Placement Tests

Set your students up for success by starting them at the appropriate level. Please read the notes and instructions before administering a placement test.

Good to Know

Our grade levels align with U.S. grades. For example, Dimensions Math® 1A and 1B together make up Grade 1. Level A is intended for the first half of the school year, and Level B is intended for the second half.

It is common and perfectly appropriate for students transitioning from another curriculum to begin at an earlier level. For example, a second-grade student may be best served by starting with 1A or 1B. Beginning at a student's current level of understanding creates a stronger foundation and a more successful learning experience. Students may only have to cover some of the topics from the previous year and can progress at their own rate.

Suggested time for taking tests: Placement tests should not be timed. Allow at least one hour for each test.

Placement tests are designed to help determine what gaps students might have when starting a level. They should not be scored. Depending on the curriculum, the tests either measure whether a student has mastered the material in a level or whether they are ready to begin that level. See How to Use Placement Tests below for details.

When administering a placement test, pay attention to how students solve problems, the types of mistakes they make, and the concepts they struggle with. For example, a student may demonstrate strong computation skills but need additional support with word problems. If there are gaps in knowledge, decide whether you feel you can fill in the gap, or whether to go back to a previous level to fill in the gap. You can also consider using material from the previous level as you cover that topic, particularly if there are not many gaps. We also recommend reviewing the Scope and Sequence for the series and level you are considering. Placement tests assess representative skills, but they do not cover every topic taught in a level. Some concepts introduced in earlier books continue to be used in later ones even if they do not appear on that level's placement test. The Scope and Sequence provides a complete picture of the topics taught throughout the series and can help identify where a concept was first introduced.

Looking for Dimensions Math 6-8 placement tests?

We do not currently offer placement tests for Grades 6-8.

If your student has successfully completed any Grade 5 program, begin with Dimensions Math 6.
If your student has successfully completed a Grade 6 program with a solid understanding of the material, begin with Dimensions Math 7.
If your student struggled with Grade 6 concepts, begin with Dimensions Math 6.

Together, Dimensions Math 7 and 8 provide a comprehensive Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 sequence with additional Geometry topics. Students who have already completed a Pre-Algebra course should compare their previous curriculum to the Dimensions Math 7 Scope and Sequence. If there are any gaps or if they need additional review, it is generally best to begin with Dimensions Math 7 since many foundational topics are not repeated in Dimensions Math 8.

Placement Tests for Dimensions Math and Primary Mathematics U.S. & Standards Editions

These placement tests are designed to determine whether a student has mastered the material in that level.

For example, if a student successfully completes the 2A placement test, they have likely mastered the material in 2A and should then take the 2B placement test.

If they have not mastered the material in 2B, they should generally begin with 2B.
If they have mastered the material in 2B, they can continue to the 3A placement test.

Primary Mathematics Singapore International Edition and Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition

These placement tests are designed to determine whether a student is ready to begin that level.

For example, if a student successfully completes the 2A placement test, they are likely ready to begin 2A and should also take the 2B placement test.