ALEKS PPL FAQ
Preparation
Do I need to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
If you want to take Math 109, 110, 143, or 270, and your ACT score is not sufficient for the course you desire, then you may take ALEKS PPL to see if you qualify that way.
Are ALEKS PPL Assessments proctored?
Yes. You will need to download and install the Respondus LockDown Browser. You will need to pay approximately $5 with a credit card or debt card for access to the Respondus LockDown Browser.
Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?
Yes. You will need to pay approximately $25 for ALEKS PPL with a credit card or debt card before you begin. This is in addition to, but separate from, the approximately $5 Respondus LockDown Browser fee.
When should I take the ALEKS PPL?
There are several factors to consider when making this decision:
- ALEKS PPL tests your knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. Consequently, if you are currently taking a high school math course equivalent to Advanced Mathematics (precalculus version), Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, or any calculus course that includes trigonometry, you should probably wait until you have completed or almost completed that course before beginning ALEKS PPL. If you earn an A or B in such a course you can expect to do well on the initial ALEKS PPL assessment; if you do not do that well you can still achieve a requisite ALEKS PPL score if you are prepared to spend sufficient time with the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module.
- You should take the ALEKS PPL assessment early enough to allow time to make sufficient progress in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module, if needed, or to schedule a lower level math course.
- If you are an incoming freshman you should take ALEKS PPL before your UL Lafayette Orientation session, if possible, so that your advisor can place you in the right Math course.
Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
Yes. You will need the Respondus LockDown Browser. You will need to pay the approximately $5 Respondus LockDown Browser fee.
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 your institution. 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. The topics covered are:
- 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)
Taking the Assessment
What is the format of the questions on ALEKS?
ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. 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 at hand.
Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment?
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.
May I use my calculator while using ALEKS?
No. 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 Assessment?
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 and potentially course failure. In addition, it is a violation of the UL Lafayette Code of Conduct.
Can I review a question after I've answered it?
No. Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.
What if I see questions I don’t know how to answer?
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. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. 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 Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.
Are Placement Assessments timed?
Yes. You have 3 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun.
What happens if I do not complete a Placement Assessment in the allotted time?
If you do not complete the assessment within the 3 hour time period, you will be given a placement result, but it will not be a true reflection of your abilities. If this happens, use this as a part of the learning process and spend sufficient time in the Prep and Learning Modules before you try again.
I am ready to start my ALEKS PPL Assessment. How do I begin?
For registration and scheduling please visit the UL Lafayette ALEKS PPL page (this is an external page at secure.aleks.com)
Placement Results
Where can I see my score?
You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment. Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the Placement Assessment. 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 48 months.
Can my ALEKS PPL score (obtained through UL Lafayette) count at another university?
Probably not. You will need to ask them.
Can my ALEKS PPL score (obtained through another university) count at UL Lafayette?
Perhaps. If you have attended no college level mathematics classes and the ALEKS PPL was proctored and it has been no more than 3 months since you obtained your ALEKS PPL score, then it can be used at UL Lafayette.
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 on lost knowledge.
What if 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 get a better grade in your class.
Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
Yes, you may take a total of 5 Placement Assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments so that you can improve your skills.
Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?
You must wait 48 hours and complete the required time in the Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments.
There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement Assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement Assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten.
Prep and Learning Modules
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. Do not select start for the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.
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 Assessments.
Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments?
You can retake the Placement assessment up to four additional times to improve your score. (The highest score will be used for math placement). You will be required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for a specific amount of time prior to each Placement Assessment to increase success.
- You will be required to complete 3 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting your 2nd assessment.
- You will be required to complete 3 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting your 3rd assessment.
- You will be required to complete 5 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting your 4th assessment.
- You will be required to complete 5 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting your 5th 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 Assessment to change your placement result. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new Placement 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.