ALEKS

WCC requires the ALEKS PPL (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces Placement, Preparation and Learning) mathematics assessment. ALEKS PPL is an assessment designed to determine which math course you are ready to take. This assessment covers material from Arithmetic through Pre-calculus, takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, and has approximately 30 questions. After you complete the assessment, a customized Prep and Learning Module allows you to review, learn new material and possibly bypass math courses not required for your degree.

You must start your ALEKS testing 2 hours 15 minutes before the center closes. Please review the Testing Center hours to ensure you have enough time. You cannot take the ALEKS Math Placement test until you have a Reading Level of 3 or higher on record.

You can take the ALEKS assessment in the Testing Center.  We also offer the assessment by appointment at the Livingston County Extension Centers.

Order the test

Visit the Testing Center to request your test.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to take the ALEKS Placement Test if:

  • You do not have a math level (established with an ACT/SAT test or high school/college GPA) and:
  • You are pursuing a WCC degree, or
  • You plan to transfer to a 4-year college or university, or
  • You plan to enroll in a WCC course that requires a math level such as Physics, Economics, Culinary, or other classes (See WCC class schedule), or
  • You need a higher math level to enroll in your desired course.

The ALEKS test is a snapshot of where your math skills currently are, so there is no benefit to preparing before the initial assessment. Once completed, you can use the materials in the prep modules provided in ALEKS to improve your score on subsequent assessments.

Students take the ALEKS Placement Test in a proctored environment.

The test takes on average about 60-90 minutes to complete. You must start your ALEKS testing 2 hours 15 minutes before the center closes, so plan the start time of your test accordingly.

When you have completed the test, you will see a report of your score on the screen and will receive a printed report of your scores. You will also be able to view your scores in your MyWCC account. They will be available to your counselor/advisor during your advising appointment and you will receive recommendations on which classes to take.

You will be able to access the ALEKS PPL through your MyWCC account. After you complete the ALEKS assessment, you will be able to access the PPL (Preparation and Learning) module in MyWCC.

To make each retest attempt worthwhile and to improve your skills, you must spend at least 5 hours between retakes working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module. You can only test once in a 24-hour period. You have 6 months to access your Learning Modules and you can retest up to 4 times during that 6-month period.

If your 6 months has expired, but you still want to work with the modules, you will need to pay $20 to retake the exam. Please note that when you retake the exam, you will not be able to start where you left off. You will actually retake the exam from the beginning.

ALEKS placement assessments have a two-hour time limit.

  • You may only use a pen or pencil, and paper
  • You may not use your calculator. If a calculator is required, ALEKS will provide one on-screen.
It is your percentage mastery on your most recent assessment. See how course placement is determined by reviewing the Academic Levels.
It is valid for two years, starting from the date of your most recent assessment. For your most recent assessment placement to remain valid, you must enroll before this two-year period expires.
Yes. ALEKS provides a brief tutorial before your assessment begins.
The first time you get in to ALEKS your 12 months access starts.

Once you pick a Prep and Learning Module, you have 6 months (or five tests — whichever comes first) to use the modules. The 12-month access expiration date overrides your 6 months of module use if you wait to sign in. For example, if you logged on to the ALEKS PPL on June 1, 2017 but do not access the Prep and Learning Modules until April 1, 2018 you will only be able to access them for 2 months before your 12-month access expires on June 1, 2018.

If you have completed your 6 months (or five tests) in the Prep and Learning Modules, but your 12-month access has not expired, you can still review what you have done in the modules until your 12-month access expires.

When your 6-month Prep and Learning Module access expires, if you have completed less than 5 hours of study in the Prep and Learning Modules, you have no more test attempts.

When your 6-month Prep and Learning Module access expires, if you have completed 5 hours or more of study in the Prep and Learning Modules, with a test attempt open, you can take that test attempt if you are still within your 12-month access expiration date.
There is no charge the first time you take the ALEKS PPL. If you need to retake the ALEKS PPL there will be a $20 fee.
No. Assessments determine course placement. To change your placement result, you must retake the assessment.
No. You must either achieve the required placement score, or pass the mathematics course prerequisite with a grade of "C" or better to take the course you want.
Yes. The customized review and learning features of ALEKS PPL can improve your chances for success, and earn a better grade in your course.

Please note: A photo ID is required to take any of the Placement Tests. No exceptions!