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Testing and advanced placement

Students have the chance to tackle college-level work while they’re still in high school and earn college credit and placement. Testing also offers the opportunity to earn credit for college courses and get ahead.

CLEP Testing

The College-Level Examination Program® or CLEP provides students currently enrolled or dual-enrolled at Louisiana Tech with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. The CLEP test is a computer-based test that is offered by the Department of Testing and Disability Services. You may call 318.257.4882 for an appointment at least one week prior to the expected test date.

To learn more about CLEP testing and its advantages for students, visit College-Level Examination Program online.

Credit Exams

Louisiana Tech credit exams are administered in some subject areas for students who believe they have already attained the level of knowledge required in a course. You may only attempt a placement or credit exam once; if you do not pass the first time, you will not be allowed to repeat the exam.

How do I register for a credit exam?

If you would like to register for a credit exam, please keep the following things in mind:

  • You can only register during regular registration periods. An exam cannot be administered without proper registration. Permission to take a credit exam is denied if you have previously attempted the course for credit, earned credit in a higher sequence course, or failed to receive approval from the department head responsible for the course.
  • Every credit earned by exam has a “E01” section number and is entered on your student registration form or added during the add period. Regular University fees apply.
  • Your registration record reflects the credit exam course(s) for which you registered. These courses are not added into the total semester hour load for determining full-time status.
  • Exams are given according to the times listed in the schedule of classes (Racing Form) or times assigned by the department head. Exams are normally scheduled during the first three class days of a quarter.
  • Successful completion of an exam is recorded on the permanent academic record as “credit by examination” with a grade of “S.” Grades of “S” are not used to compute the GPA.

English Placement

Test scores Placement
English ACT less than or equal to 17,
OR
New SAT (ERW) less than or equal to 499,
OR
Old SAT (Critical Reading) score less than or equal to 440,
OR
Accuplacer NG less than or equal to 249
ENGL 099
English ACT greater than or equal to 18,
OR
New SAT (ERW)  greater than or equal to 500,
OR
Old SAT (Critical Reading) score greater than or equal to 450,
OR
Accuplacer NG greater than or equal to 250
ENGL 101
English ACT greater than or equal to 30,
OR
New SAT (ERW) greater than or equal to 670,
OR
Old SAT (Critical Reading) score greater than or equal to 680
ENGL 101 credit granted if English ACT/Writing & Language SAT score earned within the previous 5 years.

Math Placement

We offer math placement exams to ensure that students begin the study of mathematics at the level for which they are prepared. The ACT/SAT math score is used as a measure of preparation for entry-level college math and statistics courses. Math placement exams are offered for specified ACT/SAT math score levels and major fields of study as indicated in the table below. Placement in entry-level math courses is based on the Enhanced ACT/SAT math score. If no scores are on file in the Admissions Office or the Registrar’s Office, the score will be assumed to be 0.

When can I take the math placement exam?

Exams are offered during every Student Orientation session in the summer. They are also administered prior to the beginning of every quarter. The exam schedule will be listed on the Schedule of Classes (Racing Form) and in the Student Orientation brochure.

Can I prepare for the exam?

Yes! Advance preparation is highly recommended! Review materials are available free of charge by accessing www.latech.edu/~charlesp/ and following the steps listed below:

  • Scroll to bottom of page and click “Review Materials for Math Credit Exams”
  • Click on “Instructions for Accessing Math Review Materials” for list of topics on exam.
  • Print out and follow the instructions
  • Click on the course you are testing out of (Math 101, 112, or 240)

How do I know which math courses I need to complete for my major?

The curriculum requirements for your major determine which math courses you must complete. Refer to the Louisiana Tech catalog for the specific math requirements for your major. In the Math and Statistics section of the catalog, you will find information about the college preparatory course(s) taken in high school that should have prepared you for the various entry-level college courses.

What are the math requirements for transfer students?

Transfer students who do not have credit for the equivalent math prerequisite(s) for the math requirement in their major must satisfy the same placement criteria as entering freshmen. This may require submitting ACT/SAT scores, which in most cases are not needed for transfer admission to Louisiana Tech. Transfer credit for prerequisite math courses must be evaluated and approved through the math program before registering for a math or statistics course.

