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ALEKS Mathematics Placement Assessment (Required)

Success in college begins with appropriate course placement. A student's first math course is critical to that success. With a unique combination of adaptive assessment and personalized learning, ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) accurately measures each student's math foundation and creates a personalized learning module to review and refresh lost knowledge. This allows students to be placed and successful in the right course, expediting student’s paths to complete their degrees.

  1. No outside assistance is permitted. Each student has a unique knowledge state that consists of the math topics he/she knows, does not know, and is ready to learn. The ALEKS placement assessment determines the unique knowledge state of each student. The system can then properly place students into a course based on their math abilities. Outside assistance includes getting help from others and from other materials. Other individuals are not to be in the room while you are taking the test.
  2. The webcam and lockdown browser are how students are proctored so the webcam lens must not be covered up or otherwise obscured. It should show the student's face at all times.
  3. No outside calculators are permitted. A calculator icon will appear on the screen when it is allowed to be used. Blank paper and a pen/pencil are allowed for students to work out problems, however.
  4. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices are permitted.

Arizona State University takes academic integrity very seriously and investigates all allegations of academic dishonesty. Integrity is a character-driven commitment to honesty, doing what is right, and guiding others to do what is right. Arizona State University students and faculty are expected to act with integrity in their educational pursuits. Cheating on an academic evaluation or assignment is a violation of the academic integrity policy. If you are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy, academic sanctions will be imposed. For more information, please refer to the academic integrity policy found here: https://provost.asu.edu/academic-integrity.

Prior to enrolling in classes, incoming students will complete the ALEKS Mathematics Placement Assessment.

This includes:

  • Students who have already received AP math credit.
  • Students transferring from another college or university.
    • If you have completed a math course at your prior institution and earned a grade of C or better, please check the Transfer Guide to review course transferability.

ASU will use your ALEKS assessment score and your major math requirements to identify the appropriate math course for your math skills and academic goals. If you have any questions, please connect with your academic advisor.

This placement assessment is adaptive. Your first attempt will be used to provide a measure of your current mathematical knowledge. The system will then construct modules that will assist in developing your skills with the hope of improving your score in future attempts, if you wish to retake the test.

Once you've begun the Math Placement Assessment, you have two hours to complete it. You cannot save your place and come back to the assessment. Please allow 24-48 hours for your score to appear on My ASU.

Getting Started (Please read ALL steps)
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats that extend beyond the forehead.
  • If using a notebook computer, place it on a firm surface like a desk or table, not your lap.
  • If the webcam is built into the screen, avoid making screen adjustments after the exam starts. A common mistake is to push the screen back, resulting in only the top portion of the face being recorded.
  • Don't lie down on a couch or bed while taking an exam. There is a greater chance you'll move out of the video frame or change your relative position to the webcam.
  • Don't take an exam in a dark room. If the details of your face don't show clearly during the webcam check, the automated video analysis is more likely to flag you as missing.
  • Avoid backlighting situations, such as sitting with your back to a window. The general rule is to have light in front of your face, not behind your head.
  • Select a distraction free environment for the exam. Televisions and other people in the room can draw your attention away from the screen. Other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system.
  1. ​If you have previously received accommodations due to having a disability, or feel like you should receive accommodations, please contact our Disability Resource Center (480-965-1234) so that they can provide you accommodations for this assessment.
  2. The link that will be provided should prompt you to enter your ASU log in information. Once you have submitted your ASURITE and password, you will see a screen to confirm your information. Hit Accept at the bottom of the screen to continue.
  3. Before getting started, you will be asked to fill out a very brief survey regarding your last math class. Please fill out the survey to the best of your ability.
  4. ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren't sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.
  5. The ALEKS placement assessment uses Lockdown Browser. After you finish the tutorial, ALEKS will ask you to download Lockdown Browser. Even if you have previously downloaded Lockdown Browser for a course or assignment, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS Placement Assessment. If you have any issues, please refer to our FAQs below.
  6. This placement assessment also uses Respondus Monitor. This system requires a working webcam. Again, if you have any questions in regards to this please see our FAQs.
  7. ALEKS will ask you for a proctor password. The password is ARIZONASTATE1.
  8. When you are ready to take the exam, you may do so by clicking on this link: ALEKS Placement Assessment. You will have two hours to take this test. Good luck!
Review your score

After completing the Placement Assessment, you will see your score. You will then be able to see what class you placed into, view cut score information, and the number of times that the Placement Assessment can be retaken. If you score in the 0-45 range, ALEKS will tell you that you need to work within your prep modules. It is highly encouraged that you do so, however you will be able to enroll in MAT 142 or MAT 117 with any score, but working with the prep modules will make you better prepared for these courses.

