Examination Mark (EM) Tests
Option for: Current students
Credit by Exam consists of Ohio State-specific tests that allow students to earn EM (examination mark) credit toward graduation by successfully completing tests in subject areas. Two types of tests created by The Ohio State University are used to measure content knowledge for specific courses: EM tests and departmental exams.
Restrictions
- You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at The Ohio State University to receive credit for EM tests.
- EM credit will not be awarded for courses that are prerequisites to those for which credit already has been earned.
- EM credit will not be awarded for any course in which a student has received either a mark at Ohio State or transfer credit from another institution.
- Examination credit awarded by another higher education institution is evaluated as part of Ohio State’s transfer credit evaluation process.
- Students currently enrolled in a course may take an EM test for that course only during the first week of the term. (For autumn semester only, students can take the test and be enrolled in the course during the first two weeks of the term.)
- Students are advised to check their individual major requirements for exclusion information that would prevent the awarding of EM credit for any particular course, program or subject area.
- EM tests cannot be repeated.
Take an EM exam at the Testing Center
- Register online for an EM exam.
- An administration fee of $65 is paid during the registration process. Administration fees (not exam fees) are waived for active-duty and reserve military personnel.
- Students must present a physical BuckID when they arrive for testing at the Testing Center.
- If a prerequisite is listed for an EM test, students may be asked to provide written evidence of having met that requirement.
To take an EM test at a regional campus, contact your campus advising office.
EM Tests are not repeatable.
EM Tests and credit awarded
1140 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy (3)
Physical nature of the sun and its family of planets, satellites, comets, and minor bodies; gravitation, light, and telescopes. Prerequisite: Math 1050 (075), or Math placement level R, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Astronomy 2291 (291), 161, 161H or 171. A 3-hour essay and short-answer exam. Recommended text: Chaisson and McMillan. Astronomy Today. Pearson, 2013. 8th Edition.
1144 Stellar, Galactic, and Extragalactic Astronomy (3)
Structure, motions, evolution of stars, interstellar material, galaxies and the universe as a whole. Prerequisite: Math 1050 (075), or Math placement level R or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Astronomy 2292 (292), 172, 162, or 162H. A 3-hour essay and short-answer exam. Recommended text: Chaisson & McMillan. Astronomy Today. Pearson, 2013. 8th Edition.
2291 Basic Astrophysics and Planetary Astronomy (3)
Motions and physical nature of objects in the solar system, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes and astronomical detectors. Prerequisite or concurrent: Physics 1251 (133). Not open to students with credit for 291. Intended only for BS students. A 3-hour exam combining numerical problems, short answer and multiple-choice questions. Use of a calculator is allowed. Recommended text: Ryden & Peterson. Foundations of Astrophysics. Pearson, 2010. 1st Edition.
2292 Stellar, Galactic, and Extragalactic Astronomy and Astrophysics (3)
Observational and physical properties of the sun and stars; stellar structure and evolution; interstellar mediums; galaxies; and cosmology. Prerequisite: Astronomy 2291 (291). Not open to students with credit for 292. Intended only for BS students. A 3-hour exam combining numerical problems and short-answer questions. Use of a calculator is allowed. Recommended text: Ryden & Peterson. Foundations of Astrophysics. Pearson, 2010. 1st Edition.
1101 Introductory Biology (4)
The major concepts and principles of biology and their interrelationships. Not open to students with credit for 1113 or 1113H. A 1-hour 48-minute exam. Credit for this course will not count toward the minimum number of hours required for graduation if a student completes 1113 and 1114, or 1113H and 1114H. Recommended text: Campbell, Neil A., et al., Essential Biology. Benjamin Cummings, 2007. 7th Edition.
1102 Human Biology (4)
Human biology with emphasis on anatomy and physiology (30%), reproduction (30%), human origin and evolution (15%), DNA (15%), human diseases (5%) and miscellaneous (5%). Not open to students with credit for 1114 or 1114H. A 1-hour 48-minute exam. Credit for this course will not count toward the minimum number of hours required for graduation if a student completes 1113 and 1114, or 1113H and 1114H. Recommended text: Mader, Sylvia S., Human Biology. McGraw-Hill, 2007. 7th Edition.
1113 Biological Sciences: Energy Transfer & Development (4)
Exploration of biology and biological principles. Topics include: macromolecules, cell function, structure and division, photosynthesis, respiration, protein synthesis and genetics. Not open to students with credit for Biology 1113H. A 2-hour exam with matching, multiple-choice or short-essay questions. Recommended text: Campbell, Neil A., et al., Biology. Benjamin Cummings, 2007. 8th Edition.
