Follow These Steps
- for ALEKS-PPL non-proctored assessment and learning modules.
- Step 2: Complete the non-proctored initial assessment on ALEKS-PPL
- Step 3:Â Take a proctored exam or improve your skills
- If you are satisfied with the initial assessment score, you may take a proctored placement exam (see below for details).Ìý
- If you wish to improve your score, work in the ALEKS learning modules to reinforce your skills then take a proctored exam
- Step 4: After taking a proctored exam, if you still wish to improve your score, you should work a minimum of 10 hours in the ALEKS learning modules before taking an additional proctored exam.Ìý You may take up to four proctored exams.
Taking a Proctored Exam
Students taking the proctored exam are bound by ODU’s honor code.Ìý Only paper, pencil, and the resources provided by ALEKS on the computer screen are allowed.Ìý No other resources or a calculator may be used.Ìý Failure to comply with this policy may result in a zero for the assessment and referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.
Student Options to Take a Proctored Exam
Sign-up for a Zoom session with ODU’s testing center.
Sign-up for an in-person session with ODU’s testing center
Note: The following applies to students in the 24-25 cohort course.Ìý Students in previous cohorts do not have access to Respondus Monitor at this time.
Use Respondus Monitor – Proctor Password is "Math2024"
 Respondus Monitor is built into the Respondus Lockdown Browser.
- ALEKS will prompt you to download this browser, and you will use it for your initial assessment, so it will be ready to use once you take your proctored exam.Ìý
- You will be prompted for a Proctor password which is Math2024.Ìý
- You will be responsible for paying the $5 fee to use Respondus Monitor, which is paid directly to Respondus through the browser.Ìý You do not have to use the Repsondus Monitor or pay for the service if you take the test through our testing center.
Sign-up for a Zoom session with ODU’s testing center.
Sign-up for an in-person session with ODU’s testing center
Note: The following applies to students in the 24-25 cohort course.Ìý Students in previous cohorts do not have access to Respondus Monitor at this time.
Use Respondus Monitor – Proctor Password is "Math2024"
 Respondus Monitor is built into the Respondus Lockdown Browser.
- ALEKS will prompt you to download this browser, and you will use it for your initial assessment, so it will be ready to use once you take your proctored exam.Ìý
- You will be prompted for a Proctor password which is Math2024.Ìý
- You will be responsible for paying the $5 fee to use Respondus Monitor, which is paid directly to Respondus through the browser.Ìý You do not have to use the Repsondus Monitor or pay for the service if you take the test through our testing center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS-PPL)Â is a computer-adaptive assessment system that uses intelligent software to help determine the best level of math coursework for each student.
Students who require MATH 102M or 103M or higher math and do not qualify based on SAT or ACT scores, transfer credits, or high school GPA should complete ALEKS-PPL. Computer adaptive assessments like ALEKS use input from the student's performance to change the questions each student receives as they go through the test. No two students will see the same questions in the same order. This means there is no "going back" to a question that was tricky earlier. However, the difficulty of the test should adjust to the student's level and ability as long as the student provides an honest demonstration of what they can do.
ALEKS-PPL includes three parts:
- ALEKS Unproctored Pre-Assessment. This test does not determine your class placement; rather, it is an attempt to determine how much college math a student is prepared for in order to help determine what learning modules each student needs. Your ALEKS pre-assessment should be an honest reflection of your current ability so that the ALEKS system can help you improve. Do not use external resources like your phone, textbooks, or assistance from others, as ALEKS will not be able to deliver the best possible modules for you if you inflate your score and it is likely you will not see success on the post-assessment.
- ALEKS Learning Modules. These modules are selected for each student based on their pre-assessment performance. Students may continue working on the learning modules until they reach their desired level.
- ALEKS Proctored Placement Exam. The score on one's proctored placement exam determines one's math course placement at Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University. Students who wish to improve their placement after taking the proctored assessment may continue working on the ALEKS Learning Modules and take another placement exam after completing additional 10 hours of the modules.
