ALEKS “Placement, Preparation, and Learning” (ALEKS PPL) uses adaptive, open-response questioning to rapidly and accurately assess each student in 30 questions or less. Students are correctly placed and given the opportunity to improve their placement with targeted learning with up to 6 months of access to the Prep and Learning Module. The ALEKS PPL placement policies below apply to all students entering Illinois in Summer 2017, Fall 2017, or Spring 2018.
All new freshmen are required to take the ALEKS PPL Math Placement Exam prior to registration, even if you are expecting AP or IB course proficiency credit.
All transfer students who intend to enroll in a Calculus I or lower-level math class are also required to take the ALEKS PPL Math Placement Exam. If you are transferring to Illinois with math credit earned elsewhere, you should check with your college to verify what other math courses, if any, your program requires.
ALEKS PPL test scores expire after four months. Thus, if you do not enroll in and complete the recommended course in the semester immediately following your ALEKS PPL test, you will have to take the ALEKS PPL Math Placement Exam again at your own expense in order to obtain an updated course placement.
Learn more about mathematics placement testing.
The ALEKS PPL Math Placement Exam does not award proficiency credit. Proficiency tests are given separately.
Questions? Contact the Mathematics Department during business hours.
NOTE TO STUDENTS WHO EARNED ADVANCED PLACEMENT OR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CREDIT:
You will have more options than students who did not take AP or IB. You may accept your test-based credit and follow the placement recommendation that is based on your AP or IB score, or you may enroll in the course. (Duplicate credit is not permitted.) Please discuss your course enrollment options with your academic advisor, who will guide you through your particular program's requirements.