Placement Testing - ALEKS PPL

Students who have fulfilled their GE math requirements can take the optional ALEKS PPL assessment to determine whether they're eligible for more advanced courses.

ALEKS PPL assessment determines whether you’ve met the prerequisites to take certain classes. An optional online program, ALEKS PPL maps a student’s strengths and weaknesses. It's up to 30 questions and takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. If you want to decrease time to graduation you can take this test to see if you’ve met the prerequisites.

The assessment has three parts:

  • An initial assessment
  • The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review  
  • Access to five additional assessments

Who can take the ALEKS PPL?

Students who want to start at a level above Math 101 (Algebra) or Math 102 (Algebra & Elementary Functions) can take the assessment.

What is the purpose of ALEKS PPL?

Results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student. Students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best classes based on their scores.   

How do I take ALEKS PPL?

You must register to take the assessment. To register or for more information, please contact the Mathematics Department Chair, Professor Mark Rizzardi, mar13@humboldt.edu.

ALEKS PPL Results

Here are the scores you need to be placed in certain classes:

Course #Course NameALEKS Score Range
MATH 101College AlgebraOver 45 (Recommended: 45-55)
MATH 101TTrigonometryOver 65 (Recommended: 66-77)
MATH 102Algebra & Elementary FunctionsOver 55 (Recommended: 56-77)
MATH 103Mathematics as a Liberal ArtOver 45
MATH 104Finite MathOver 45
MATH 105Calculus for the Biological Sci.78-100
MATH 108Critical Thinking in MathOver 45
MATH 109Calculus I78-100
STAT 108Elementary StatisticsOver 45
STAT 109Introductory BiostatisticsOver 65

More Information

Read the ALEKS assessment guide for details on topics covered in ALEKS PPL, what happens when you take the assessment, and more.