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ALEKS PPL

The ALEKS PPL Math Assessment is primarily for students in STEM majors. ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) is a web-based assessment of your strengths and weaknesses which is used to determine your readiness for mathematics courses.

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 to help you refresh your knowledge on forgotten topics. This will allow you the opportunity to retake the assessment.

If you are satisfied with your performance on your initial placement assessment you may stop there. However, we encourage you to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if you achieve your desired score on the initial placement assessment, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

If you are not satisfied with your performance on your initial placement assessment you may use the Prep and Learning Modules (individualized, self-paced online reviews) to refresh your memory and the retake the placement assessment (you may take as many as 4 additional placement assessments). Your highest score is used for prerequisite checking.

Once classes begin, ALEKS is no longer available for assessment.

Information on Learning Modules

ALEKS will direct you to the learning module that will allow you to make the most immediate gains in skills. The modules are: Prep for Intermediate Algebra, Prep for College Algebra, Prep for PreCalculus, and Prep for Calculus.

Once you start a learning module, you may continue to access it for up to twelve months.

You may retake the assessment after spending a minimum amount of time in the learning module. The learning module-retake sequence may be repeated four times.

Honest Work Matters

There is no benefit to inflating or deflating your abilities on the ALEKS math assessment. The only way your ALEKS score is used is to help you choose a course that matches your incoming knowledge level.

Incorrect placement can delay graduation and negatively affect your GPA. Dishonest work on this assessment causes many problems, including placement into a course that is not appropriate for your current level of knowledge.

Cheating is a violation of UL Lafayette academic policies and principles. Please review your student rights and responsibilities, as well as the UL Lafayette Student Code of Conduct. Do your honest best.

What You Will Need

  • One to three hours of uninterrupted work time
  • Your UL Lafayette ULID (e.g. C00123456) and password
  • Pencils and paper
  • A computer with an up-to-date browser, a web-camera for proctoring purposes, and a reliable internet connection
  • A space conducive to doing your best work
  • If ALEKS asks you to enter a "Proctor Password", use MATHTEST23.

All other resources are provided by ALEKS.

What to Expect

Typically, the assessment can be completed in one to two hours. Once you start the assessment you will have 3 hours to complete it before the assessment is reset.

You will answer up to 30 questions. There are no multiple choice questions.

Before you take the assessment, ALEKS will present a short tutorial on how to enter answers, how to use the graphing utilities, and how to use the built-in calculator. Take your time with this tutorial.

Understand Your Score

ALEKS PPL scores cannot be interpreted in the same way as exam grades. If you receive a score lower than the score required to take a particular course, we have course work appropriate for you, or you can use ALEKS to review and retake the assessment.

Course Placement Scores

For details about placement based on your ALEKS PPL score, please visit our Placement Based on ALEKS PPL Score page.

Accessing ALEKS PPL

For registration and scheduling please visit the UL Lafayette ALEKS PPL page (this is an external page at secure.aleks.com). If ALEKS asks you to enter a "Proctor Password", use MATHTEST23.

Questions About ALEKS PPL?

If you still have questions about ALEKS PPL, please visit our ALEKS PPL FAQ page.

Disability Accommodations

If you need special accommodations, please contact the math department.