Testing Center - ALEKS Mathematics Placement

Texas A&M University-San Antonio offers the ALEKS PPL Mathematics placement exams for incoming students who would like to initially enroll into MATH 2312 Pre-calculus or MATH 2313 Calculus I. This exam is used for placement and proficiency purposes only and does not give credit for Mathematics classes.  Students already proficient in Mathematics can consider taking the CLEP test to get college credit.   

Prepare for the Exam

Students intending to take the placement test must first register for ALEKS PPL access through JagWire under Student Services in the Student Resources section. After registration, students will then be able to schedule their ALEKS PPL Mathematics Placement exam online through the Testing Center's scheduling system, link provided at the bottom of this page.  

The best testing environment is a controlled location beneficial to your personal testing needs. You are encouraged to take a practice exam well in advance of your scheduled exam. Your first completion of the test unlocks learning modules you should use to improve your knowledge and memory of mathematical concepts so that you may improve your score when taking the exam for placement purposes. Learning module questions are based on your practice test; therefore, practice tests should be taken seriously and without assistance (no personal calculator, notes, etc.) An un-proctored attempt can only be used for practice purposes, and it counts toward the five allowed attempts. Proctored exams are the only acceptable attempts for placement. Up to three practice tests are allowed. Your first attempt is un-proctored and does not count for placement. You should complete an un-proctored attempt 48 hours before your proctored attempt at the Testing Center.

STOP

*NOTICE: You may not take the exam more than once in a 48 hour period (this includes practice exams). Therefore, practice exams taken within 48 hours of a scheduled proctored exam will make you INELIGIBLE to begin the exam.

On exam day, students should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time to ensure that they are able to begin the exam on time.  Scratch paper will be provided. Students may not bring a calculator – one is built into the exam.

Format of Exam

This exam is a computer-based and adaptive with up to 30 questions. The test is not multiple-choice format.

Time Limit

There is a 2 hour time limit for the ALEKS PPL exam, but the average amount of time necessary to complete the test is about 60-90 minutes.

ID Requirements

A valid government-issued ID is required to verify your identity.

Scheduling

After registration in ALEKS, students will complete the first practice assessment on their own.  Once the student intends to take a proctored placement exam, they will schedule their ALEKS PPL Mathematics Placement exam online through the Testing Center's scheduling system, link provided below.  This must be done no sooner than 48 hours after their first practice assessment.

The ALEKS PPL exam is offered Monday-Saturday by appointment at 8:30 a.m., please call to verify Saturday dates.  Walk-ins are accepted Monday-Friday starting at 10:00 a.m. and are offered up to 2 hours before the Testing Center closes.  Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis, as space becomes available.  Please contact the Testing Center at 210-784-1366 for current walk-in hours.

Cost

The cost for ALEKS PPL access is $20. This access includes up to 3 practice exams and a minimum of 2 proctored exams for placement. You are encouraged to take at least one practice exam well in advance of your scheduled exam. To purchase access to the ALEKS PPL:  

1. Students will log into JagWire and click "ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning" under the "Student Resources" tab which opens the ALEKS PPL section.
2. Find the “incoming students” tab on the bottom of the page, click the menu button (labeled as “…”) and click “Apply Access” to continue.
3. On the following page, choose “No, I need to purchase an access code.”, which opens the McGraw Hill website.
4. On the McGraw Hill website, fill out all personal information and finish paying for your cart to gain access to your exam.
5. Complete your ALEKS practice/unproctored test then register to take your test at the TAMUSA Testing Center on the Testing Center website.
6. Register for a date 48 hours after completion of the practice/unproctored test on the Testing Center website.

Students that purchase ALEKS PPL access will have an opportunity to review and practice on mathematical skills in the ALEKS program for 12 months from the first practice or placement exam. However, for placement purposes, the proctored exam must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

A minimum of 48 hours is required between each testing attempt to allow time for work in the review learning modules. Taking the test proctored in the TAMU-SA Testing Center is required in order for the resulting score to be used for placement. 

Accommodations 

Students authorized accommodations must contact Disability Support Services and their respective college.

Course Placement Recommendations

 
These are recommended placements. The best placement depends on the student's strength developed in previous course work, enjoyment of Mathematics, and the student’s degree plans. Students that are unsure about their placement should contact the Mathematics program (210) 784-2428 or talk with their academic adviser.