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 applying to the Academic Upgrading program, students may use our walk-in service for their in-person placement tests.
Walk-In Service:
- Academic Upgrading placement tests can be written at the Testing Services office (MC 221, 2nd floor of the Stan Grad Building).
- Students may take placement exams Monday to Saturday. For current hours, please visit Testing Services.
- Students can visit Testing Services anytime during the above hours without needing a prior appointment.
- You must present a valid photo identification that is either government-issued or institution-issued (driver's license, passport, school ID card).
2025 Spring Term Planning
Please review the following closures and blackout periods for Placement Testing. If you require placement testing for the Spring/Summer term, be sure to plan accordingly:
- Holiday Break: The Testing Centre will be closed Feb. 15 to 17 and April 18 to 21, 2025.
- Blackout Period: Academic Upgrading Placement Testing will be unavailable from May 5 to 16, 2025 during the add/drop period. Testing will resume on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Important Notes:
- Although you can still use RegisterBlast to book your test, it is no longer necessary.
- Testing availability is on a first-come, first-served basis during walk-in hours.
- Students residing outside Calgary may arrange to take a placement test at a recognized institution closer to their home. Refer to the FAQs for more information.
Accommodations:
- All placement tests have extended time (1.5X of regular assigned time) built into them. If your accommodation requires extra time, there is no need to request it separately.
- If you have a documented disability or medical condition and require further accommodations for your placement test, please complete the Accessibility Services Intake Form. You will then be emailed a link to book an appointment with an Accessibility Advisor. Next, you will meet with the Accessibility Advisor to discuss accommodations for your exam(s) and your Accommodation Memo will be sent to Testing Services.
For Assistance:
- If you experience any issues or need further assistance, email testing@sait.ca. Please note that emails are reviewed only during business hours.
Fees:
- Placement tests taken at 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 may be a combination of both multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Depending on the test booked,
- The duration of the test may vary.
- You may be permitted to bring a calculator or scientific calculator. Please refer to the study guide for details.
- 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-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 | COMM-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. It may take up to two business days to update our system with your results.
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.
Students have the option to either book an appointment in advance or walk in at the SAIT Testing Center to take their 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.
All placement tests have extended time (1.5X of regular assigned time) built into them. If your accommodation requires extra time, there is no need to request it separately. If you have a documented disability or medical condition and require further accommodations for your placement test, please complete the Accessibility Services Intake Form.
Have questions about this program?
Contact us at
Academic Upgrading
Drop-in hours
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10 am - 12 pm | 1 - 3 pm
Fridays: 10 am - 12 pm
Academic Services
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.