MPLEX
What is the MPLEX?
The MPLEX is MSU’s math placement exam. Many students use the MPLEX when they don't have other information (ACT or SAT scores, for example) to determine their appropriate placement. Students may take the MPLEX free of charge at orientation. Our MPLEX can only be taken on the MSU campus at orientation or through Testing Services
Who should take the MPLEX?
Not all students need to take the MPLEX. However, the following students should plan to take the MPLEX at orientation:
- Those without a placement: no ACT or SAT scores available
- Those who feel their knowledge of math is not correctly reflected by their current math placement.
To know if you should prepare to take the MPLEX you need to know:
- The placement level associated with your major.
- Your current placement
- ACT or SAT math score
- Earned college credit in math
If you meet or exceed the necessary placement to take the first-year courses required for your major, you do not need to take the MPLEX.
If you believe your current ACT or SAT math scores are an accurate reflection of your math ability, you do not need to take the MPLEX.
However, if you took the ACT or SAT in your junior year and took a math course in your senior year, you can take the MPLEX.
Why should you prepare for the MPLEX?
MSU students have access to EdReady, which is a free online resource offering tutorials and practice problems aligned with MSU’s MPLEX levels and math courses. Refreshing your math skills in EdReady can help students either place into a higher math level or have greater success in their first MSU math course.
Students who wish to may make a second attempt at the MPLEX, but must complete the following before they can take the MPLEX again:
- Complete 20 hours of study in EdReady and
- Demonstrate a 90% Proficiency Rating at the desired level within EdReady
In addition to math, several subjects require a specific math placement to demonstrate your readiness to take coursework that requires a significant math background. When students are unable to take the required math courses for their major, MSU offers prerequisite courses to strengthen necessary math skills. We recommend that students who believe their current placement doesn’t reflect their math background and ability prepare for and take the MPLEX to confirm if they are prepared to take a higher-level math course.
How can you take the MPLEX?
New students who are attending an orientation session will have time to take the MPLEX without charge at orientation. The orientation schedule has set times for the MPLEX built in to the orientation program, so you don’t need to worry about scheduling the MPLEX.
Students who wish to schedule an individual MPLEX session outside of the structured orientation program must schedule their own MPLEX with MSU Testing Services. Students scheduling an individual MPLEX must pay the $15 Testing Services fee. To schedule an individual MPLEX outside of a scheduled orientation program, please email testing@montana.edu or register with them online.
Understanding Your MPLEX Results
The MPLEX will report the math level at which you scored. If any of these other measures indicate a higher math placement, you can take the highest level indicated by any of these measures:
- ACT or SAT math score
- Prior college-level math credit
- ACT or SAT plus your senior year math course plus high school GPA
Students are able to retake the MPLEX once they
- Complete 20 hours of study in EdReady and
- Demonstrate a 90% Proficiency Rating at the desired level within EdReady
Once you complete your MPLEX, test scores will be recorded and placement results will be updated in our registration system, enabling those who have placed into a higher level to register for the courses appropriate to their placement.
If you have questions about the MPLEX and your test level, please call the Academic Advising Center at 406-994-3532.
To schedule an individual MPLEX outside of a scheduled orientation program, please call Testing Services at 406-994-6984.