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PDF version of this information is provided here for students who wish to print and use a physical copy.

Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
All students who wish to take any of the courses listed below, that do not have appropriate ACT/SAT scores or meet the course prerequisites.

When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
Any students without appropriate ACT/SAT scores, or prior college credit needing to take a mathematics course during the 2023 academic year should take ALEKS.

Where can I take my Placement Assessment?
The ALEKS assessment must be taken at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center or any other certified testing center. Students unable to take ALEKS during Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center’s testing schedule, may contact the Math Placement Coordinator for special accommodations.

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?
Students must pay $25 to use ALEKS. This gives students access to up to 5 placements, and 12 months access to the learning modules. Payment can be made on the ALEKS website using a credit or debit card.

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center has some computers with the proper software installed. If you are using your own laptop you will need to install the ALEKS version of the Respondus Lockdown Browser unless you are taking the placement as a DSS student. Here are additional details:

• You will need a Windows or Mac computer (Chromebooks are not supported) that enables you to install software.
• Even if you have previously downloaded LockDown Browser, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS Placement Assessments. The download links are at . Run the installation program after the download is complete.
• Once LockDown Browser is installed, go to the following link with a regular browser to test if LockDown Browser will launch properly from your computer.
•  If you have any problems with LockDown Browser or the webcam setup open a support ticket at

If you have any questions about taking ALEKS at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ contact, Dr. Jared Painter, jpainter@una.edu or Kenda Rusevlyan, khrusevlyan@una.edu. You may schedule a proctored ALEKS placement at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center here:

PDF version of this information is provided here for students who wish to print and use a physical copy.

Your future begins now

Students who are successful in their first math course are three-times more likely to complete their degree.  This is especially true for students in STEM and Economics The best way to ensure your success and to keep your career options open is to work in ALEKS PPL to refresh the math topics you have forgotten. It only takes a few hours and you will be on your way. 

To learn more about STEM at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ: /stemscholars/

Students across the country use ALEKS PPL to assess their current math skills, and to refresh in preparing for college level math.  The average student who has been out of a math course for just 3 months loses 2 ½ months of math knowledge. For this reason, we are offering you the opportunity to refresh and prepare for your journey to graduation. After only a few hours, you are more likely to feel confident and be successful in your class, ultimately saving you time and money. 

So, let’s get started!

1. Use this link to access ALEKS:
2. You will receive a Microsoft login, enter your Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ email address:
3. You will receive a page to enter your Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ credentials.
4. Next you will receive a request for a DUO approval.
5. Click the button to Add Class.
6. Enter the Cohort code MYVRM-9RJ6J for the Class Code and select the Continue button at the bottom of the screen. This will enroll you in the Fall 2026
   
7. Next you will be prompted to for the access code.
   
   • The cost is $25, and you will have access to the entire program for 12 months.
   • Be sure the Respondus Lockdown browser is installed on your computer before starting, review the Getting Ready for Your first ALEKS Assessment Word document before starting.
   • A password will be required for each assessment and will be provided by the placement proctor.
   • Be sure the Respondus Lockdown browser is installed on your computer before starting, review the Getting Ready for Your first ALEKS Assessment Word document before starting.
   • You may not use a calculator on the assessment. A calculator will be provided in ALEKS for problems that require one.  You will be provided with some blank paper to work out problems on.
   • If you do not achieve the score required to enroll in your desired course, then be sure to enroll in a custom ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to remediate topics before your next placement attempt.

    

   We are here to help!  1-800-258-2374 or contact support at

    

PDF version of this information is provided here for students who wish to print and use a physical copy.

ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules

If you do not place into the desired math course once you have completed your first ALEKS assessment, you may take the assessment up to four more times.  To access additional ALEKS assessments you must first spend a minimum of 8 hours working in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between each assessment.  You may choose between one of two Prep and Learning Modules:

• Prep for PreCalculus - choose this if attempting to place into any course other than MA 121 or 125
• Prep for Calculus - choose this if attempting to place into MA 121 or 125

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 into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.

Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module? 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). Students are required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for a specific amount of time prior to each Placement Assessment to increase success.