If your major requires any math beyond College Algebra/College Mathematics, and your score on the assessment you just completed is within 10 points below a score of 61 or 76, we strongly urge you to work on the ALEKS prep module for Precalculus or Calculus, and after 24 hours, take the ALEKS Mathematics Placement Assessment again. You will likely score higher than you just did and hopefully place into the course you need.

Please use the following table to determine which class you are eligible to take based on your Math Placement Assessment score.

Score on Mathematics Placement Assessment Math Course Placement
0-60 MAT 142: College Mathematics or MAT 117: College Algebra (WHICHEVER YOUR MAJOR REQUIRES)
61-75 MAT 119: Finite Mathematics
MAT 170: Precalculus
MAT 171: Precalculus: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
MAT 210: Brief Calculus
MAT 251: Calculus for Life Sciences
STP 226: Elements of Statistics
STP 231: Statistics for Life Sciences
76-100 MAT 265: Calculus for Engineers I
MAT 270: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
Retaking the Math Placement Assessment

It is highly encouraged to retake the assessment at least one other time. You have up to three attempts on the Placement Assessment. Before retaking the assessment however, you will need to practice your learning modules. To access your modules for the first time, you will need to log back into your ALEKS account as if you are going to take the test again. After you log in, select START MY PATH from the Primary Guidance Menu to start your module work. Please note you will only be able to choose one of the offered paths. Once you choose one, you will not be able to change it. There is a cool off period of 24 hours before you can access your second attempt. You will also not be able to access your third attempt until you log 3 hours or more of prep and learning module work.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are notes and calculators acceptable to use during the placement assessment?

    No, ALEKS provides you the tools necessary to complete the assessment. The idea of the assessment is simply to show where you place, and we want to make sure you are placed into the appropriate math course based off of your current knowledge. Blank scratch paper and a pencil or pen can be used to work out problems. Please show both sides of the paper to the camera during the environment check.

    When it asks me to show identification to the camera that was indicated by an instructor, what ID is it asking for?

    It is just asking you to show identification to prove it is you taking the test. You can use a school ID, state ID, driver's license, passport, etc., just something with your picture and name on it to prove it is you.

    What is the Math Placement Assessment?

    Arizona State University requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student's strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement. ALEKS consists of three parts:

    • An Initial Placement Assessment
    • The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
    • Access to two additional Placement Assessments

    Arizona State University encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

    Who is required to take the Mathematics Placement Assessment?

    All incoming first-year students are required to take the Mathematics Placement Assessment, including incoming first-year students who have already received AP math credit. Transfer students are also required to take the Mathematics Placement Assessment unless they are transferring an equivalent math prerequisite for the ASU mathematics course they intend to take.

    This is a "Placement Assessment," not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of their strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven't been practiced for some time.

    I tried taking my third attempt, but it appears to be locked. Why am I not able to take my third attempt?

    You will not be able to access your third attempt until you log three hours or more of Prep and Learning module work between the second and third attempts. Learning modules are designed to help you study and re-learn material you may have forgotten since your last math course. After you log in, select START MY PATH from the Primary Guidance Menu to start your module work, or CONTINUE MY PATH if you have started it previously. If it’s your first time accessing the modules, please note you will only be able to choose one of the offered paths. Once you choose one, you will not be able to go back and change it. After you meet the requirement to unlock the Placement Assessment, the lock icon will be replaced with a START button.

    What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

    ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at Arizona State University. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.

    Topics covered:

    • Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
    • Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations)
    • Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions.
    • Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
    • Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
    • Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations)
    How do I view my score?

    You can view it through ALEKS immediately by logging in to your ALEKS account and going to Reports/Placement Results. It takes 24-72 hours after taking the assessment for scores to post to your ASU account, however. Once it does, you can find your math placement assessment score in your My ASU under the "My Classes" section through the link "Grades and Transcripts." Click on "Transcripts and Test Scores" then "Placement Scores." If you still cannot see it on your ASU account after this timeframe, please contact placement.math@asu.edu and we will look into it. You will not be able to register for classes until the score posts to your ASU account. To ensure scores are available at the time of your orientation, it is recommended that you start this process a week in advance.