1114 Biological Sciences: Form, Function, Diversity, and Ecology (4)
Continuation of 1113. Diversity, structure, function, behavior, and ecology among prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Not open to students with credit for 1114H. A 2-hour exam with matching, multiple-choice or short essay questions. Recommended text: Campbell, Neil A., et al., Biology. Benjamin Cummings, 2007. 8th Edition.
All students who wish to test in chemistry must email the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at chemadvisors@chemistry.ohio-state.edu or call 614-292-1204 to obtain permission and a referral from Mary Bailey or Dr. Shuh Kuen (Mike) Chang before a chemistry test can be scheduled.
Only non-programmable calculators may be used during the following tests in the chemistry series. Calculators may not be shared.
1110 Elementary Chemistry (5)
Introductory chemistry for non-science majors, including: dimensional analysis, atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and topics in organic and biological chemistry. Topics in organic and biological chemistry may be included. Students must show proof of placement in Math 1116 (116) or higher. Not open to students with credit for Chemistry 102, 1210 (121), 1250, 1610 or 1910H (201H). A 2-hour 30-minute objective exam.
1210 General Chemistry I (5)
First course for science majors covering: dimensional analysis, atomic structure, the mole, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, electron configuration, bonding, molecular structure, gases, liquids and solids. Prerequisite: high school chemistry or equivalent, and proof of placement into Math 1150 (150) or higher is required. Not open to students with credit for Chemistry 122, 1250, 1610 (161) or 1910H (201H). 2-hour objective exam.
1215 General Chemistry Bridge (2)
A bridge course for students with credit for CHEM 121 who want to move on to CHEM 1220. Topics include: gases, liquids and solids. Prerequisite: 121, 161, or 201H; and proof of placement into Math 1150 (150) or higher. Not open to students with credit for CHEM 1210, 122 or 123. A 75-minute objective exam.
1220 General Chemistry II (5)
A continuation of 1210 for science majors covering: solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, solubility and ionic equilibria, qualitative analysis, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, descriptive chemistry, coordination compounds, and nuclear chemistry. Prerequisites: 122, 125, 1210, 1250, 1610 or 1910H, and proof of placement in Math 1150 (150) or higher. Not open to students with credit for Chemistry 123, 1620 (163) or 1920H (203H). A 2-hour 30-minute objective exam.
1250 General Chemistry for Engineers (4)
First course for engineering majors covering: dimensional analysis, atomic and molecular structure, the mole, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, states of matter, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: One unit of high school chemistry and placement into Math 1150 (150) or higher. Not open to students with credit for Chemistry 121, 125, 1210, 1610 or 1910H. A 2-hour 30-minute objective exam.
1222 Introduction to Computer Programming in C++ for Engineers and Scientists (3)
Approval from Dr. Diego Zaccai (zaccai.1@osu.edu) is required. Introduction to computer programming in C++ with applications in engineering and the physical sciences; algorithm development; and programming lab experience. C++ loops and conditionals, functions, arrays, file input and output, and pointers. Students should have some programming experience. The two-part exam consisting of: a multiple-choice exam at the Testing Center, and a programming exam administered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at a Linux workstation. Students must pass the multiple-choice exam to become eligible to take the programming exam. The multiple-choice exam is 2-hours. Not open to students with credit for CSE 1222, 2122, 2221 or 2231. Recommended text: Dale, Weems. Programming and Problem Solving with C++: Brief Edition. Fifth Edition.
2111 Modeling and Problem Solving with Spreadsheets and Databases (3)
Permission of the Course Coordinator, Diana Kline, (kline.41@osu.edu) is required. Spreadsheet and database modeling/programming concepts and techniques to solve business related problems; efficient/effective data handling; computational analysis and decision support; computer concepts; networking; and project integration. The test is given in two parts: a written exam at the Testing Center, and a lab given only to those who pass the written exam with a minimum score of 80%. The content of this exam includes: advanced spreadsheet topics (Excel) (45%), database management systems (Access) (40%), spreadsheet modeling (Excel) (10%), and text functions (Excel) (5%). A 2-hour 30-minute exam. It is recommended that candidates obtain the textbooks before attempting the exam. Recommended texts can be found at: Excel Access
2221 Software I: Software Components (4)
Course concerns component-based software from the client programmer’s perspective. The CSE 2221 Placement Exam is designed to assess a student’s readiness for these topics using brief handwritten programs and coded modules showing master of: variables, types, expressions and assignment statements; fundamental data types; simple input; conditional control structures; and iterative control structures. This placement exam is only offered on specific testing dates. Satisfactory performance on the placement exam for CSE 2221 fulfills the prerequisite requirements for 2221, but it does not result in academic credit for 2221 or 1223. Please contact the CSE Department Undergraduate Advising Office at 614-292-1900 or ugadvising@cse.ohio-state.edu, or the Testing Center, for scheduling information. A 1-hour exam. Recommended text: Horstmann, C., Java for Everyone: Late Objects. Second Edition, Chapters 1-4. Available at Safari Books Online.
