Physics Placement Exam

The following majors are required to take either PHSC 111: Physics I or PHSC: 132 General Physics I for their majors.

• Applied Physics
• Biochemistry
• Biological Science
• Chemistry
• Engineering Physics
• Health Sciences
• Kinesiology Exercise Science
• Kinesiology Health and Human Performance
• Physical Science
• Physics
• Public Health

The physics placement exam is the same for both PHSC 111 and PHSC 132. It can be taken anytime from mid-March, 2023 to January 3, 2024 for fall 2023 registration. Once you register for the exam, you will receive access within 1–3 business days on Canvas.

Register for Physics Exam

Note: If you do not pass the placement exam, you may take the exam again (optional), but it needs to be at least a month from your first attempt. If you don't pass the placement exam, you are required to take PHSC 092 Introduction to Physics (a semester-long course).

• Basic Physics Placement Exam Study Guide
• Physics for Dummies, or the newer Physics I for Dummies and Physics II for Dummies are good texts. It is especially helpful to get the Physics Workbook for Dummies in order to build your math and problem-solving skills.
• Precalculus for Dummies and its companion workbook are also helpful if you are math-challenged.
• You may also find the following online resources helpful:
  • Algebra/Trig Review
  • Regents Exam Prep for Algebra II and Trig
  • S.O.S. Math

These resources cover much more material than the test does, so please focus your studying on only the topics listed above. This exam mainly tests your math proficiency, not your specific knowledge of physics.

• It is important to take this exam prior to your fall semester. Be sure to take your placement exam promptly because if you do not pass the exam, you will be required to take PHSC 092 Introduction to Physics before you can enroll in your first physics course. You may take the placement exam a second time, but it needs to be a few months apart from your first attempt. Please plan accordingly.
• You will have 90 minutes for the exam. It is multiple choice. Passing is 25 correct out of 40 questions.
• You may use a non-graphing calculator. We have one you can borrow for the exam if you take the exam in person.

Email the Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Department any questions you may have, at cpedept@biola.edu. Be sure to use your Biola email address!