Credit by Exam for MTH 150: College Algebra

What Is It?

  • It is an opportunity to show proficiency in College Algeba. If you pass, you are granted 4 General Education credits (Math 150).

  • If you received AP credit for Calculus, you are still eligible to take this exam and receive 4 additional credits.
  • This is not a placement exam. Placement exam scores are used for advisory purposes and do not give you college credit.

  • First Semester Freshmen: This is your only opportunity to receive credit for a math class by exam. Even if you did not register for a Math Class for Fall...you should consider taking this exam.
We highly recommend you prepare for this exam as early as possible.

How Do You Prepare?

  • Register for our online review course. Cost: $10.00
    • The materials include over 400 problems and answers that are designed to help you review for the exam. In addition, video podcasts are available for most of the problems. These podcasts explain the step-by-step solution processes. These materials are contained in our course management system and you can begin accessing the materials soon after you register for the course. There is a $10.00 fee to access these materials.
    • Register for the Review Course
      • Online by going to Continuing Education
      • Or you  may stop by the Mathematics Department Office, 1020 Cowley Hall to register (either by check or cash, we cannot take credit cards in the office).
      • By mail:  Send a check for $10.00 made out to UW-La Crosse Math Department to Karoline Auby, UW-La Crosse, 1021 Cowley Hall, La Crosse, WI  54601.  Once the check is received you will be registered in the course and will receive an email confirmation.
        Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation email.

        You should then have access to the course within 3 business days.

        Please view the video to learn how to get into the online course.
  • Obtain paper review packet. $3.00 (Note:  This packet is included with the online Review Courses.  There is no need to do both).
    • Paper review sheets are available in the Math department office (1020 Cowley Hall). There is a $3.00 cost per set.
  • Attend a Free review session.
    • A UW-L mathematics department faculty member leads the session. There is no cost for attending.
  • Visit the Learning Center in 256 Murphy Library.

When is the Review Session? (This Review is Free)

  • Thursday September 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
    • Room 102 and 122 Carl Wimberly Hall

When Is The Exam?

  • Tuesday, September 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m
    • Room 102 Carl Wimberly Hall - Last Names A-M
    • Room 122 Carl Wimberly Hall - Last Names N-Z

How do I Register?

  1. Online:

    • Go to www.uwlax.edu/conted.  Click on the Mathematics Credit link.

    • Sign up for the Review Course.  Cost $10.00

    • Sign up to take the Credit by Exam.  Cost $20.00

      • When you pay the fee you will get an email confirming your registration.  Print and bring this emal as proof of payment to the exam.  Bring ID, Receipt, and pencil to the exam. 

      • Note:  It is highly recommended that you look over the Review Materials prior to registering for the exam as there are no refunds should you decide not to take the exam.

  2. In person:

    • Go to the Mathematics Department office, 1020 Cowley Hall and pay for either the review course, the exam, or both.  (In the office we only accept cash or check, no credit card payments).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take this exam if I received AP credits for Calculus?

Yes. You are eligible to take this exam and receive an additional 4 general education math credits.

What is the advantage of taking this exam?

You can receive 4 general education math credits for a cost of $20.00 and satisfy your math general education requirement.

If you placed in MTH 207 or 208 and receive a B or above, and pass the Credit by Exam, you could receive a total of 13 math credits in one semester!

If you received AP credits or are going to take a calculus class this year, it can be a big advantage credit-wise:

    • You receive 5 AP credits for Calculus I. If you pass that 150 Credit by Exam, you receive an additional 4 math credits.
    • If you take a calculus course this year, and receive a B or better, you will receive 4 retroactive credits for MTH 151 - Precalculus. Therefore, it is possible to earn 13 math credits in one semester.

What does the placement test have to do with this exam?

The placement test is an advisory exam given to determine your proper placement into a math course at UW-La Crosse. It is not connected with the Credit by Exam. You do not receive college credit for the placement test.

Should I take this exam if I am currently in MTH 150?

You are eligible to take this proficiency exam, however, keep in mind that the exam is comprehensive and is comparable to a final exam for the course. If your placement test scores indicate you should begin at the 150 level, this test could be difficult to pass.

Can I take this exam if I am in MTH 050 or MTH 051?

You are eligible to take this proficiency exam. However, it is not advisable. Your placement scores have indicated that you do not have the skills to begin at the College Algebra level, and therefore, the likelihood of passing a comprehensive exam for MTH 150 is low. You should Consider FastTrack

What if I am currently in MTH 150 and pass this exam?

If you are currently in MTH 150, and pass the MTH 150 Credit by Exam, you would drop MTH 150 from your schedule. However, please note that if this drops you below 12 credits, it would affect your status as a full-time student. You would have to pick up additional credits to place you at full-time status.

What if I am currently in MTH 145 and this satisfies my general education credits?

If you are currently in MTH 145, you should stay in this course. It is still beneficial to receive 4 more credits for MTH 150 if your algebra skills are good.

What is a passing score and will the results be recorded anywhere?

Passing score is 70%, and no scores are recorded on your record anywhere. If you pass the exam the only thing recorded is 4 credits for MTH 150.

Can you use calculators on this exam?

Yes. Calculators are allowed, but NO graphing calculators.

What if I have a class conflict at the time of the exam?

Contact Dr. David Koster, 1001 Cowley Hall, 785-8668.

What if I have a question not found in this FAQ?

Contact Karry Auby, 1021 Cowley Hall, 785-6603