All students who wish to test in Earth Sciences must call the School of Earth Sciences to obtain permission and a referral from Soyoung Carpenter before a test can be scheduled.
1121 Dynamic Earth (4) - NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED
Plate tectonics, rock forming processes, climate change, and energy resources. Prerequisite: Math 1075 (104) or above. Not open to students with credit for 121. A 2-hour exam. Recommended texts: Plummer & McGeary. Physical Geology. 1999. Thompson & Turk. Modern Physical Geology. 1997. Skinner & Porter. The Dynamic Earth. 2000. Freeman, Geoscience Laboratory. 1996.
2001.01 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
Introduction to economic theory, supply and demand for goods and services, market structure, and the distribution of income. A 2-hour exam. Recommended text: Mankiw, N. Gregory. Principles of Microeconomics. Cengage Learning, 2014. 7th Edition.
2002.01 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
Theory of national income determination, economic fluctuations, money, government policy, and international economics. A 2-hour exam. Recommended text: Mankiw, N. Gregory. Principles of Macroeconomics. Cengage Learning, 2014. 7th Edition.
For questions regarding either of these exams, please contact Dr. Dale Masel (masel.2@osu.edu).
1186.01 Fundamentals of Engineering for Transfers (CAD)
This exam is designed for transfer students who are missing the 3D visualization, technical graphics and CAD component in their transfer credits. These students have typically received transfer credit for ENGR 1188 and/or 1187.
1187 Fundamentals of Engineering for Transfers (MATLAB)
This exam is designed for transfer students who are missing the MATLAB programming component in their transfer credits. These students have typically received transfer credit for ENGR 1186 and/or 1188.
Exams will not be given the week of or before finals.
The Department of History has compiled a one-page study suggestion sheet for EM Tests, which can be found at the Testing Center or on page 25 of the Undergraduate History Handbook.
1151 American Civilization to 1877 (3)
Covers the social, political, constitutional, and economic development of the United States from the colonial period through the era of Reconstruction. A 2-hour essay exam. Recommended text: Nash, Gary B., et al., American Civilization to 1877, Volume 1. Pearson, 2011, 7th edition.
1152 American Civilization since 1877 (3)
Covers the social, political, constitutional, and economic development of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to the present. A 2-hour essay exam. Nash, Gary B., et al., The American People, Volume 2. Pearson, 2011, 7th edition
1211 Western Civilization to the 17th Century (3)
Ancient civilizations (Near East, Greece, Rome), barbarian invasions, medieval civilizations (Byzantium, Islam, Europe), Renaissance and Reformation. A 2-hour essay exam. Recommended text: McKay, John P., et al., History of Western Society. Bedford/St. Martin’s 2010, 10th edition.
1212 Western Civilization, 17th Century to Present (3)
Political, scientific, and industrial revolutions; nationalism; the two World Wars; decline of empires; and the Cold War. A 2-hour essay exam. Recommended text: McKay, John P., et al., History of Western Society. Bedford/St. Martin’s 2010, 10th edition.
1681 World History to 1500 (3)
History of the human community to 1500: primary emphasis on history of civilizations, and secondary emphasis on patterns of regional and hemispheric integration. A 2-hour essay exam. Recommended text: Bulliet, Richard. The Earth and Its Peoples, Volume 1. Cengage, 2014 6th edition.
1682 World History: 1500 to Present (3)
History of the human community from 1500 to the present: primary emphasis on processes of global integration, and secondary emphasis on comparative civilization. A 2-hour essay exam. Recommended text: Bulliet, Richard. The Earth and Its Peoples, Volume 2. Cengage, 2014 6th edition.
