Chemistry Subject Test

Introduction

Ready to show colleges what you’re made of? The Chemistry Subject Test assesses your understanding of the major concepts of chemistry and your ability to apply these principles to solve specific problems. If you’re interested in studying science or engineering in college, taking the Chemistry Subject Test can help you demonstrate your interests and showcase your strengths in the subject.

Start practicing

Test Basics

Scoring, Timing, Number of Questions
Points	Minutes	Questions
200-800	60	85 (Multiple Choice)

Important Notes

Offered in Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., May, and June
Calculator use not permitted
Problem solving requires simple numerical calculations
Measurements are expressed in the metric system
A periodic table is provided on the test

Getting Ready for the Test

Anticipated Skills

Skills	Approximate % of Test
Fundamental concepts and knowledge	20%
Application of knowledge	45%
Synthesis of knowledge	35%

Understanding of the major concepts of chemistry and the ability to apply principles to solve specific problems
Ability to organize and interpret results from observation and experimentation, and to draw conclusions or make inferences from experimental data, including data presented in graphic or tabular form or both
Laboratory experience and familiarity with the metric system of units
Ability to handle simple algebraic relationships and apply these to solving word problems
Familiarity with the concepts of ratio and direct and inverse proportions, exponents and scientific notations

Recommended Preparation

Topics on the Test

Content	Approximate % of Test
Structure of matter Atomic Structure, including experimental evidence of atomic structure, quantum numbers and energy levels (orbitals), electron configurations, periodic trends Molecular Structure, including Lewis structures, three-dimensional molecular shapes, polarity Bonding, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, relationships of bonding to properties and structures; intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole forces, dispersion (London) forces	25%
States of matter Gases, including the kinetic molecular theory, gas law relationships, molar volumes, density, and stoichiometry Liquids and Solids, including intermolecular forces in liquids and solids, types of solids, phase changes, and phase diagrams Solutions, including molarity and percent by mass concentrations, solution preparation and stoichiometry, factors affecting solubility of solids, liquids, and gases, qualitative aspects of colligative properties	16%
Reaction types Acids and Bases, including Brønsted-Lowry theory, strong and weak acids and bases, pH, titrations, indicators Oxidation-Reduction, including recognition of oxidation-reduction reactions, combustion, oxidation numbers, use of activity series Precipitation, including basic solubility rules	14%
Stoichiometry Mole Concept, including molar mass, Avogadro’s number, empirical and molecular formulas Chemical Equations, including the balancing of equations, stoichiometric calculations, percent yield, and limiting reactants	14%
Equilibrium and reaction rates Equilibrium Systems, including factors affecting position of equilibrium (LeChâtelier's principle) in gaseous and aqueous systems, equilibrium constants, and equilibrium expressions Rates of Reactions, including factors affecting reaction rates, potential energy diagrams, activation energies	5%
Thermochemistry Including conservation of energy, calorimetry and specific heats, enthalpy (heat) changes associated with phase changes and chemical reactions, heating and cooling curves, entropy	6%
Descriptive chemistry Including common elements, nomenclature of ions and compounds, periodic trends in chemical and physical properties of the elements, reactivity of elements and prediction of products of chemical reactions, examples of simple organic compounds and compounds of environmental concern	12%
Laboratory Including knowledge of laboratory equipment, measurements, procedures, observations, safety, calculations, data analysis, interpretation of graphical data, drawing conclusions from observations and data	8%

Download the SAT Subject Tests Student Guide (.pdf/6.3MB) for more information on the topics.

Practice Resources

Practice online for free:

Start practicing.

Download for free:

The SAT Subject Tests Student Guide (.pdf/6.3MB) contains information on all 20 SAT Subject Tests, official sample questions, test-taking tips and approaches, and more.
Answer Explanations to the Chemistry Practice Questions (.pdf/658KB).

Buy at the bookstore:

The Official Study Guide for All SAT Subject Tests, Second Edition

Get the only study guide available for all 20 SAT Subject Tests.

Features include:

20 full-length, previously administered Subject Tests
Detailed answer explanations for all test questions
The most up-to-date tips and approaches on selecting which tests to take, the best time to take the tests, and how to best be ready for test day
The latest versions of the instructions, background questions and answer sheet
Detailed descriptions of every Subject Test, including topics covered and recommended course work
Two audio CDs for all six Language with Listening Tests

Buy now.

Additional Things to Know

Answering Relationship Analysis Questions

On the actual Chemistry test, relationship analysis questions must be answered on the special section (labeled “Chemistry”) at the lower left-hand corner of your answer sheet. These questions will be numbered beginning with 101. Note that “CE” in this section indicates a correct explanation of the relationship.

Periodic Table

A periodic table indicating the atomic numbers and masses of elements is provided.

Please note that this test reflects what is commonly taught in high school. Due to differences in high school classes, it’s likely that most students will find questions on topics they’re not familiar with. This is nothing to worry about. You do not have to get every question correct to receive the highest score (800) for the test. Many students do well despite not having studied every topic covered.