Test Scores Placement Description
ACT Math score less than 19,
OR
SAT Math score less than 510,
OR
Accuplacer QRAS 200-262,
OR
HS Cumulative GPA1 less than 3.0
MATH 103B/ C2 Math 103 is a 5-credit hour “co-requisite delivery” format for applied algebra. Less rigorous than college algebra. Developmental math content is practiced just-in-time in 2-credit hour Math 103B while students learn applied algebra in 3-credit hour Math 103C.
This math sequence does not count for all majors. Please check with your advisor.
ACT Math score 19-21,
OR
SAT Math score 510-530,
OR
Accuplacer QRAS 263-275,
OR
Accuplacer AAF 250-262
MATH 100B/C2
OR
MATH 103B/C2
Math 100 is a 5-credit hour format for college algebra. Includes review material from Developmental Math and allows additional instruction hour for college algebra material.
ACT Math score 22-23,
OR
SAT Math score 540-570,
OR
Accuplacer QRAS 276-288,
OR
Accuplacer AAF 263-275
MATH 1013
OR
MATH 1024
Math 101 is a 3-credit format for college algebra. It does not include review material from Developmental Math.
Math 102 is a 3-credit format for applied algebra. It is less rigorous than college algebra.
ACT Math score 24-255,
OR
SAT Math score 580-6005,
OR
Accuplacer QRAS 289 or greater,
OR
Accuplacer AAF 276 or greater
MATH 1013
OR
MATH 1024
OR
Eligible for MATH 101 Credit Exam
Math 101 is a 3-credit format for college algebra. It does not include review material from Developmental Math.
Math 102 is a 3-credit format for applied algebra. It is less rigorous than college algebra.
ACT Math score 26 or greater,6
OR
SAT Math score 610 or greater6
Credit for MATH 101 is granted if scores are within 5 years  
ACT Math score 26 or greater,6
OR
SAT Math score 610 or greater6
MATH 1127 Trigonometry
ACT Math score 26 or greater,6
OR
SAT Math score 610 or greater6
MATH 125 Algebra with applications for business, management, and the social sciences.
ACT Math score 26 or greater,6
OR
SAT Math score 610 or greater6
MATH 130 Mathematics focusing on the usefulness and practicality of mathematics, no algebra content.
ACT Math score 26 or greater,6
OR
SAT Math score 610 or greater6
MATH 2407 Precalculus and introductory calculus topics.
ACT Math score 26 or greater,6
OR
SAT Math score 610 or greater6
STAT 200 Introductory, algebra-based statistics.
HS Cumulative GPA1 3.0 or greater MATH 1024 Math 102 is a 3-credit format for applied algebra. It is less rigorous than college algebra.

1 On a 4.0 scale
2 Students who place into MATH 100B/C must take MATH 112 before moving on to MATH 240 if MATH 240 is in their degree pathway. Additionally, MATH 103B/C does not satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 112.
3 Students will not be given credit for both MATH 101 and MATH 100B/C.
4 HS Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale allows placement into MATH 102, but it is recommended the Accuplacer be taken to determine a more adequate placement.
5 Math ACT 24-25 (New Math SAT 580-600) eligible for Math Credit Exam to earn credit for MATH 101. Studying for the exam is highly recommended. Please refer to http://www2.latech.edu/~charlesp/mathcreditexammain.htm
6 Students automatically receive credit for Math 101 with this Math ACT/new SAT score if Math ACT/new SAT test date is within the previous 5 years.
7 Eligible for Math Credit Exam to earn credit for Math 112 or 240. Studying for the exam is highly recommended.
Math 101 credit can substitute for Math 102. Math 100 credit can substitute for Math 103.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement can be earned by taking AP courses in high school and completing the course exam to earn college credit. To get college credit, make sure your scores are sent to Louisiana Tech. Look at the table below to determine which classes you can receive college credit for.

AP Subject Score Louisiana Tech Equivalent Hours Earned
History of Art

3 or 4

5

Art 266

Art 266, 267

3

6

General Biology

3 or 4

5

Bio Science 101

Bio Science 101, 102

3

6

General Chemistry

3 or 4

5

Chemistry 100, 103

Chemistry 100, 103, 101, 104

3

6

Economics

3 or 4

5

Economics 201

Economics 201, 202

3

6

English (Language & Comp.)

