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Seton Hall University
Pirate Adventure

Placement Testing

All Placement Testing must be taken by June 1. Students who fail to take their placement tests may not be able to register for fall classes during New Student Orientation. Some students need to take placement tests in English, math and/or a foreign language in order to be placed in the correct course level. For general questions, please email [email protected].

How does Placement Testing Work?

  • When you log in to PirateNet to confirm your attendance, you will see the tests you will be required to take. Each test has a link to the online testing.
  • The math placement test is progressive and timed; students must pass one part to continue on to the next level.
  • All students with a language requirement must take a language placement test before they can register for any language classes. Students taking any language placement test other than Latin will need a microphone on their computers for the speaking portion of the test. 

Math Placement Testing

Math placement helps ensure that you start your first math course that best fits your background, major, and academic goals.

How Math Placement Works?

Your math placement may be based on one or more of the following:

  • Math Placement Testing
  • SAT Math or ACT Math scores
  • AP Calculus Exam scores
  • Your accepted major

Not every student will need to take a placement test. Read the sections below to see what applies to you.

Do I Need to Take the Math Placement Test?

You are exempt from all math placement testing if:

  • Your SAT Math score is above 700, or
  • Your ACT Math score is above 30
  • If you meet one of these criteria, you will be automatically placed into the appropriate math course for your major

If you are not exempt:

  • You are encouraged to take the College Math Readiness Test
  • This test helps determine the best starting math course for you

What about AP Calculus Exam?

If you have already taken the AP Calculus Exam:

Make sure your AP scores are sent to Seton Hall University
Placement based on AP Calculus:

  • Score of 3 → Placement into Calculus I (Math 1401/1501)
  • Score of 4 or 5 → Credit for Math 1401 or 1501

If you are taking AP Calculus in May:

  • If you are not exempt based on SAT or ACT scores, you must take the placement test now
  • Your placement may be updated after your AP scores are received

What if I took College-Level Math Courses?

If you have taken a college-level math course at another college or university:

  • If you are not exempt based on SAT or ACT scores, you still need to take the placement test
  • Send your official transcript to Seton Hall University
  • Bring a copy of your transcript to Orientation to share with your mentor
  • The Registrar will evaluate your transcript for placement and credit

About the Math placement tests: 

Seton Hall University uses a progressive placement system with up to two tests: 

  • College Math Readiness Test
    • Assesses material usually learned in Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry. 
  • Calculus Readiness Test (if required)
    • Required only for:
      • STEM majors, or
      • Majors that require Precalculus or Calculus 1
    • Assesses material typically learned in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Trigonometry. 

Important: If your major does not require Precalculus or Calculus, your placement will be based only on the College Math Readiness Test.

Questions?

If you have questions about math placement or the tests, please contact: Wendiann Sethi, Ph.D., Coordinator for Math Placement, [email protected].

English Placement Survey

It used to be that you would take a set of three placement tests over a two-hour period, and the English Department would determine the best course for you to take. Many colleges around the country are now using a new system, called "directed self-placement," which makes students part of the placement process. In fact, you will actually choose which writing course you take. 

The Directed Self-Placement is a series of exercises and questions that will help you evaluate yourself as a reader and writer and help you decide which first-year writing course is best for you. You will need about 1 1/2 hours to complete the survey, but it is not timed. Take it when your mind and body are fresh and rested. Steps 1 and 2 will help you evaluate your reading and writing background. (You will be asked to read a brief article and write a short essay at one point.) Steps 3 and 4 will describe the choices you can make and will help you match your background with the best course for you. In step 5, you will choose your course.

When you click on the English Placement link in the New Student Orientation portal, you will be asked to log in again with the credentials you have used to log into the portal.

Please realize that if you don't do all the steps carefully you may place yourself in the wrong course or you may be asked to take parts of the survey over again, making it harder to get the schedule you want. So do it right the first time! If you have any questions or problems, please contact Professor James Daniel at [email protected]

Language Placement Testing

If your major requires a foreign language (you can see "Take language placement test" when you log in to PirateNet), you must take the Language Placement Test before you can register for any language courses. Tests are available for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish.

You can continue studying the language you learned in high school, or you can try a new language. Please note that you do not have to study the same language you take the test in, but you cannot register for any level class (including 1001–Beginner/Elementary) without a placement test in a language. For example: You studied Spanish in high school, but would like to study French at Seton Hall.  You should take the Spanish placement test and, once your score is finalized and posted to your profile, you can register for French classes.

Students who have bilingual proficiency in a language not taught at SHU have a few options:

  • Provide certified documentation* in place of the language placement test. This proof of proficiency/bilingualism can be used to satisfy the requirement entirely, or you can choose to study a new language beginning at the Elementary/Introductory 1 level. You must submit a certification to the Global Learning Center before you can register for a beginner/elementary class in another language.

* Accepted certifications include the Avant Seal of Biliteracy, ACTFL OPI Certificate, other recognized language/cultural organizations’ certifications of proficiency, etc., in consultation with the Global Learning Center.

  • Take a proficiency test through our approved testing service. These tests are not free; students can expect to pay around $165 for one. The test consists of a phone interview with a native speaking proctor. Instructions on how to register for a proficiency test are available here. Once a student completes the proficiency test, they must forward the results to the Global Learning Center for review. The process can take some time, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to register for a language class in the coming semester.
     
  • Study a new language or add a major/minor. We encourage students with proficiency in any language to consider taking up a new one. Students might also consider a double major or a minor in a new language or the one in which they are bilingual.

For more information on the language placement tests, including how to take them, please visit the Global Learning Center’s Language Placement Testing page for details and FAQ.

For any other help or questions, please contact the Global Learning Center.

Getting Ready to Take Your Tests?

  • Check Your Browser
    Recommended Windows Browsers: Firefox®, Google Chrome®,
    Mac OS X® 10.6 or 10.7 Browsers: Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari
  • Before taking a test, make sure you have pencil and scrap paper available and that you have sufficient amount of time without interruption or distraction.

  • Taking a language placement test? Be sure your computer’s microphone is working.

If you need accommodation to take your placement tests, please reach out to the Office of Disability Support Services at (973) 313-6003