All students are required to complete a course in math to meet Illinois State University general education requirements or the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum.
The university requires that all students take the online ALEKS Math placement assessment to determine their initial placement in a math class, unless they have earned an appropriate mathematics credit by way of:
ALEKS is an online assessment that ensures students are placed in an appropriate math course. The assessment shouldn't be stressful or worrisome, it is simply gauging what course level you should take to be successful. After taking the assessment, university advisors will guide you to a math course that best fits you.
We want you to succeed, so make sure to take this assessment without any prohibited items (refer to the prohibited items list below). In addition, receiving assistance from others while taking the assessment is not allowed and could result in:
Please be aware of policies regarding ALEKS scores, including the right to invalidate a particular score. In addition, academic dishonesty is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
| Students | Cost |
|---|---|
| New incoming freshmen | No additional cost for first year after first exam submission. |
| New transfers | $15 |
| Continuing | $15 |
Provides access to the ALEKS assessment for one year after first exam submission. If, after one year, you need to take the assessment again, you will be required to pay the $15 fee for an additional year of access.
Please note that the ALEKS Math Placement Test is designed to be completed in 60-90 minutes, though all students are permitted up to three hours to complete it. If you feel you need extended time beyond three hours, please complete a request for Academic Accommodations on the Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) website. Documentation of disability will be required. Requests for extended time for ALEKS will be reviewed by a SAAS Coordinator within seven days. If approved, you will receive an email from your Coordinator. Testing Services will also be notified of your accommodation.
If you DO require extended time, it is important to contact Testing Services before attempting to sign in to your ALEKS account.
Each assessment session is open for 3 hours. If you do not finish your assessment in that time, your session will expire, and you will need to re-start your exam.
A student usually takes about 60-90 minutes for up to 25 questions.
We reserve the right to invalidate the score and require a student to take the ALEKS assessment with a live proctor in Testing Services when one or more of these indicators arise:
The assessment is currently unproctored, but this may change at any time. Please check with TestingServices@IllinoisState.edu if you have questions.
Aleks math placement exams taken at Illinois State University are automatically added to your record.
If you took an Aleks math placement exam at another institution within the last 18 months, you can request to have your score submitted to Illinois State University in two ways:
You can take the assessment up to five times. You will have to wait 48 hours and complete the required Prep and Learning Module before your next attempt.