soon as possible to start the process of getting an official letter.

Signup for the Summer Exam

Incoming students: You must use your NetID to register for an exam.

Study Materials

Math 220, Math 231, Math 241, Math 257 Math Syllabi

Contact Information

If you have any questions not addressed above, please contact:

Mathematics Proficiency Exams at math-proficiency@illinois.edu