What's on the CAEC Math Test? Topics for Part I and Part II

The math test at a glance

You take both parts in the same sitting. Part I comes first and the calculator is locked, so it measures whether you can work with numbers by hand. Part II opens up the calculator and gives you a formula sheet, so it focuses on applying math to real situations.

To pass any CAEC test, including math, you need to reach the minimum standard of 55 percent. Part II carries most of the weight, but Part I is not a part you can skip, because weak by-hand skills slow you down everywhere.

Part I: mental math and working by hand

Part I is 12 questions in 30 minutes with no calculator. It checks whether you have number fluency, which is the ability to handle everyday arithmetic on your own. The questions are not meant to be tricky, but you do need to be comfortable and reasonably quick.

The topics you can expect in Part I include:

• fractions, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
• decimals and converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages
• percentages of a number
• positive and negative numbers (integers)
• the order of operations
• simple equations and basic algebra steps
• rounding and estimating to check whether an answer is reasonable

The best way to get ready for this part is steady practice until the steps feel automatic. Our Math 1 lessons walk through fractions, decimals, percentages, integers, and order of operations one step at a time, which is exactly the by-hand foundation Part I is testing.

Part II: applied math with a calculator and formula sheet

Part II is 30 questions in 90 minutes, and this is where the calculator and the provided formula sheet come in. Because you have those tools, the focus shifts from raw calculation to reading a problem, choosing the right approach, and applying a formula correctly. Many questions are word problems set in real situations like shopping, budgeting, measuring, or reading a chart.

The topics you can expect in Part II include:

• percent and money problems, such as discounts, tax, tips, and interest
• ratios, rates, and proportions
• patterns and simple number sequences
• using and rearranging formulas
• geometry and measurement, including area, perimeter, and volume
• reading data from tables, graphs, and charts
• basic probability and averages

Having the formula sheet does not mean you can ignore the formulas. You still need to know which one fits the problem and how to plug in the numbers. Our Math 2 lessons cover proportions, formulas, geometry and measurement, and reading data, so you can practise the applied thinking Part II rewards.

How to study for both parts

A balanced plan covers both parts rather than only the half that feels comfortable. A simple approach is to build your by-hand fluency first so Part I stops feeling rushed, then move into applied word problems for Part II once the basics are solid.

• Start with the Math 1 lessons to lock in fractions, decimals, percentages, and integers without a calculator.
• Move to the Math 2 lessons for proportions, formulas, geometry, and data questions.
• Browse the full lessons library so you can also prepare for the Reading, Writing, Science, and Social Studies tests.
• Try a free sample to see the style of questions before you commit to a study schedule.

If you want help turning this into a week by week routine, our guide on how to build a CAEC study plan shows you how to spread your practice across all five tests without burning out.

A few practical tips for test day

• In Part I, keep moving. With 12 questions in 30 minutes, do not let one problem eat up your time.
• In Part II, read each word problem twice before you reach for the calculator, so you choose the right operation.
• Practise with the kind of calculator and formula sheet your provider allows, so the tools feel familiar.
• Always estimate your answer first, then check that the calculator result is in the same ballpark.