Register for a CSUN Test

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
(except State and CSU holidays)

Locations

Bayramian Hall, Rm 225
View Campus Map

Contact Information

(818) 677-2369
Testing.center@csun.edu

Questions/Comments

Have any questions or comments? Please Contact Us.

Entry Level Mathematics (ELM)

General ELM Information

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination is designed to assess and measure the level of mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics coursework (Algebra I and II, and Geometry) of students entering the California State University (CSU). The CSU ELM must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 50 or above on the ELM will be placed in college-level mathematics classes.

The Entry Level Mathematics test (ELM) requires approximately 90 minutes and contains 50 multiple-choice questions.

The test content of the ELM emphasizes working with numbers and data, the connections between algebra and geometry, and problem solving. The test provides the major geometric formulae for reference because its purpose is to assess understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving skills rather than recall of facts and equations.

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ELM Exemptions

To be exempt from the ELM, students must present proof of the one of the following:

  • A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
  • A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2)
  • A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test
  • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam
  • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination
  • Completion and transfer to CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better
  • A score of "Exempt" or "Ready for college-level Mathematics courses" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 in conjunction with the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II
  • A score of "Conditionally ready for college-level Mathematics courses" or "Conditional" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11 along with the California Standards Test in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II, provided successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math course that require Algebra II as a prerequisite

*NOTE: The College Board SAT I and SAT II were renamed SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests, respectively, beginning March 2005.

Students who qualify for an exemption that is not reflected in University records should check to see if the qualifying score was sent to CSUN when the test was taken. Contact ETS at 925-808-2142 to double check where your scores were sent. If your scores have not been reported to CSUN, send a copy of your qualifying test scores to CSUN, Admissions & Records Office, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8207 so the exemption can be documented on your permanent academic record at CSUN.

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ELM Test Dates

All 23 CSU campuses administer the ELM (and the EPT) on a variety of variable dates. For a complete listing, check the CSU EPT/ELM Information bulletin. Pay close attention to the registration deadline listed by each test date since your registration must reach the testing office by the registration deadline.

Students may take the test at the most convenient CSU campus. Online registration is available for all campuses.

If you wish to take the ELM at CSUN, online registration is available. It is highly recommended that you test by one the test dates listed below.

CSUN EPT/ELM TESTING CALENDAR

Test Date Registration Deadline (at 5 pm)
02/11/2012* 01/27/2012
03/17/2012* 03/02/2012
04/21/2012 04/06/2012
05/05/2012* 04/20/2012

*All CSU campuses give the EPT/ELM tests on these dates.

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ELM Registration Information

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) is given in conjunction with the English Placement Test (EPT) exam. Online registration is available for all campuses. Go to the CSU EPT/ELM Information bulletin for a complete list of EPT and/or ELM test dates and registration procedures.

If you wish to take the ELM at CSUN, online registration is available.

There is an $18 charge for the ELM, payable when you register for the examination. Students who are unable to pay online via credit card, Paypal or echeck, must contact ETS at 925-808-2142 for an alternate payment method. No student will be tested without proper payment and picture identification.

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Test Day

  • Students should report to the location listed on their admission ticket. Rooms are assigned on site.
  • Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your test time to allow for parking.
  • Current photo ID (driver's license, student ID, passport, etc)
  • Several #2 pencils
  • Know your Social security number
  • Your printed ADMISSION TICKET

Where should I report on test day?

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Testing Accommodations


Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Alternative testing accommodations such as extended time, electronic text, readers or scribes are available through the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) department to students that have a documented disability and require accommodations to take the exam. If you are not a registered student with DRES and have a disability, please visit the DRES website at http://www.csun.edu/dres/studentservices/registering.php for registration procedures.

Registered DRES students must sign up for the ELM directly with the DRES department in BH 110 to receive accommodations. The University ELM registration deadlines apply for all students and accommodation requests must be submitted by the registration deadline.

Accommodations for Religious Convictions

Non-Saturday testing is available for religious reasons. If your religious convictions prevent you from taking the test on the scheduled test date, students must sign up for the ELM directly with the Testing Center to receive alternate testing arrangements. Contact the Testing Center at (818) 677-2369 for more information. Be prepared to provide documentation. The University ELM registration deadlines apply for all students and accommodation requests must be submitted by the registration deadline.

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Out of State Testing

Students, who are non-California residents and are unable to test at one of the California State Universities and need to test in their home state, must register online at the ETS website and Select the Test Campus as "Out of State". Please note that there is an Out of State Testing Fee of $50 in addition to the Testing fees.

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ELM Test Scores

Because the ELM is a placement test, scores determine what courses students must attend. The chart below will help you and your advisor select the appropriate course:

ELM Score Course placement
33 and below MATH 092: Developmental Math I
34 - 49 MATH 093: Developmental Math II
50 or higher See advisor for course placement

Failure to complete the required developmental courses in two semesters will result in disenrollment from CSUN. For information about compliance policy, visit the CSU Executive Order 665.

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Helpful Sample Materials

You will almost certainly benefit from reviewing for the ELM, especially if you have not taken a math course during the past year. You can find information about the test and practice questions - 50 of them - in the CSU publication Focus on Mathematics (PDF). Another CSU publication, the ELM Problem Book (PDF), also offers numerous practice problems for review.

See the CSU Math Success website (www.csumathsuccess.org) for test review questions.

Additional details may be found at the official CSU EPT/ELM Website (www.ets.org/csu).

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