ALEKS PPL Assessment

Before You Take the ALEKS PPL Assessment

To be eligible, you must have one of the following:

• TSIA with score of 350+
• TSIA2 with score of 950+
• Be TSI exempt

What if I need testing accommodations for the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

All requests for accommodations must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Accessibility Resources (SAR). Contact your campus SAR Office to request accommodations.

Registering for the ALEKS PPL Assessment

You may take the assessment at any time throughout the year prior to course registration.

What are my testing options for the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

ALEKS PPL Assessments are being offered in person by appointment at TCC on-campus testing centers.

How do I sign up for the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

To register for the ALEKS PPL Assessment,

1. Meet with a career advisor and request to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment.
2. You will request an appointment to take your ALEKS PPL Assessment and pay testing fees.
   • Northeast Campus Exam Registration (RegisterBlast)
   • Northwest Campus Exam Registration (RegisterBlast)
   • South Campus Exam Registration (RegisterBlast)
   • Southeast Campus Exam Registration (RegisterBlast)
   • Trinity River Campus Exam Registration (RegisterBlast)
3. You will receive a registration email from RegisterBlast via Testing Services. This email confirms your scheduled appointment.

What to Expect During the ALEKS PPL Assessment

How long does the ALEKS PPL Assessment take?

The assessment is timed and administers 30 questions.

On average, it takes 60-90 minutes to complete. The time limit to complete the test is 4.5 hours.

You may not take any breaks during the assessment. If you leave your computer or exit your assessment for any reason, you will forfeit your test session. Your assessment will be invalidated and you will not be able to finish it.

You may not save your assessment and finish it later. It must be completed in one test session.

How will my test session be monitored?

Your test session will be monitored by Testing Services staff.

What is the format of the questions on ALEKS PPL?

The ALEKS PPL assessment is not a multiple-choice placement assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with a paper and pencil, then enter them into the assessment. Learn more about the topics covered in the assessment.

Can I review a question after I've answered it?

Because ALEKS PPL is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.

What if I see questions I don't 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 PPL to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in the assessment results.

There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the assessment, it only helps ALEKS PPL understand what you know.

Can I practice using the ALEKS PPL input tools before I begin the ALEKS PPL assessment?

ALEKS PPL will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS PPL calculator, and how to graph.

If you aren't sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS PPL assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your assessment will not impact your results.

Reviewing Your ALEKS PPL Score

Where can I see my score?

• You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your placement assessment.
• Your ALEKS PPL score can be viewed by re-entering the platform through your access.
• Your scores will be added to your student records and will be provided to your advisor.

What is my placement result?

Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS PPL has identified you have mastered.

Course placement is determined as follows:

Depending on the overall score received, you could place into any of the courses listed. However, we recommend meeting with a career advisor for help selecting the best course based on your degree pathway.

What if I do not place into the course I wanted?

This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL. An individualized study plan will be created based on your performance on the assessment. ALEKS PPL will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up on lost knowledge.

Can I take the assessment again?

Yes, you may take up to 5 placement assessments, but you must wait 48 hours before each attempt.

Before you retake your test, you must meet with a career advisor to receive another test referral. Once you have requested a retest referral, you may submit another test registration in RegisterBlast.

To make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments so that you can improve your skills. You must complete 3 hours of review in the software before each test attempt.

Cost of the ALEKS PPL Assessment

The ALEKS PPL Assessment costs $20.

This will cover your initial placement assessment and up to 4 additional attempts. You will also be given access to a Prep and Learning module for individualized, self-paced online review.

Studying for the ALEKS PPL Assessment

After you've taken the ALEKS PPL Assessment, you'll have access to the Prep and Learning Module to help you study to improve your scores.

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?

You will have six 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 assessments.

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 proctored assessment to change your placement result. When you have completed the requirements, return to Testing Services to retake the 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 PPL, or consult with your advisor.