ND Calculus Readiness Test

The goal of the online ND Calculus Readiness Test is to help students find the right starting course in calculus - not too high and not too low.  The Calculus Readiness Test does not offer the opportunity to earn course credit.  Rather, the test outcome helps determine whether you should register for MATH 10150 "Principles for Calculus" for the fall semester.  The course MATH 10150 enables students to build the necessary academic foundation for learning success in calculus.

Who takes the ND Calculus Readiness Test?

First-year students:

All incoming first-year students who plan to take a calculus course at Notre Dame must take the online Calculus Readiness Test (CRT), and the test is also required for students intending to pursue a major in the School of Architecture.  This means that all students must take the Calculus Readiness Test if they are entering the School of Architecture or considering a primary major, a secondary major, a supplemental major, or a minor that requires a calculus course.

Transfer students:

Incoming transfer students should consult with their academic advisor regarding math placement.  If you and your advisor determine that you should register for MATH 10350 "Calculus A" or MATH 10550 "Calculus I", then please make CRT arrangements by contacting Chris Temple via email at ctemple@nd.edu .

When is the ND Calculus Readiness Test?

Incoming first-year students in the Spring semester receive special instructions.

Incoming first-year students in the Fall semester will receive an emailed invitation to take the online Calculus Readiness Test starting on May 7, 2026.  Even after the published CRT completion deadline, students must still take the CRT as required to inform discussions about their registration for a calculus course at the University.   Note: Transfer students should request separate testing instructions after consultation with their acadmic advisor by contacting Chris Temple via email at ctemple@nd.edu.

What is the purpose of the ND Calculus Readiness Test?

Your score on the ND Calculus Readiness Test will help to determine whether you will register for MATH 10150 "Principles for Calculus" for the fall semester. MATH 10150 provides a solid foundation for calculus and prepares students for MATH 10350 "Calculus A" or MATH 10550 "Calculus I." Note: MATH 10150 does not fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the Core Curriculum.

When will I get my ND Calculus Readiness Test Score?

The eight quiz results (Quizzes A through H) are available to you immediately. You can calculate your test score by averaging the eight quizzes (Quizzes A through H) and then multiplying by 100. The possible scores range from 0 to 1000.

How do I interpret my ND Calculus Readiness Test Score?

Calculus Readiness Test scores greater than or equal to 700

If your Calculus Readiness Test score is greater than or equal to 700 (CRT >= 700), then you can begin the required calculus sequence for your major. Consult the Calculus Requirements by Major page for more information.

Calculus Readiness Test scores between 500 (inclusive) and 700

If your Calculus Readiness Test score is between 500 and 700 (500 <= CRT < 700), you should register for a calculus course using the following guidance.

• Students entering the College of Engineering should register for the course MATH 10150 "Principles for Calculus", consult with their academic advisor, and register in July to take the in-person Principles for Calculus Test in August.
• For non-engineering students, you should register for the course MATH 10150 "Principles for Calculus" if you have not taken a calculus class previously.
• For non-engineering students who have taken a calculus class previously and feel prepared to succeed in calculus at Notre Dame, then you should consult with your academic advisor and may choose to begin the required calculus sequence for your major by requesting a registration override from your advisor.   Consult the Calculus Requirements by Major page for more information.

Calculus Readiness Test scores less than 500

You should register for MATH 10150 "Principles for Calculus" if your Calculus Readiness Test score is less than 500 (CRT < 500).  Students entering the College of Engineering should also consult with their academic advisor and register in July to take the in-person Principles for Calculus Test in August.

Please note: If you have questions about interpreting your Calculus Readiness Test score or choosing a calculus course at Notre Dame, please consider attending an optional Zoom session on the topic of "Thinking about Calculus at Notre Dame." This was held on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00 PM EDT. The Zoom session included an informal Q&A portion specifically for students.

If you missed this Zoom session, please email your questions to Chris Temple at ctemple@nd.edu.

Join the Thinking about Calculus Q&A Zoom Session by clicking here!

What if I disagree with my ND Calculus Readiness Test Score results?

If you think your Calculus Readiness Test score does not accurately reflect your foundational knowledge for academic success in calculus, you should consider taking the "Principles for Calculus Test" when you arrive on campus in August to demonstrate your precalculus knowledge. Details about this second testing opportunity can be found on the "Principles for Calculus Test" website here.

How to complete the ND Calculus Readiness Test

After May 7, 2026, first year students were able to access Canvas to complete the ND Calculus Readiness Test.  The deadline to complete the CRT was 11:59 PM EDT on May 28, 2026, but first year students who have not done so should still complete the test as soon as possible.  A student's CRT score provides helpful placement information to  the University's academic advisors.  Transfer students should contact Chris Temple via email at ctemple@nd.edu to receive testing instructions.  Note: Canvas is Notre Dame’s learning management system (LMS) used by faculty and staff to share learning materials and activities.

You can find step-by-step instructions on how to access the Calculus Readiness Test here.

The test is divided into eight 10-minute quizzes which may be done separately so the complete test takes approximately 80 minutes.  First year students were asked to complete all sections of the exam before 11:59 PM EDT on May 28, 2026.  After this deadline, students must still take the CRT as required to inform discussions about their registration for a calculus course at the University.