Placement tests in other subject areas are also available if you are not meeting prerequisites through high school transcripts. Contact upgrading@sait.ca for more details.
View the table below for courses that require placement testing.
🚨 Students who have passed SAIT’s upgrading Math or Physics courses may not be required to take placement testing.
Booking your test
After you have applied to the Academic Upgrading program, you may book your in-person placement test.
- Academic Upgrading placement tests can be written at the Testing Services office (MC 221, 2nd floor of the Stan Grad Building).
- During the spring and summer, students may book to write exams Monday to Friday starting at 9am until the last permitted exam time. For current opening hours, please visit Testing Services.
- Please note that Testing Services requires students to book at least 96 hours in advance.
New Academic Upgrading Students: Please email testing@sait.ca to book your exam. Please note emails will be reviewed during business hours only.
Continuing Academic Upgrading Students: Please book your in-person placement test here. You will need your SAIT ID and SAIT email address to book your exam.
Walk-In Service: For the spring and summer, students may also take advantage of the walk-in service on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Space is limited, and we cannot guarantee testing availability.
Students who live outside of Calgary may arrange to take a placement test at a recognized institution closer to home. Please see the FAQs below for further details.
Academic Upgrading placement tests taken in SAIT’s Testing Centre are currently free.
Preparing for your test
In preparation for your placement test, you may begin studying using the study guide provided in the following chart. We strongly advise that you review the study guides before taking the placement test. Tests will be a combination of both multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Depending on the test booked,
- the duration of the test may vary. When you book your test, your registration confirmation will note the length of the test.
- you may be permitted to bring a calculator or scientific calculator. When you book your test, details on what is allowed in the testing room will be provided.
You must present a valid photo identification that is either government-issued or institution-issued (driver's license, passport, school ID card).
| Course | Educational equivalent | Study guide | Formula sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH-180 | Math 10C | MATH-180 | Formula sheet |
| MATH-181 | Math 20-1 | MATH-181 | Formula sheet |
| MATH-172 | Applied Math 30 | MATH-172 | Formula sheet |
| MATH-162 | Math 30-2 | MATH-162 | Formula sheet |
| MATH-182 | Math 30-1 | MATH-182 | Formula sheet |
| PHYS-181 | Physics 20 | PHYS-181 | Formula sheet |
| PHYS-182 | Physics 30 | PHYS-182 | Formula sheet |
| BIOL-182 | Biology 30 | BIOL-182 | N/A |
| CHEM-181 | Chemistry 20 | CHEM-181 | Data booklet |
| CHEM-182 | Chemistry 30 | CHEM-182 | Data booklet |
| COMM-181/182 | ELA 20-1/30-1 | COMN-181/182 | N/A |
After your test
Once you have completed the test, your results will appear on the screen as soon as you submit your answers and complete the test. You will also receive an email at 8 pm that evening with the next steps based on your score.
Placement tests are valid for one year from the date you completed the test and are only applicable at SAIT.
Frequently asked questions
Students who live outside of Calgary may arrange to take a placement test at a recognized institution closer to home. You will need to email upgrading@sait.ca and provide the invigilator’s contact information (name, job title, institution, professional email address, and professional phone number).
We will contact them with the testing procedures and exams electronically. We require the invigilator’s information at least 5 business days before the chosen exam date(s).
Yes. We have placement tests available for all upgrading classes at SAIT.
With the exception of the English placement tests, you will require a score of 60% or higher to pass. A passing grade will allow you to register for your course.
No. Students will need to book a time in SAIT’s Testing Centre to take a placement test.
All Academic Upgrading placement tests have been provided with an additional 15-minute grace period. Should you require a formal accommodation, please visit Accessibility Services for further information on academic accommodations at SAIT.
Yes. You may book more than one placement test as long as time is permitted to complete them.
No. SAIT will not accept placement tests or assessment results from other institutions.
Yes, your Placement Test Score is final. You may only attempt each placement test once.