ND Math Credit Exam FAQ Resource

This page contains information for students who have registered to take a Math/ACMS credit exam.

What are the ND MATH/ACMS credit exams?

These are “credit exams” which means taking the exam and earning a qualifying score earns you Notre Dame course credit for the particular course. You are not required to take these exams. There is no academic harm to taking one of these exams and not passing. If you have already registered for the Math/ACMS course that you wish to take this semester, then there is no need to take one of these exams. If you start the exam and decide that you would rather not complete it, you can stop at any time and request a supervising proctor to take the exam from you.

How long are the exams?

ACMS 10140 Elements of Statistics - 65 minutes
MATH 10250 Elements of Calculus - 65 minutes
MATH 10550 Calculus I - 75 minutes
MATH 10560 Calculus II - 75 minutes
MATH 20550 Calculus III - 80 minutes
MATH 20580 Intro to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations - 120 minutes

What about the Honor Code?

Notre Dame’s Academic Code of Honor is in effect for these exams. Do your own work. Smartphones may not be used during the exam. Calculator policies are detailed below.

What are the calculator usage policies for each exam?

The following exams DO NOT allow the use of a calculator:

MATH 10250 Elements of Calculus
MATH 10550 Calculus I
MATH 10560 Calculus II
MATH 20580 Intro to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

The following exams allow the use of a scientific or graphing calculator. Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard and smartphone calculators are prohibited.

ACMS 10140 Elements of Statistics
MATH 20550 Calculus III

Will formula sheets or other references be provided?

Supplemental packets will be provided for two of the exams: ACMS 10140 Elements of Statistics and MATH 10560 Calculus II. All of the other exams do not require or allow formula sheets or other references.

What if I want to take more than one exam?

After you complete the first exam, you can request to take a second exam from the exam proctor and take it immediately. If you need to take a third exam, we can make arrangements for you to continue your exams at a later date.

What if I have a time conflict and cannot take the exam at the assigned time?

There are no Welcome Weekend activities that are scheduled during the Math Credit Exam period on Friday morning. Instructions will be provided to students who believe they have a time conflict and the Math Exam Administrator will approve or deny your request for an alternate exam time.

What do I need to bring to the exam?

Bring your laptop computer. Be sure that your laptop computer is fully charged and bring the power cord for your laptop just in case. Tablet computers (Ex:iPads) are not recommended. Bring a pencil and eraser or pen for scratch work. Bring a photo ID card. Scrap paper will be provided.

When will I learn the results for my exam(s)?

Math exams taken online will be scored immediately after submission. You will learn your results immediately. Paper exams will be scored by 8:00 AM the following day. All results (for both electronic and paper exams) are given to your First Year Advisor.

What is the required score to earn credit on the Math Credit Exam?

Students need to earn a score of 80% or higher in order to earn credit.

If I pass the Math Credit Exam, how does my credit count?

Credit earned by passing a Notre Dame Math or ACMS credit exam counts just like AP / IB exam course credit. It can count towards college/major requirements, but it does not count towards the quantitative reasoning University Core Curriculum requirement.

If I pass the Math Credit Exam, what course credit will I earn?

The following “1009x” course numbers will appear on your academic transcript if you earn a qualifying score on the corresponding exam.

ACMS 10140 Exam = course credit for ACMS 10091
MATH 10250 Exam = course credit for MATH 10090
MATH 10550 Exam = course credit for MATH 10091
MATH 10560 Exam = course credit for MATH 10092
MATH 20550 Exam = course credit for MATH 10093
MATH 20580 Exam = course credit for MATH 10094

Since exam credit courses can count for some requirements but not others, these course numbers are distinctive from the course numbers when credit is earned by taking the course at Notre Dame. This is done to make them more readily distinguishable.

If I need to make a schedule adjustment after I learn the results of the exam, what do I do?

Students should contact their advisor to make any class schedule adjustments based on the results of their credit exams. Advisors will have access to exam scores within 24 hours of completion.