CmpE101 Exam Information

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College of Engineering

CmpE101 Exam Information

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the CmpE101 exam is to assess a student's preparation to enroll and succeed in the CmpE126 Data Structures and Algorithms course. The CmpE101 exam has been calibrated to help predict the likelihood of successfully completing CmpE126 based on the student's background knowledge of the C++ programming language and problem solving skills. Students that fail the CmpE101 exam should interpret this as an indication that some additional preparation in C++ course material is strongly advisable and mandatory before enrolling in CmpE126. Students that have previously taken and passed a C++ course that is equivalent to CmpE46 might not pass the CmpE101 exam for several reasons:

Some C++ content might have been forgotten between the time the equivalent course was taken and when the CmpE101 exam is taken.
The C++ topics taken in an equivalent course might not have been covered in sufficient depth or breadth to prepare the student for CmpE126.

To help ensure the success of all students that enroll in CmpE126, it is important that students have the prerequisite and reasonably uniform background knowledge for that course. For this important reason, passing the CmpE101 exam is required of all undergraduate and graduate students before enrolling in CmpE126.

PREQUISITE:

The prerequisite to taking the CmpE101 exam is a grade of C or better in CmpE046 or an equivalent course.

SAMPLE EXAM QUESTIONS:

Sample CmpE101 multiple-choice exam questions.

WHEN IS THE EXAM GIVEN:

The CmpE101 exam is usually given once each semester on the first Saturday after the start of each semester. It is advisable to check the CmpE department web page for the exact date, time, and location. Exam results are usually available by mid week of the following week.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE CMPE101 EXAM:

Students must bring a SCANTRON FORM No. T&E-0200-REV: 8/91 with them to the exam. The form number is located in the bottom right hand side on "SIDE 2" of the form. You can purchase the blue 8"'x11" form for a nominal cost at the SJSU Campus Bookstore, or you can purchase one for 25 cents at the time you take the exam as long as the instructor happens to have extra forms available. ALSO bring some #2 pencils and a photo ID, preferably a SJSU ID. The exam is closed book and no notes or electronic devices such as calculators, phones, and so forth are allowed without prior permission form the department or exam proctor. We recommend that students arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled exam time.

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER TO TAKE THE EXAM?:

No, just show up with the required material mentioned above. The department will check if you have met the prerequisite for taking the exam later. If a student has not met the prerequisite for taking the CmpE101 exam, the exam results will be voided.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• How long is the exam, what is the format, how many question, and what is a passing grade?
The exam takes approximately 70 minutes, and the format is multiple choice. You will need the blue 81/2" x 11" scantron form #200 that can be purchased from the SJSU Spartan Bookstore. The exam usually has approximately 25 questions, and a score of greater than 50% correct answers is passing. There is no penalty for incorrect or omitted answers.

• What if I am already registered for CmpE126?
If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are an undergraduate, ask for an add permit code to section 2 of the CmpE101 class. Then register for section 2 of the CmpE101, but you do not have to attend class because there will not be any class meetings. IMPORTANT: You must register for section 2 to receive credit for satisfying the CmpE101 prerequisite for CmpE126.

If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are a graduate student, then you do not need to enroll in CmpE101. The CmpE126 instructor will verify that you can remain enrolled in CmpE126.

If you fail the CmpE101 exam and you are an undergraduate or a graduate student, then you must drop CmpE126. You then have the option to enroll in section 1 of CmpE101, or wait until the next time the CmpE101 exam is offered.

• What if I am NOT registered for CmpE126?

If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are an undergraduate, ask for a add permit code to section 2 of the CmpE101 class. Then register for section 2 of the CmpE101 class. Then you are eligible to enroll in CmpE126.

If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are a graduate student, then you do not need to enroll in CmpE101. The CmpE126 instructor will verify that you are eligible to enroll in CmpE126.

If you fail the CmpE101 exam and you are an undergraduate or a graduate student, then you cannot enroll in CmpE126. You then have the option to enroll in section 1 of CmpE101, or wait until the next time the CmpE101 exam is offered.

You can attend CmpE126 classes and complete class assignments until you find out the results of the CmpE101 exam.

• If you are NOT registered for either CmpE101 or CmpE126

If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are a graduate student, then you do not need to enroll in CmpE101. The CmpE126 instructor will verify that you are eligible to enroll in CmpE126.

You can attend CmpE126 classes and complete class assignments until you find out the results of the CmpE101 exam.

• If you are NOT registered for CmpE101 but ARE registered for CmpE126.

If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are an undergraduate, ask for a add permit code to section 2 of the CmpE101 class. Then register for section 2 of the CmpE101 class. Then remain enrolled in CmpE126.

If you pass the CmpE101 exam and you are a graduate student, then you do not need to enroll in CmpE101. The CmpE126 instructor will verify that you are eligible to remain enrolled in CmpE126.

You can attend CmpE126 classes and complete class assignments until you find out the results of the CmpE101 exam.

• How many times can I take the CmpE101 exam per semester?
You can take the CmpE101 exam only once per semester unless otherwise specified. However, effective Spring 2005 and until further notice, you can take the exam once each semester that it is offered.

• What is the prerequisite for taking the CmpE101 exam?
         You must have received a grade of C or better in CmpE046 or an equivalent course.

• How can I prepare for the CmpE101 exam?
         You can review a set of example CmpE101 exam questions that are available from a link on the CmpE Dept. web page.

• If I pass the CmpE101 exam, can I take CmpE126 the same semester?
         Yes.

• When and where will Section 1 of CmpE101 meet?
         Check the current course catalogue, and look for posted information around the Computer Engineering Department in room Engr284.

• Can I take CmpE101 under academic renewal?
         Yes, but you must bring your completed and signed academic renewal forms with you at the time you either get a CmpE101 add code OR the first day of class. Get the signature of the instructor at the time you get the permit code, or at the first class. These are the only times (unless there is documented and verifiable and compelling reasons you failed to meet these constraints) that an instructor will sign academic renewal forms.

• When is the CmpE101 usually given?
         Usually 9AM near room engr 331 on the first Saturday of the first week of the start of classes each semester. However, always check with the CmpE department to confirm date, time, and location.

• Is the exam open book and notes?
         No. No books, notes, scratch paper, or calculators or electronic devices are allowed without prior permission from the department or exam proctor.

• When and where will CmpE101 exam results be available?
         Cmpe101 exam results are usually available around mid week of the the following week if the exam is given on a Sat. Results can be obtained from the CmpE receptionist in Engr284.

• If I fail the CmpE101 exam, will it show up on my transcripts?
         No. However, if you enroll in section 1 of CmpE101 and fail the course, then that will be reflected on your academic transcript.