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Chemistry placement testing

CHEM 142 (General Chemistry)

General Chemistry requires one of the following: 

  • Passing the CHEM 142 placement exam
    • Passing scores = 11-26
  • Completion of CHEM 110 with a minimum grade of 1.7
  • AP Chemistry score of 1 or higher

CHEM 143 (Accelerated General Chemistry)

Accelerated General Chemistry sequence is designed for students who have a very strong background and interest in chemistry. Mastery of basic concepts of stoichiometry and gas laws are required. This course will move at a faster pace than CHEM 142. Excellent problem solving and mathematical reasoning skills are required for success in this sequence.

The CHEM 143 & CHEM 153 sequence covers the same material that is taught in the CHEM 142, CHEM 152 & CHEM 162 sequence but is taught in two quarters.

In order to register for CHEM 143, students will now have to satisfy one of the following:

  • A score between 11 and 26 is considered passing. CHEM 143 is recommended for students with a score between 20 and 26.
  • AP CHEM score of 1 or higher
  • Any score on the IB Chemistry test 
  • Concurrent enrollment in MATH 124 is strongly recommended for students taking CHEM 143

CHEM 143 will be offered autumn quarters and CHEM 153 will be offered winter quarters. 

CHEM 145 (Honors Chemistry)

Honors Chemistry, CHEM 145, assumes full mastery of the basic concepts of elementary chemistry so the course will not review this material. The expectation for math and problem solving proficiency is also high in the honors courses.

CHEM 145 is open to students with:

  • A score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP test and registration in or credit for Math 124
  • A score of 5, 6, or 7 on the High Level Chemistry IB exam and registration in or credit for Math 124
  • A passing score on the Honors Chemistry placement exam and registration in or credit for Math 124

Honors placement test scoring

  • 0-10: Fail
  • 11-13: Borderline pass. Please contact the Chemistry advisers to discuss eligibility for CHEM 145
  • 14-20: Pass. Contact Chemistry advisers for assistance with registration

More information can be found on the UW Chemistry website.