2200 Horticulture and Crop Science (3)
It is advised to have a level of knowledge or experience comparable to students who have successfully completed Biology 1101, 1113, or equivalent. A 2-hour objective exam that covers: the importance of plants to human existence, and the ecological principles that are the foundation for all crop-growing systems. Topics include: ecology; research in plant science; agriculture and its effects on the Earth’s ecosystems; climates and soils; agricultural biodiversity; carbon and energy flow in agriculture; input and fate of plant nutrients; plant populations and resources; weeds and pests; crop ecosystems; and social influences and requirements. Recommended text: McMahon, Peg, et al., Plant Science. Prentice Hall, 2010. 5th Edition.
The Department of Mathematics offers credit by examination for the courses listed below. However, tests for Math 1050 or 1075 are given only for determination of placement level—no examination credit is given. Students who believe their math placement results are inaccurate may schedule a proficiency test (similar to a final exam) for the course of their initial placement. Students who demonstrate proficiency will be permitted to schedule more advanced courses. Arrangements should be made through the Math Advising Office, 250 Mathematics Building, 231 W. 18th Ave. Call Math Advising at 614-292-6994, or email mathadvisors@math.osu.edu.
1130 College Algebra for Business (4)
Algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; matrix algebra; and applications to business. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: Math placement level N; C- or better in 1075; or credit for 104. Not open to students with credit for any higher numbered math course.
1131 Calculus for Business (5)
Survey of calculus of one and several variables, and applications to business. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: Math placement level L; C- or better in 1130, 1148, or 1150; credit for 130 or 148. Not open to students with credit for any math course numbered 1151 or higher, or quarter system courses 132, 151.xx, or higher.
1148 College Algebra (4)
Functions: polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic; introduction to right-angle trigonometry; and applications. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: Math placement level N; C- or better in 1075; or credit for 104 or 148. Not open to students with credit for any higher numbered math course.
1149 Trigonometry (3)
Trigonometric functions and their properties: vectors, polar coordinates and complex numbers. Prerequisite: C- or better in 1148, or permission of department. Not open to students with credit for 1144, or for any math course 1150 (150) or above.
1150 Precalculus (5)
Functions: polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric; and applications. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: Math placement level M. Not open to students with credit for any higher numbered math course.
1151 Calculus I (5)
Differential and integral calculus of one real variable. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: Math placement level L; or C- or better in: 1144, 1148 and 1149, 1150, or 150. Not open to students with credit for any higher numbered math course.
1152 Calculus II (5)
Integral calculus, sequences and series, parametric curves and polar coordinates. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: C- or better in 1151, 1156, 1161.xx, 152.xx, 161.xx, 114, or 1114. Not open to students with credit for any higher numbered math course.
1172 Engineering Mathematics A (5)
Techniques of integration, Taylor Series, differential calculus of server variables and applications. Prerequisite: C- or better in 1114 (114), 1151, 1156, 1161.xx, 152.xx, 161.xx or 161.01H. Not open to students with credit for 1152, 1534 (153.xx), or 1544 (154); or for any math course numbers 1172 or above; or for any quarter system math course numbered 254.xx or above. Not open to students majoring in math, pre-actuarial science or actuarial science.
2153 Calculus III (5)
Multivariable differential and integral calculus. A 2-hour exam. Prerequisite: C- or better in 1152, 1172, 1534, 1544, 1181H, or 4184H; or credit for 153.xx, 154, 162.xx, or 162.01H. Not open to students with credit for any higher numbered math course.
1101 Introduction to Plant Biology (5)
Plants and their relationship to humans and the biosphere: plant structure and function; growth and development; plant genetics and biotechnology; plant diversity and evolution; and practical and economic uses of plants. A 2-hour multiple-choice exam. Not open to students with credit for Biology 101 or 102, Biology 1101 (101), 1113 (113), 1113H, 1114 (114), 1114H, 115H or 116H. Recommended text: Berg, Linda R., Introductory Botany: Plants, People, and the Environment. Thomson-Brooks/Cole, 2008. 2nd Edition.
Calculators are permitted on these tests. An equation sheet is provided with each test. A copy of this equation sheet can be picked up at the Testing Center in advance of taking the test. Only the copy of the equation sheet provided on test day may be taken into the testing room.
