Math Placement FAQs

Preparation Expand

Why do I have to take ALEKS PPL?

The Placement Assessment is used to determine the Mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement, your academic advisor will have access to review your scores and help make appropriate recommendations for your first college Mathematics course.

Who has to take ALEKS PPL?

Students who wish to take a college-level Math course are required to take ALEKS PPL to determine placement. Additionally, you will need to take the Placement in order to enroll in any course requiring a math placement.

When do I take ALEKS PPL?

You will have access to the assessment 48 hours after confirmation to the university and are encouraged to begin engaging with the prep materials as soon as possible. You should take the Placement at least one week before attending your scheduled Bearcats Bound Orientation.

Is ALEKS PPL proctored?

No. Since ALEKS PPL is offered online, you are expected to use the honor system to best determine your math ability and potential for success in your first college-level math class. However, the university reserves the right to require a student to take a Placement in a proctored environment.

Are there additional fees for using ALEKS PPL?

No. The use of ALEKS is included in your New Student fees.

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking ALEKS PPL?

No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking the Placement. For a list of preferred browsers, please visit the ALEKS support site.

What topics are covered in ALEKS PPL?

ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the 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. The Placement is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course rather than to preview the range of Math courses offered by UC. After you take your first Placement, you will have the opportunity to refresh your skills in a Prep and Learning Module before trying the placement again to improve your score.

Topics covered in ALEKS PPL:

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).

Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement?

Yes. ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you are not sure how to input an answer or if you need help while taking ALEKS PPL, select the Help button below the answer palette tools. Going to the tutorial during your assessment will not impact your results.

Taking the Placement Expand

What is the format of the questions on ALEKS?

ALEKS is not multiple-choice. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with a paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have scratch paper with you.

May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?

ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

May I use any other resources during a Placement?

You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement (potentially risking your success in the course) and is a violation of the UC Student Code of Conduct.

Can I review a question after I've answered it?

No. Because ALEKS is adaptive, you cannot change an answer once it has been submitted. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.

What if I see questions I don’t know?

It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer "I don't know."

However, it is important to do your best on any questions with which you are familiar. "I don't know" is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in the Placement results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement - it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.

Is ALEKS timed?

Yes, you have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete an unproctored Placement once it has begun.

What happens if I do not complete a Placement in the allotted time?

If the Placement is unproctored, you will have to restart. If the incomplete Placement is proctored and timed, you will be given a placement result that may not be a true reflection of your abilities.

I have a disability and may require accommodations. Can I receive accommodations on the ALEKS exam?

Students who have utilized accommodations in high school find having additional time on ALEKS PPL useful. If you wish to utilize an extra time accommodation on the Placement Assessment due to disability, you will have an opportunity to self-identify your need when logging into ALEKS. If you have any questions regarding accommodations, please email accessresources@uc.edu.

I am ready to start my ALEKS PPL Assessment. How do I begin?

Access the ALEKS Placement Assessment to begin.

I forgot my ALEKS login information, what do I do?

Please contact ALEKS Customer Service for technical support.

Placement Results Expand

What is my placement result?

Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered. Check the list of Assessment Scores to see where your scores places you.

Where can I see my score?

You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement via Catalyst or by re-logging into ALEKS. Your scores are automatically added to your student profile, which is accessible by your advisor. Your scores will be verified by the math department before the semester begins.

How long is my placement result valid?

Your placement result is valid for up to 12 months.

What if I do not place into the course I wanted?

This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL. An individualized study plan will be created based on your performance on the Initial Placement Assessment. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up your skills.

I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?

No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.

What if I placed into the class I wanted?

Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result required is the minimum preparation for your course. Take advantage of the individualized review and learning features in ALEKS to help you earn a better grade in your class.

Can I retake ALEKS PPL?

Yes, you may take the Placement up to five times. However, it is required that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between each attempt so that you can improve your skills and make the best use of these attempts.

Can I retake ALEKS PPL immediately?

No. You must wait 48 hours between Placements. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten.

I logged in to retake the placement but do not have any classes under "Active." Who do I contact to access a new class?

Please reach out to your academic advisor and let them know you are being prompted to enter a new Class Code. Your advisor will be able to provide the current codes. If you do not have an assigned academic advisor yet, email advhelp@ucmail.uc.edu.

Prep and Learning Modules Expand

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?

You will have 12 months of access to your Prep and Learning Module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select Start on the top of your screen. Be sure you are ready to start working before accessing the Prep and Learning Module.

Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module?

No. Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement attempts.

Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments?

You can retake the Placement up to four additional times to improve your score. The highest score will be used for math placement. You are required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for a specific amount of time prior to each attempt to increase success:

2nd attempt: Required to complete 3 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Module before retaking assessment.
3rd attempt: Required to complete 5 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Module before retaking assessment.
4th attempt: Required to complete 5 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Module before retaking assessment.
5th attempt: Required to complete 5 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Module before retaking assessment.

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks?

While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.

Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?

No. You must complete a new Placement to change your result. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new assessment.

Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later?

No. You may only use one Prep and Learning Module. If you are unsure which module to select, use the module recommended by ALEKS or consult with your advisor.

Technical Support Expand

What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I'm taking the Placement?

Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the Placement exactly where you left off with no loss of your previous answers.

Where can I get help with ALEKS?

Please contact ALEKS Customer Service if you need technical support, including help with login information. For all other questions, please email advhelp@ucmail.uc.edu.