Chemistry and Biology Placement Tests

Two separate tests clear prerequisites for different courses in Chemistry and Biology

Click below for the test information details

• Chemistry 1A / Biology 6A Placement Test
• Biology 40A Placement Test

​Chemistry 1A / Biology 6A Placement test

This test is a prerequisite for Chemistry 1A and Biology 6A. Download sample test questions (pdf).

• As of April 4, 2011 students can retest once (after minimum 6 months) if they have not enrolled in the prerequisite course for Chemistry 1A or Biology 6A at De Anza or Foothill and provide documentation of review/study.  Ex. skills course, tutorial, documented self-study...
  
• Test may not be used to challenge a failed, enrolled or withdrawn course.
• Calculators are allowed.
• Photo ID and De Anza Student ID number required.
• Test results are posted in My Portal student account within 2 working days.

Chemistry 1A/Biology 6A test is a paper test administered only dates and times listed below.   Make an appointment to insure a seat for the date and time you want.  Make an Appointment

Calculators are permitted.  Students must arrive minimum 30 minutes before test time. Chemistry 1A/Biology 6A test  results will be posted in student's My Portal within 2 working days.

DAY	DATE	TEST TIME	TEST LOCATION
Friday	Feb 10	9:00 a.m. (arrive 8:30 a.m.)	Assessment, SCS 143
Friday	Feb 24	9:00 a.m. (arrive 8:30 a.m.)	Assessment, SCS 143
Friday	March 2	9:00 a.m. (arrive 8:30 a.m.)	Assessment, SCS 143

To be eligible for Chemistry 1A, a student must:

1. Obtain a satisfactory score (22 out of 44) on the Chemistry1A/Biology 6A Test

Exceptions:

1. Students who complete De Anza's Chemistry 50  with a "C" grade or higher are eligible for Chemistry 1A.  They do not need to take the placement test.
2. Students who have completed prerequisite courses at another college or have a score 3 or higher on College Board AP Chemistry exam.can submit AP score report or transcript for review by downloading and filling out the Prerequisite Clearance Request PDF
3. Foothill students who qualified for Chemistry 1A by testing at Foothill or completed Foothill's Chemistry 25 with "C" grade or higher should contact Assessment 408.864.8717 prior to registration.
   

 

To be eligible for Biology 6A, a student must:

1. Obtain a satisfactory score (22 out of 44) on the Chemistry 1A/Biology 6A Test.

Exceptions:

1. Students who complete De Anza's Chemistry 50, or Chemistry 1A (or Foothill's Chemistry 25 or Chemistry 1A) with a grade of "C" or higher are eligible for Biology 6A.  They do not need to take the placement test.
2. Students who complete prerequisite courses at other colleges other than Foothill should provide transcript proof to Dean of Biological, Health Sciences, Kirsch Center, KC 228 for prerequisite review.
3. Foothill students who qualify for Chemistry 1A by testing at Foothill or who complete Foothill's Chemistry 25 or Chemistry 1A with grade of "C" or higher do not need to take the test.  Students should contact Assessment 408.864.8717 prior to registration. T
   

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​Biology 40A Test

This test is a computerized test.

• Students are advised to Make an Appointment 
  
• Students may test on a Stand-By basis if seats are available.  Arrive at Assessment Office minimum 15 minutes before test time. See test dates and times.
  
• Test is a multiple choice test administered on computer.
• Questions are chemistry based.
• A qualifying score (14 out of 44) is prerequisite for Biology 40A.
• There is no expiration of results for Biology 40A.
• As of April 4, 2011 students can retest once (after minimum of 6 months) if they have not enrolled in the prerequisite course and provide documentation of review/practice. Ex. Skills course, tutorial, documented self-study...
• Test cannot be used to challenge a failed or enrolled or withdrawn course.
• Calculators are allowed.
• Test results are posted in My Portal student account within 2 working days.

Download sample questions for Biology 40.

*Assessment Center is located in Student & Community Services Building, Room 143

To be eligible for Biology 40A, a student must:

1. Obtain a satisfactory score (14 out of 44) on the Biology 40A Test.

Exceptions:

1. Students who complete De Anza's Chemistry 50, or Chemistry 1A, or Chemistry 30A (or Foothill's Chemistry 25, Chemistry 1A, or Chemistry 30A) with a grade of "C" or higher are eligible for Biology 40A.  They do not need to take the placement test. Students who completed or are enrolled in the prerequisite at Foothill should contact Assessment Office prior to registration.
2. Students who complete equivalent prerequisite chemistry courses at other colleges should provide transcript proof to Dean of Biological, Health Sciences, Kirsch Center, KC228 for review prior to registration.