1200 Mechanics, Kinematics, Fluids, and Waves (5)
Covers: kinematics, vectors, projectile motion, Newton’s Laws, friction, circular motion, gravitation, work, power, kinetic energy, potential energy, conservation of energy and momentum, center of mass, torque, rotational dynamics, statics, pressure, simple harmonic motion, fluids, waves, sound waves, interference, diffraction and standing waves. A 1-hour 45-minute exam. Prerequisite: Math 1148, 1150, or equivalent. Recommended text: Giancoli, Douglas C., Physics. Prentice Hall, 2014. 7th Edition. (Ch. 1-12)
1201 E&M, Optics, Modern Physics (5)
Covers: Coulomb’s Law, electric field, electric potential, DC circuits, capacitors, magnetic fields and forces, Faraday’s Law, polarization, reflection and refraction of waves, mirrors and lenses, optical instruments, interference and diffraction of light, special relativity, wave nature of matter, quantum mechanics, nuclear energy and radioactive decay. A 1-hour 45-minute exam. Prerequisite: Physics 1200 or 111. Recommended text: Giancoli, Douglas C., Physics. Prentice Hall, 2014. 7th Edition. (Ch. 16-28, 30-31)
1210 Bridging from 111 to equivalent of Physics 1200: Oscillations, Fluids, Waves (2)
Algebra-based introduction to classical physics: pressure, simple harmonic motion, fluids, waves, sound waves and standing waves. For students that have credit for 111 but need credit equivalent for 1200. A 1-hour exam. Prerequisite: Physics 111. Not open to students with credit for 1200 (113).
1211 Bridging from 112 to equivalent of Physics 1201: Optics, Modern Physics (2)
Algebra-based introduction to optical instruments, interference and diffraction of light, special relativity, wave nature of matter, quantum mechanics, nuclear energy and radioactive decay. For students that have credit for 112 but need credit equivalent for 1201. A 1-hour exam. Prerequisite: Physics 112; prerequisite or concur: 1210. Not open to students with credit for 1201 (113).
1240 Bridging from 131 to equivalent of Physics 1250: Thermo, Waves, Fluids (2)
Calculus-based introduction to classical physics: simple harmonic motion, fluids, thermodynamics and special relativity. For students that have credit for 131 but need credit equivalent for 1250. Prerequisite: Physics 131. Not open to students with credit for 1250 (133).
1241 Bridging from 132 to equivalent of Physics 1251: Optics, Modern Physics (2)
Calculus-based introduction to waves, simple geometric optics, diffraction, interference, and photons and the quantum mechanics of particles and atoms. For students that have credit for 132 but need credit equivalent for 1251. Prerequisite: Physics 132; prerequisite or concur: 1240. Not open to students with credit for 1251 (133).
1250 Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Waves (5)
Calculus-based introduction to classical physics: Newton’s Laws, simple harmonic motion, fluids, thermodynamics and special relativity. For students in physical sciences, mathematics and engineering. It is advised to have a level of knowledge or experience comparable to students who have successfully completed 1250. A 1-hour 45-minute exam. Proof of eligibility to enter Math 1151 or higher required. Not open to students with credit for 1250. Recommended text: Serway & Jewett. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 8th or 9th Edition. (Ch. 1-12, 13, 14-15, 19-22, 39)
1251 E&M, Optics, Modern Physics (5)
Calculus-based introduction to electricity and magnetism, waves, simple geometric optics, diffraction, interference, and photons and the quantum mechanics of particles and atoms. For students in physical sciences, mathematics and engineering. It is advised to have a level of knowledge and experience comparable to students who have successfully completed 1251. A 1-hour 45-minute exam. Students must show that 1250 or equivalent (131 and 1240) was completed with passing grade. Recommended text: Serway & Jewett. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 8th or 9th Edition. (Ch. 16-18, 23-32, 34-35, 37-38, 40-42)
1100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Introduction to psychology, a prerequisite for advanced courses; the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior. Topics include: research methods, biological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, language, intelligence, development, emotion and motivation, stress and health, social psychology, personality and psychological disorders. A 2-hour objective exam. Recommended text: Schacter. Gilbert & Wegner, Psychology. Worth Publishing, 2013. 2nd Edition.
2220 Data Analysis in Psychology (3)
Foundational course and a prerequisite to advanced classes in psychology. Topics include: visual displays of data; interpretation of graphical representations; calculation and interpretation of descriptive statistics; null-hypothesis significance testing for z-tests, t-tests, correlation, and regression; effect sizes and confidence intervals; interpretation of computer output; understanding of what statistical test to use; and reading of research articles and presentations of analyses. A 2-hour 15-minute exam. Recommended text: Nolan, S.A., and Heinzen, T.E., Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. Worth Publishers, 2012. 2nd Edition (Ch.1-11, 15-16)