• 2nd attempt—required to complete 8 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
• 3rd attempt—required to complete 8 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
• 4th attempt—required to complete 8 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
• 5th attempt—required to complete 8 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.

The 8 hours of remediation between assessments is a minimum recommendation.  You will see more improvement on subsequent assessments the more time you spend remediating.

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 or consult with your advisor.

PDF version of this information is provided here for students who wish to print and use a physical copy.

ALEKS Testing Outside of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

This information is for students who are unable to take the ALEKS placement test on campus at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and must use a certified testing center to take the ALEKS placement.

NOTE:  It is strongly recommended that you complete the ALEKS placement at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center as testing centers outside of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ will generally charge fees for testing services. 

To setup an ALEKS placement at a non-Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ testing center:

1. You should first contact Dr. Jared Painter (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Math Placement Coordinator) to inform him that you intend to take the placement off campus.
2. Contact the testing center in question to setup the placement (it is common for testing centers to provide testing services for students at other institutions). Be sure you understand the testing center’s fees and other policies.
3. Provide the testing center with Dr. Jared Painter’s contact information (see below). The testing center will need to contact Dr. Painter to obtain the placement polices and placement password.
4. Most testing centers will require you to use your own laptop to take the placement, but some testing centers may have the ALEKS version of the Respondus Lockdown browser installed on their computer, and may require you to use one of their computers. You should inform the testing center that the placement will require the ALEKS version of the Respondus Lockdown browser when setting up your placement.
5. Once the testing center has confirmed all information from Dr. Painter about the placement, Dr. Painter will send the student a follow-up email confirming their placement time and date and any other details needed prior to the placement.

Dr. Jared Painter’s contact: (256-765-4411),  jpainter@una.edu

PDF version of this information is provided here for students who wish to print and use a physical copy.

ALEKS Information for Advisors

Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? All students who wish to take any of the courses listed below, that do not have appropriate ACT/SAT scores or meet the course prerequisites.

Where/When can students take the ALEKS Placement Assessment?  The ALEKS assessment must be taken at a certified testing center (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center recommended) during scheduled testing blocks.  If students cannot take the assessment during Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Testing Center’s testing blocks they make contact the Math Placement Coordinator (Dr. Jared Painter) for additional testing times.  Students not on campus at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, may also take the placement at any certified testing center.  The assessment does require the Respondus Lockdown Browser to be installed. 

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?  Students must pay $20 to use ALEKS.  This gives students access to up to 5 placements, and 12 months access to the learning modules.  Payment can be made on the ALEKS website using a credit or debit card.

Do students need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment? The ALEKS placement assessment requires the installation and use of the Respondus Lockdown Browser.  Even if an additional version of the Respondus Lockdown Browser has been installed students must install the ALEKS version on a Windows or MAC computer to take the assessment.

What if a student does not place into the course they need on their first assessment?  ALEKS gives students the ability to take the math placement assessment up to 5 total times.  After a student completes their first assessment, they may sign up for an ALEKS Prep and Learning module that will be custom built specifically for them based on their first assessment.  Students may work in the Prep and Learning Module to remediate and take up to 4 additional assessments.  Students will have access to the Prep and Learning Module for up to 12 months.

Which ALEKS Prep and Learning Module should students enroll in after their first assessment?  Students have only two options, they may either enroll in Prep for PreCalculus or Prep for Calculus.  If a student needs to take MA 121 or MA 125, then they should sign up for Prep for Calculus, otherwise they should sign up for Prep for PreCalculus. 

How much time should students spend working in their Prep and Learning Module before taking another ALEKS assessment?  This depends more on each individual student, but it is required that they spend a minimum of 8 hours working in their Prep and Learning Module before they can attempt another assessment.  However, students should be encouraged to spend as much time working in the Prep and Learning Module as possible so that they will see more improvement on their next assessment.  Students must also wait a minimum of 48 hours after an assessment before they can attempt their next assessment. 

If you have additional questions about taking ALEKS at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ contact, Dr. Jared Painter, jpainter@una.edu