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CONTACT INFORMATION

Location: Science Math Bldg.
Second Floor, SM204-242
[campus map]

Dean of MSE Division
Dr. James Wright
Phone: 949.582.4820

Chair of Chemistry Dept.
Dr. Scott Fier
Phone: 949.582.4687

Purpose of the Chemistry Challenge Exam

The test serves two purposes:

1. It serves to identify those students who are eligible for placement into the first semester of General Chemistry (Chem 1A) without first taking the prerequisite course, Fundamental Chemistry (Chem 3).
   
2. It acquaints students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to succeed in General Chemistry.

Is the Chemistry Challenge Exam Required?

The exam is required for the following students:

• Students who wish to enroll in General Chemistry (Chem 1A) and bypass the prerequisite course,  Fundamental Chemistry (Chem 3).

The exam is not required for the following students:

• Students who wish to enroll in General Chemistry (Chem 1A) after passing the prerequisite course, Fundamental Chemistry (Chem 3).
  
• Students who have passed the AP Chemistry Exam with a score of 3 or higher, and have submitted supporting documentation of the exam score to the Science/Mathematics/Engineering Division Office, SM 336 [map].

Make an Appointment to Take the Chemistry Challenge Exam

Students will be given 45 minutes to complete the Chemistry Challenge Exam, which consists of 50 multiple choice questions. All information needed to successfully complete the exam will be provided. Calculators are not permitted. Students will receive their Challenge Exam results within 24 hours of completion. Students who pass the exam will be granted access to enroll in General Chemistry (Chem 1A) either in person at Admissions & Records or via MySite. Students who do not pass the exam will not be able to enroll in Chem 1A until they have passed Fundamental Chemistry (Chem 3). You must sign-up for an appointment a minimum of two business days before the exam. To see the list of days & time when the Challenge Exam is being administered, click here.

How Do I Sign Up to Take the Chemistry Challenge Exam?

The examination process consists of three simple steps:

1. Setup an appointment by contacting Bruce Lee either by phone at (949)582-4957, e-mail at mlee@saddleback.edu, or go to SM207 to setup a mutually convenient time in person.
   
2. After making an appointment, you will receive an email confirmation with your test time and date.
3. Take the Challenge. The Chemistry Challenge Exam is given in the Chemistry Computer Lab located in room SM207 of the Science Math Building [map]. You will need to bring a valid/current picture I.D. (student I.D. card, driver’s license, passport, etc.).
   

If you need to change your current appointment, please call the Chemistry Computer Lab Manager, Bruce Lee, at (949)582-4957.

Students may not retake the Chem 3 Challenge Exam.

Preparing for the Chemistry Challenge Exam

The Chemistry Challenge Exam consists of questions based on high school level chemistry and mathematics. The majority of questions are concerned with concepts addressed in Fundamental Chemistry (Chem 3). Topics and skills tested in mathematics will include: solving simple algebraic equations, use of proportions and percentages, and solving word problems. Topics and skills tested in chemistry will include: elements and properties of elements, chemical formulas, concentrations of solutions, gases, oxidation numbers, redox reactions, and the concepts of acids and bases.

The best preparation for the Chemistry Challenge Exam is to review your algebra and chemistry skills. Also, consider borrowing a Fundamental Chemistry (Chem 3) textbook from the college Library [map] to familiarize yourself with problems you will be tested on.

You can also review other test preparation guides available at bookstores, or click on the following Chemistry Tutorials for review:

General Chemistry Online: Tutorial, Drill, & Quiz Index

ChemTutor: Numbers & Math Opertions

Chemistry Challenge Practice Exam 1

Chemistry Challenge Practice Exam 2