Math Placement and Test Preparation

Math Cube Image

Students place into TMCC math classes either by testing into the class or by having completed an appropriate prerequisite class.

Testing

ACCUPLACER, ACT and SAT test scores are accepted for placement into TMCC math classes, provided that these scores are not more than two years old. If a student's test scores are more than two years old and the student has not completed an appropriate prerequisite class with a grade of "C" or better within the past two years, the student must re-test to place into a math class.

TMCC's Testing Services uses the ACCUPLACER test for initial placement only.

Once a student has begun taking math classes at TMCC, that student may not use the ACCUPLACER test to advance through a math sequence.

Prerequisite Classes

A grade of "C" or better in the prerequisite class or its equivalent taken within the past two years at TMCC, within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), or at another college, qualifies a student for placement into a TMCC math class. Note: A "C-" does not qualify.

Courses taken at a college outside NSHE must be submitted for evaluation to TMCC Academic Advising or to Admissions and Records.

Math Placement Test Cut-off Scores

The following ACCUPLACER, SAT and ACT cut-off scores are currently in effect for placement into TMCC math classes. If a single score is listed, it is a minimum score.

Please note: these scores are subject to modification at any time.

Course Placement Next Generation ACCUPLACER ACT SAT
Math 120 with Math 20 No minimum score, students may self-enroll No minimum No minimum
Math 124 with Math 24 No minimum score, students may self-enroll No minimum No minimum
Math 126 with Math 26 No minimum score, students may self-enroll No minimum No minimum
Math 120
See Alternative Pathways		 NGQAS: 263 19 500
Math 124
See Alternative Pathways		 NGQAS: 263 19 500
Math 126
See Alternative Pathways		 NGQAS: 276 + NGAAF 250 22 530
Math 122, 123 Grade of ‘C’ or better in Math 120, Math 124 or Math 126 25 650
Math 127 or Stat 152 Grade of ‘C’ or better in Math 126 25 590
Math 176 Grade of ‘C’ or better in Math 124 or Math 126 27 650
Math 181 Grade of ‘C’ or better in Math 127 or Math 128 28 660
Other Placement Options
Math 105 NGAR: 266 17–18 or below 430
Math 106 NGQAS: 263 19 500
Math 108 NGAR: 266 17–18 or below 430

NGAR = Next Generation ACCUPLACER Arithmetic
NGQAS = Next Generation ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
NGAAF = Next Generation ACCUPLACER Advanced Algebra and Functions

Alternate Pathways for Placement into Math 120, 124 and 126

Recent high school graduates (graduation within two years prior to term for which the student is applying) with an overall unweighted GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 and having completed Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 3-4 in WCSD) with a grade of B or higher, may enroll in MATH 120, 124 or 126.

Math Placement Test Preparation

A review of basic math concepts and skills can significantly raise a student's score on a math placement test.

  • ACCUPLACER provides sample test questions.
  • The ALEKS pre-algebra review option is for students who are highly motivated and comfortable teaching themselves math on their own. ALEKS provides an initial assessment of the student's math skills, an individualized curriculum based upon that initial assessment, guided practice problems, worked examples, video tutorials, and regular assessments during the course.