Frequently Asked Questions

Who must take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment?
All new students should take the ALEKS math placement assessment before orientation. The math placement assessment helps academic advisors understand a student's readiness for specific math courses as they design a student's academic schedule.
Continuing students will need to meet course prerequisites to register for a math course. This may require that the ALEKS math placement assessment be completed before they are eligible to register for a math course.
Does the ALEKS cost anything?
Students have free access to the ALEKS math assessment for one year. During that year, you may access the learning modules and take the test up to five times. Once the year is done, you will be asked to pay a small fee to continue accessing the learning modules or to take the placement test again.
Is ALEKS a timed test?
No. Students can answer the thirty questions at their own pace. However, a student must complete the assessment within twenty-four hours.
What is the format of ALEKS?
ALEKS is not a multiple-choice placement assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have plenty of scratch paper on hand when you take the assessment.
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?
No. 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. Using resources that are not permitted violates the Student Conduct Code.
Can I review a question after I've answered it?
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 there are questions that I do not recognize or 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.” 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 you do not know how to solve the problem 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.
Can I retake the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment?
Yes. Students are allowed to retake the math placement assessment up to four times. After each attempt, a student will be provided with an individualized study plan. After the second attempt, students are required to spend at least three hours working in the Prep and Learning module before they will be eligible for a retake.
Can I register for a math class above my placement?
No. Math class registration requires certain knowledge and prerequisites. Students will be blocked from registering for a math class unless they meet the prerequisite(s).
I took ALEKS at another school. Can I use that score?
Yes, if your previous institution allows score sharing with ALEKS, you can share your results to the UO through your ALEKS profile. Scores must be less than a year old.
Can I send my ALEKS score from the UO to another school?
Yes. The University of Oregon allows score sharing with ALEKS. Students can send results from other institutions from the menu in their ALEKS profile by selecting the institutions where they wish to send their results. While schools may share results through ALEKS, each institution has their rules on course placement.