Placement Exams Information

• UNO
• Enrollment Management
• Testing Center
• Placement Exams
• Placement Exams Information

At UNO, placement exams may need to be taken prior to registering for an English, Math, or Foreign Language course. Placement exams are designed to help ensure that you are in the correct courses based on your academic skill level. Use the Quick Links to find out more.

Quick Links

How do I know what placement exams to take?

Each exam has a set of specific criteria. The most common placement exams students have to take are for English and Math.

The English Placement and Proficiency Exam (EPPE)
The EPPE is required for undergraduate students (first-time freshmen and transfer students) and international students, including some applying for graduate studies. This exam helps ensure that you are placed in the proper level of composition. 

Some students are exempt from taking the EPPE based on the specific criteria.
The Department of English has information about scores and more specific EPPE questions.
Contact the English Department at 402.554.3476.

Math Placement Exam (Accuplacer) and Chemistry Placement
Entrance into certain Math courses is contingent on a student’s ACT or SAT Math Sub-Score. If you do not have an ACT or SAT score to base your placement off of, you will need to register and take the Math Placement Exam. The Math Placement Exam is also recommended for those who think they should be in a higher-level math course. 

Entrance into CHEM 1180 General Chemistry I also depends on a student’s ACT Math Sub-Score or their score on the Math Placement Exam. Specific Chemistry placement questions are best addressed in your first advising appointment.

View how ACT, SAT, and the Math Placement Exam are used for placement in Math courses.
View how ACT and the Math Placement Exam are used for placement in Chemistry courses.
Accuplacer offers a free web-based study app that can be used on a web-based computer, tablet or smart phone. Create an account to access the app where there is a practice test available for your convenience. 
Contact the Math Department 402.554.2443 or 402.554.3430.
Contact the Chemistry Department 402.554.2651.

Foreign Language Exams
All students with prior Foreign language learning experience who wish to enroll in their first UNO Foreign Language course, including incoming and transfer students, should take the respective placement exam. Students with no prior Foreign Language experience need not take the placement exam. Native speakers of Spanish do not need to take the placement exam; they should connect with a Foreign Language Advisor to determine placement in their first UNO course.

View all of the languages offered and their corresponding placement exams.
Contact the Foreign Language Department at 402.554.4841.

Back to top

What if I'm a transfer student or a former UNO student?

You may have already satisfied your testing requirements and should check with your academic advisor to identify your placement needs. UNO does not accept placement examinations from other institutions.

Back to top

How do I register for placement exams?

Each exam requires registration through MavLINK. Here is a step-by-step guide if you need help.

Back to top

When is the best time to take placement exams?

We highly encourage you to take your placement exams before orientation, so you have your test results when you meet your academic advisor. Plan your time accordingly, some placement exams can take up to two weeks for results to be posted.

Back to top

Where do I go to take placement exams?

All placement exams are administered by the UNO Testing Center. The office is located in 522 Kayser Hall. Please contact the Testing Center at 402.554.4800 with any questions regarding registration for placement exams.

Students who have disabilities or needs that require accommodations should contact the Accessibility Services Center at 402.554.2872. For Saturday Sabbath arrangements, contact the Testing Center directy.

Back to top