Math Placement Testing | ALEKS® PPL
How to Take the Math Placement Test
- Take the practice test: Log in to myMCC, then scroll to the bottom right-hand corner of the page to the purple box labeled "Math Placement Test."
- Decide whether you want to review math concepts; if you do, work through the prep and learning modules.
- Schedule and take the official test.
- If you want to try to improve your score, work through the Prep and Learning Modules.
- Schedule a retake. A maximum of four placement tests is allowed.
Questions about ALEKS placement testing?
Schedule an appointment with a math specialist to discuss ALEKS math placement questions or learn how the platform functions.
Which course will I take based on my ALEKS placement score?
| If your score on the ALEKS placement test is | Then you may enroll in the following course(s) |
|---|---|
| 0-13 | MAT 090 |
| 14-29 | MAT 095-Elementary Algebra, or MAT 020 with MAT 120, or MAT 050 with MAT 150 |
| 30-45 | MAT 099-Intermediate Algebra OR MAT 020 with MAT 120, or MAT 050 with MAT 150 |
| 46-60 | Math level 1: (MAT 120, MAT 150, MAT 161*, MAT 165*, MAT 201*) |
| 61-75 | Math level 2: (MAT 166*, MAT 170*, MAT 171*, MAT 220*) |
| 76-100 | Math level 3: (MAT 175*) |
*A score of 46 or above on the ALEKS placement test satisfies the geometry prerequisite for these courses.
You will be permitted to enroll in any course at or below your score range. Your score should be posted in your account the next business morning. These cut scores are subject to change.
Prepare for Math Placement Testing
- What math do I need at MCC?
- When should I take my math placement test?
It's best if you take your math placement test and enroll in a math class as soon as you enroll at MCC. If you wait to take a math class, plan to complete your placement process within one year of taking a math class. Plan to complete your math placement process within six months of taking test one. Taking the practice math placement test early allows you to complete the Prep and Learning Modules and retake the test if you're not satisfied with your placement.
You must wait a minimum of one business day between taking each ALEKS test and completing the designated amount of time in the Prep and Learning Module.
- How many questions are on the math placement test?
There will be a maximum of 30 questions. There is no time limit on this test.
- What if I need accommodations to take my placement tests?
Contact Access and Disability Services in A260 or at (815) 455-8766.
- Can I take my math placement test in Spanish?
When you log on for the first time, the Español option appears in the bottom-right corner. If you prefer to view ALEKS PPL in Spanish, select this toggle to change the language to Spanish. You can toggle between an English and Spanish translation of the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment and Prep and Learning Modules too.
Taking ALEKS placement tests
- How do I get started taking my math placement tests?
- You must have your myMCC username and password to take your ALEKS PPL math placement. MCC sends you this information two to three days after you apply to MCC. If you need assistance with your username and password, call Registration at (815) 455-8588. You will not be able to take this test without accessing your myMCC account.
- Take the ALEKS practice test - there's a link to your practice test in myMCC, in the lower right corner of the homepage. You can take your practice test on your own anywhere that you have an internet connection. The practice test familiarizes you with the testing experience and allows the system to draw up a preparation and learning plan for you.
- Decide if you want to score higher on your official official math placement test. If you do, work through the ALEKS prep and learning modules.
You may purchase Mathematics Review Manuals in the MCC Bookstore for around $5.
- Schedule your official math placement test
- What should I do if my ALEKS class is inactive?
Once you start your placement process, your ALEKS account will become inactive in 12 months. If your account is inactive, call the Testing Center at (815) 455-8984 for assistance.
- What if I need accommodations to take my placement tests?
Contact Access and Disability Services in A260 or call (815) 455-8766.
Retaking your ALEKS placement test
- Can I retake the placement test?
Yes! Once you have reviewed the material and feel ready, you can retake the placement exam up to four times.
- What if I didn't get the score I wanted on the ALEKS Math Placement Test?
If you didn’t place where you wanted to, don’t worry! You have the opportunity to strengthen your math skills and improve your score using free ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules (PLMs).
The ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules (PLMs) modules provide a personalized, stress-free way to build your math confidence:
- Tailored to You: Complete a free math placement review customized to your unique needs.
- Study Anywhere: Review and practice from the comfort of your own home.
- Targeted Practice: Focus on the exact math topics you need to work on most.
- Guided Support: Learn with step-by-step explanations and guided solutions.
Did you know? Nationally, 50% of students who spent at least six hours in their personalized ALEKS learning modules improved by at least one placement level on their next assessment.
- When can I retake the math placement test?
You must wait a minimum of one business day between taking each ALEKS test and complete the designated amount of time in the Prep and Learning Module.
- What should I do if my ALEKS class is inactive?
Once you start your placement process, your ALEKS account will become inactive in 12 months. If your account is inactive, call the Testing Center at (815) 479-8984 for assistance.
- Where can I go for technical assistance with ALEKS?