The University of Iowa offers placement tests in mathematics, chemistry, and some foreign languages. Placement test results are used by academic advisers along with admission test scores (ACT and SAT), high-school transcript information and transfer credit to help students determine in which courses to enroll.

In some cases, scores from placement tests can be used to fulfill General Education Program requirements. Incentive credit opportunities are also available in the foreign languages and mathematics for students who score well on a placement test and do well in subsequent college courses. Scores from placement tests do not affect admission decisions.