General Information for the ELM

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination is designed to assess the skill levels of entering California State University (CSU) students in the areas of elementary and intermediate algebra and plane geometry. Such skills generally are acquired in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school. Taking the ELM is not a condition of admission to Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM)  but you need to take the ELM or be exempt from the requirement before you can enroll in classes at CSUSM. The ELM is a 90 minute timed test. The passing score is 50 or higher. If you pass the test, you clear the California State University Entry Level Mathematics requirement. The ELM contains questions dealing with data interpretation, counting, probability and statistics. Calculators and Cell Phones are not allowed when you take the ELM.