Math Placement Information

You are strongly encouraged to complete the MPA as early as possible. However, you must complete the Math Placement Assessment at least two weeks before being advised.

• A computer with a web camera
• A reliable internet connection
• A current photo ID (ex: driver’s license, passport, state issued ID, etc.)
• Your BlazerID and password
• Roughly two hours of uninterrupted work time
• A pencil and blank paper
• A space conducive to doing your best work

For system requirements, visit www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements.

If you do not have access to reliable internet or a computer, you may take the Math Placement Assessment on campus. Please contact Testing Services at testingcenter@uab.edu to schedule.

There is no benefit to inflating or deflating your abilities on the ALEKS math assessment. 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 which would likely result in a low or failing grade in that course.

• Be honest.
• Complete the exam on your own.
• Do not use books, other materials, the Internet, or consult with anyone during the exam.
• Do not use a calculator. ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. You will only see the online calculator when a calculator is allowed.

Cheating is a violation of UAB’s Academic Integrity Code.

Plan to complete the assessment in a single one- to two-hour sitting.

The ALEKS placement assessment uses a Lockdown Browser. Your browser will be “locked down” so that you are unable to print, copy, go to another URL, or access other applications until you complete the assessment.

This placement assessment also uses Respondus Monitor proctoring. This system requires a working webcam.

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

Once you've begun the Math Placement Assessment, you have two and half hours to complete it. You cannot save your place and come back to the test.

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.

1. When you are ready to take the exam, log into BlazerNET using your Blazer ID and password, and click on "Math/English Placement Assessment." You will have two and half hours to take this test.
2. ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the navigation 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.


3. The ALEKS placement assessment uses Lockdown Browser. After you finish the tutorial, ALEKS will ask you to download Lockdown Browser. Even if you have previously downloaded Lockdown Browser for a course or assignment, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS Placement Assessment. If you have any issues, please refer to our FAQs below.


4. This placement assessment also uses Respondus Monitor. This system requires a working webcam. Again, if you have any questions in regards to this please see our FAQs.

If you would like to request accommodations due to disability, please contact UAB Disability Support Services for assistance.

UAB Disability Support Services
dss@uab.edu
(205) 934-4205 (voice)
(205) 934-4248 (TDD)

The Placement Assessment covers only pre-calculus topics. Specifically:

• Whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Percentages, proportions, and geometry
• Signed numbers, linear equations, and inequalities
• Lines and systems of linear equations
• Relations and functions
• Integer exponents and factoring
• Quadratic and polynomial functions
• Rational expressions and functions
• Radicals and rational exponents
• Exponentials and logarithms
• Trigonometry

No.

1. The ALEKS placement assessment uses Lockdown Browser. After you finish the tutorial, ALEKS will ask you to download Lockdown Browser. Even if you have previously downloaded Lockdown Browser for a course or assignment, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS Placement Assessment.
2. This placement assessment also uses Respondus Monitor. This system requires a working webcam.

Yes, you may take up to three (3) placement assessments (an initial assessment plus up to two additional attempts). However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module in between placement assessments so that you can improve your skills.

You must spend a minimum of 5 hours in your Prep and Learning Module before repeating the assessment. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten or to learn new material.

Yes, you have two and half hours to complete your assessment.

Placement assessments require approximately 90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by student. There will be a maximum of 30 questions.

You will have to restart the assessment. No scores will be recorded and your unfinished assessment will count as one of your three allowed attempts.

ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. You will only see the online calculator when a calculator is allowed. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

You may only use a pen or pencil, blank paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper placement and ultimately course failure.

ALEKS scores are loaded into the student information system overnight. You will be able to enroll in your course the following day if you are eligible to register.

ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your placement begins.

While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete progress assessments to solidify your gains in knowledge.

No, you must complete a new placement assessment to change your placement result. Click on the placement tab on the upper right of the page from within ALEKS. Only your placement assessment results will be used for course placement.

No. To take any of the entry level courses listed above, you must either achieve the required minimum placement score, or take the prerequisite course.

Yes. If you have transfer credit for a prerequisite course, you will not need to take the placement assessment.

https://mhedu.force.com/aleks/s/
http://support.aleks.com/

Log in to BlazerNET using your Blazer ID and password and click on Math Placement Assessment.

After you complete the assessment, you will be presented with a pie chart showing your areas of strength and weakness. Your overall assessment score appears at the top of the page. If you have taken the assessment more than once, scores on previous assessments are shown below the pie chart. In this case, your highest assessment score is used for placement purposes.

If you forget your assessment score, you can log into ALEKS again to review your scores.

You cannot register for any 100-level or higher math course without appropriate placement. If you choose not to take the Math Placement Assessment, you will automatically place in a remedial-level math course. Keep in mind, this could impact registration for science courses and timely completion of any science-dependent major.

If you have earned a grade of C or better in a 100-level, college math course (excludes remedial college math), you are not required to take the Math Placement Assessment*. However, you must ensure that an official transcript from the college or university from which you earned the credit is submitted to UAB prior to y our orientation session.

*Students who have earned credit for MA 110 but require additional math to meet degree requirements, should take the Math Placement Assessment.