    How long are my Mathematics Placement Assessment scores valid?

    It is crucial that the scores be reflective of your current mathematical knowledge. Therefore, the scores are valid for 12 months. If your score(s) have expired, you will need to take the Math Placement Assessment again if you have any attempts remaining. The assessment will not reset if you don't take a class requiring the Math Placement Assessment score before the score expires. You should only use all three attempts if you plan to take a class requiring it as a prerequisite right away.

    What if I do not obtain the required minimum score for courses?

    You may take the placement assessment again for a better score. Before retaking the assessment, you will be required to work on at least three hours' worth of modules. You have a total of three attempts.

    How do I get technical support for the Math Placement Assessment?

    If you are having technical issues, such as trouble downloading the lockdown browser, pages freezing or staying frozen on one page for an extended amount of time, pages crashing, etc., please call ALEKS technical support at (800) 258-2374, or you can submit a ticket with them here: https://support.aleks.com/assess_placement. General support questions can be asked at placement.math@asu.edu

    How do I get math advising support?

    If you have questions about your placement assessment scores and the courses you should take for your degree program, contact your academic advisor in your major. Your advising contact information is located in My ASU.

    Are there any accommodations available to me if I am registered with Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (SAILS)?

    Yes, please contact SAILS directly to get access to a version with appropriate accommodations. Their phone number is 480-965-1234.

    My Math Placement Assessment score is higher than 60. My major map says I need to take MAT 142. Do I have to take a higher math class because of my score, or can I still take MAT 142?

    You can still take MAT 142, even if you score higher than what is required to take that class.

    Is MAT 142 more difficult than MAT 117 and MAT 119 since it is a higher number?

    No, MAT 142 is actually just a different math track than MAT 117 and MAT 119.

    I am visually impaired. Is there an alternative testing option?

    If you need any special accommodations, please contact SAILS here: https://eoss.asu.edu/accessibility

    Can I get up once I begin the exam?

    The expectation is that you begin and end the exam in one sitting.

    What computer systems are supported by ALEKS?

    ALEKS currently supports ALEKS PPL using Lockdown Browser on the following setups:

    System Requirements Windows Macintosh iPad App
    Operating System 8+ Mac OS 10.13 or higher iOS 13.0+
    Memory 75 MB 120 MB 106 MB

    If you aren't using one of these, you'll need to find one to be able to take the test. You could check with friends or family members perhaps, or a local university or library to see if their computers are equipped with the requirements needed to take the math placement test, such as a webcam and ability to download Lockdown Browser.

    I tried logging into my account by it says that it's inactive. Who do I contact about this?

    If your account is inactive, it means it has expired. Your account is active for 12 months after creating it. It can be extended, however. Please email placement.math@asu.edu with your extension request.

    When I log into my account, it shows it is from a previous year instead of the current year. Do I need to have my account reset?

    No. Students typically only have one Math Placement Assessment account no matter when they register. It does not reset from year to year but your account can be extended. The extension on your account enables you to still use this account to take your test should you have any attempts remaining. It doesn't have to be in the current year cohort to be valid. The year attached simply means when you registered for the account. Your score will be valid for one year after taking the assessment and can be used for class placement as long as it is not expired. Scores expire one year after taking the assessment.

    Do my attempts ever reset?

    No. You are allotted three attempts at the math placement assessment during your time as a student at ASU. You are encouraged to use them wisely. If you've used up your three attempts and your score has since expired, please contact us at placement.math@asu.edu. We will do our best to assist you, but note that your attempts will not be reset.

    Will I receive additional attempts if I change my major to one that requires a higher level of math?

    No. Three attempts are all that is allotted for you during your time as a student at ASU. You are advised to begin your math sequence of classes as soon as possible after completing the math placement assessment. Should you change your major, your old score is still valid for one year after completion of the placement test. We encourage you to use your three attempts wisely.

    I've used all of my attempts and my score is now expired. What do I do?

    Please contact us at placement.math@asu.edu for assistance and we will do our best to help you.

    I have a question that was not answered from the FAQs.

    Please contact placement.math@asu.edu for any unanswered questions.