3 or 4

5

English 101

English 101, 102

3

6

English (Literature & Comp.)

3 or 4

5

English 210

English 210, either 211 or 212

3

6

Environmental Science 4 or 5 Biology 211 3
French Language

3

4

5

French 101

French 101, 102

French 101, 102, 201

3

6

9

French Literature

3 or 4

5

French 304

French 304, 305

3

6

German Language

3

4

5

German 101

German 101, 102

German 101, 102, 201

3

6

9

German Literature

3 or 4

5

German 301

German 301, 302

3

6

Government and Politics (United States) 3, 4, 5 Political Science 201 3
History (World)

3

4 or 5

History 101

History 101, 102

3

6

History (European)

3

4 or 5

History 101

History 101, 102

3

6

History (American)

3

4 or 5

History 201

History 201, 202

3

6

Human Geography 3

3

4 or 5

 GEOG 205 3
Math (Calculus AB)

3

4 or 5

Math 101, 112/240*

Math 240, 241

6

6

Math (Calculus BC)

3

4 or 5

Math 240, 241

Math 240, 241, 242

6

9

Music Theory 4 or 5 Music Theory 101 3
Physics C – Mechanics 3, 4, 5 Physics 201 3
Physics C – Electricity & Magnetism 3, 4, 5 Physics 202 3
Physics (1) 3, 4, 5 Physics 209 3
Physics (2) 3, 4, 5 Physics 210 3
Psychology 4 or 5 Psychology 102 3
Spanish Language

3 or 4

5

Spanish 101, 102

Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202

6

12

Spanish Literature

3 or 4

5

Spanish 380

Spanish 380, 381

3

6

Statistics 4 or 5 Statistics 200 3
Studio Art – 2D Design 3,4,5 LBAR 189C “2-D Design” (Course will serve as an Arts GER) 3
Studio Art – Drawing 3,4,5 LBAR 189C “Drawing” (Course will serve as an Arts GER) 3

* Either Math 112 or 240, depending on the major. 240 credit is for Engineering and Science majors.

International Baccalaureate Program

Louisiana Tech University recognizes the academic rigor inherent in the International Baccalaureate Program and is pleased to award advanced standing credit to students with IB transcripts as follows:

IB Course

Equivalent Louisiana Tech Course

IB Level

Minimum Score

Semester Hours Credit

Biology

Biological Sciences 101

HL

4

3

Chemistry

Chemistry 100, 101, 102, 103, 104

HL

4

8

Economics

Economics 215

HL

4

3

English A1, A2, B

English 101

HL

5

3

Geography

Geography 205 or 210 (or other General Education Requirement geography course)

HL

4

3

History (world history plus

any one of the regional options under History)

History 102

HL

4

3

Mathematics Higher Level

Math 240, 241

HL

4

6

Music

Music General 290

SL

4

3*

Philosophy

Philosophy 201

HL

4

3

Physics

Physics 209, 210

HL

4

6

Social and Cultural

Anthropology

Sociology 205

HL

4

3

Theatre Arts

Speech Theatre 290

SL

4

3*

Visual Arts

Requires departmental review. Possibilities include Art 115, 116, 118, 125, 266, and 267

SL

4

To be determined

* A student may only be awarded credit for either Music General 290 or Speech Theatre 290, not both.

Louisiana Tech University requires that official IB transcripts be submitted directly to: Admissions, Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 3178, Ruston, LA 71272. Students can request transcripts through their high school International Baccalaureate coordinator for the first year after high school graduation. Transcripts can also be requested from the International Baccalaureate Program, North America, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1600, New York, NY 10115, USA, 212.696.4464. Website: www.ibo.org. You will need your seven digit IB candidate code. (In case you are asked, Louisiana Tech’s institution number is 01758.)

Credit will be recorded on Louisiana Tech’s official transcript with a grade of “S” (Satisfactory). Grades of “S” are not used to compute the grade point average. Students may earn up to 30 semester credit hours through the IB program. Credit by all types of examinations collectively may not exceed 60 semester hours (i.e. Advanced Placement, CLEP, Louisiana Tech Credit Examinations, Credit by Military Experience, DANTES, etc.)