Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) Placement

Placement into the introductory Molecular and Cellular Biology ("MCB") courses is based on the student's score on the MCB Placement Exam. Cutoff scores and placement recommendations are derived in collaboration with the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and are reviewed annually. The policies below apply to all students entering the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026.

Incoming transfer students who will be pursuing an MCB curriculum are REQUIRED to take this test. Other students are welcome to take it (e.g., if you are thinking of going into pre-med, or if you are thinking of majoring or minoring in MCB).

The online MCB Placement Test does not award academic credit. If you wish to take an MCB Proficiency Exam, they are offered at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

Questions? Contact "Placement & Proficiency" staff by emailing pnp@illinois.edu or by calling 217-244-4437 during business hours.