FAQ about the BCIT Math Competency Test
Refer to your program’s Math entrance requirements to determine the percentage grade required.
Yes, if you have
- completed similar courses that are not recognized by BCIT or
- completed Grade 11 or 12 Math recently but did not achieve the required grade or
- completed Grade 11 or 12 Math but do not meet the required recency.
NO, if you
- will have to re-learn nearly all of the material
- are applying for a Business program or a Trades Test
After you are registered for a test, you will have access to practice tests through an online companion course. Detailed instructions will be sent to your myBCIT email account.
Transfers to another date are permitted but requests must be processed 24 hours prior to the test day and a fee applies. Contact Student Information and Enrolment Services for assistance.
The Math Department rewrite limit is three but individual programs may have different limits. Check with your Program prior to a second attend. If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt, you are welcome to meet with the coordinator, Winona_Cordua-von_Specht@bcit.ca, to review your exam.
- For non-local students residing outside of the Greater Vancouver Region, send request to Mathpts@bcit.ca.
- Requests are approved on an individual basis.
- Within Canada, the test must be written at an accredited post-secondary institution test centre.
- Tests cannot be written outside of Canada.
There are many books that cover the basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry found in grade 11 and 12 math courses. You may be able to find current textbooks in public libraries or community college libraries.
As a general rule, books with titles such as
- “Introductory Algebra and Trigonometry” or “Intermediate Algebra and Trigonometry” are probably at a Math 11 level.
- “Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry” or “College Algebra and Trigonometry” or “Introductory Technical Math” are probably at a Math 12 level.
Use the test content as a guide to judge the level of the reference book.
The GED test preparation material will not prepare you for the BCIT Math 11 or 12 competency tests.
Remind yourself that normally high school students spend an entire semester or an entire school year completing each of these courses, and any reference books you use should reflect that volume of material.
NO formula sheets are permitted or provided. You must know some basic geometric formulas, such as for the perimeter and area of squares, rectangles, triangles, and for the volume of cubes, boxes, spheres and cylinders.
Yes. The ability to use basic algebra and trigonometry to solve problems of practical interest is one of the key skills required at BCIT, and which will be strengthened and extended as you continue your studies.