Test & College Prep

Students intending to take Liberal Arts math, chemistry, or physics courses must take the Tailwind Placement Exam. This test will help place students in the correct level of math according to their abilities. Talk to your advisor to determine if this exam is required for you.

The test consists of 85 items measuring three broad categories: math fundamentals, advanced algebra, and trigonometry. Students have ninety minutes to complete the entire assessment and are allowed to use a non-graphing calculator built into the online system.

Note: If you do not meet the required score on the Tailwind Placement Exam, you have the following options.

• Complete individualized prep with Academic Support before scheduling your retake.
• Take a pre-requisite course, or you may take a co-requisite course at the same time as your desired course.

If you do not achieve the required score, it is best to review your options with your academic advisor.

CVTC's Academic Support department offers several free test prep options for the Tailwind exam.

Canvas

Work at your own pace through videos, activities, and practice problems to review Tailwind assessment areas.

Register for the Tailwind Prep Canvas Course (2025-2026)

CVTC students can work individually with math faculty in Academic Support to prepare for the Tailwind exam. View drop-in availability under Locations & Hours on our homepage or make an appointment.

The Tailwind exam is offered at all CVTC testing locations. Schedule the exam online or call 715-833-6200 if you need assistance.

There is a $25.00 fee payable at the time of the exam appointment. Payment can be made at Student Central, room 113, at the Business Education Center, or in the front office at other campuses.

You will need to take the Tailwind before registering for any 200-level math course or any science course with a math prerequisite. Take into consideration testing availability when scheduling the exam, the time you may need to take to prepare for the exam, and when you are scheduled to register for courses. The earlier you can take the exam, the better.