Math Readiness Test

The Math Readiness Test (MRT) is one of the methods for obtaining a placement code. (Our placement process will also take other factors into consideration.) Freshman students generally take this test during orientation. Transfer students who have not completed a college level math course within the last three semesters may need to take this test before enrolling in a UA math course and should consult the testing schedule.

About the MRT

• There are actually two different tests: the MRT A and the more advanced MRT B. Your choice of test and your test performance affects your placement code.
• We have information on how to select which test to take, practice problems, and test topics. All students are encouraged to work through all of the posted MRT review material and take the online assessments for practice.
• The MRT is a timed multiple-choice test:

  Test	Questions	Time Limit
  MRT A	45	55 minutes
  MRT B	55	90 minutes

Taking the MRT

• Students must decide which test (MRT A or MRT B) to take.
• The test is administered by the University Learning Center's Testing Office. Please consult their MRT Testing Schedule. Note that you incur a $20 fee each time you take the test.
• You must wait at least three months to re-take the same version of the MRT. Each time you re-take the MRT, you incur the $20 fee.
• After taking MRT B, you do not have to wait three months to take MRT A, and vice versa. However, you incur the $20 fee each time you take any version of the MRT.
• Within the first three minutes of the test, you can switch test versions. If you think MRT A is too easy, you can switch to MRT B. If you think MRT B is too hard, you can switch to MRT A.
• Calculators are allowed, but not required. Most Calculator models can be used. However, TI-89, TI-92 or Casio CFX-9970 model calculators, Palm Pilots, cell phones, or other devices cannot be used. You cannot share calculators nor will a calculator be provided for you if you fail to bring one.
• You must bring a photo ID to the test.
• If you require special testing accomodations, please request those through the ULC Testing Office.
• Concerning placement: taking the MRT can only increase your placement code. There is never a placement penalty for taking the MRT.

Test Results

Your test is scored and processed on the Saturday after your test. Your raw score is the number of questions answered correctly — there is no score penalty for questions answered incorrectly. However, in addition to achieving a certain raw score, to obtain certain placement codes, you must also answer certain specific questions correctly. You should see the updated math placement code in Student Link by the day following the test. MRT raw scores will be available in Student Link usually by the Saturday following the test date.

MRT scores expire after one year. (Various factors determine your placement code, but expired MRT scores are not taken into consideration.) Thus, for example, if you take the MRT but don't pass a UA MATH class within a year, you may be required to repeat the MRT (unless other factors meanwhile lead to a desired placement code).

Placement via MRT
Test Score		Expiration (for placement)	Placement
MRT A	MRT B (*)
16–25	17+	1 year	MATH1 Code 100
26–45	A19+,T0+	1 year	MATH1 Code 200
	A23+,T1+ A24+,T0+	1 year	MATH1 Code 250
	32+	1 year	MATH1 Code 350
	42+	1 year	MATH1 Code 400
	47+	1 year	MATH1 Code 450

(*) The MRT B has both algebra questions and trigonometry questions. A requirement of “A19+,T3+” means you must correctly answer at least 19 algebra questions and at least 3 trigonometry questions, whereas a requirement of “30+” means you must correctly answer 30 questions overall.