ALEKS-PPL assesses your skills and designs modules to improve your skills. The initial unproctored pre-assessment taken in ALEKS is designed to determine how to help you improve and succeed. Do your best, but do not use any resources other than your own mind, a few pieces of paper, and a pencil. The following tips are recommended to help you do your best on your pre-assessment:
- Find a quiet place free of distractions to take your assessment.
- Allow at least 2 hours free from interruptions to take the pre-assessment.
- Have paper and a pencil with you to help you solve the problems.
- You can expect between 25 and 35 questions on the preassessment. This number will vary because the software is trying to determine your level. The more consistent you are with your ability, the more likely ALEKS can determine your level quickly.
- All the problems will be open-answer (no multiple-choice). If you cannot solve a problem, typing "I don't know" is okay, but try your best to solve as many problems as you can on your own.
- Review your results at the end of the assessment and use the learning modules you were assigned to help you improve.
- I need accommodation for my ALEKS-PPL assessment. What do I do?
If you have a disability that will impact your ability to demonstrate your level of math preparedness accurately, please contact the Office of Educational Accessibility to register your legal documents and ensure the university is aware of your individualized needs. Once you have registered with the office and had your test accommodation request approved, reasonable accommodations will be provided. - Can I use a calculator or my phone while working in ALEKS-PPL?
Phone and calculator use is not permitted during either your unproctored or proctored assessment. An on-screen calculator will be available for all students on questions where a calculator is necessary. - What math course did I place into?
The scores on ALEKS-PPL range from 0 to 100 and a score table will be provided to you at the end of your unproctored pre-assessment. The table will indicate which class you could test into based on your performance on the pre-assessment. - I am happy with my class placement based on the pre-assessment score. Do I have to do the modules and the proctored assessment?
You still have to take a proctored exam. Your pre-assessment score is not considered valid for class placement. You are not required to complete any work in the modules between the initial assessment and the first proctored placement exam.Ìý If you wish to take additional proctored exams after the first proctored exam, then you will need to complete 10 hours in the learning modules before the next placement exam.
ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS-PPL)Â is a computer-adaptive assessment system that uses intelligent software to help determine the best level of math coursework for each student.
Students who require MATH 102M or 103M or higher math and do not qualify based on SAT or ACT scores, transfer credits, or high school GPA should complete ALEKS-PPL. Computer adaptive assessments like ALEKS use input from the student's performance to change the questions each student receives as they go through the test. No two students will see the same questions in the same order. This means there is no "going back" to a question that was tricky earlier. However, the difficulty of the test should adjust to the student's level and ability as long as the student provides an honest demonstration of what they can do.
ALEKS-PPL includes three parts:
- ALEKS Unproctored Pre-Assessment. This test does not determine your class placement; rather, it is an attempt to determine how much college math a student is prepared for in order to help determine what learning modules each student needs. Your ALEKS pre-assessment should be an honest reflection of your current ability so that the ALEKS system can help you improve. Do not use external resources like your phone, textbooks, or assistance from others, as ALEKS will not be able to deliver the best possible modules for you if you inflate your score and it is likely you will not see success on the post-assessment.
- ALEKS Learning Modules. These modules are selected for each student based on their pre-assessment performance. Students may continue working on the learning modules until they reach their desired level.
- ALEKS Proctored Placement Exam. The score on one's proctored placement exam determines one's math course placement at Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University. Students who wish to improve their placement after taking the proctored assessment may continue working on the ALEKS Learning Modules and take another placement exam after completing additional 10 hours of the modules.
ALEKS-PPL assesses your skills and designs modules to improve your skills. The initial unproctored pre-assessment taken in ALEKS is designed to determine how to help you improve and succeed. Do your best, but do not use any resources other than your own mind, a few pieces of paper, and a pencil. The following tips are recommended to help you do your best on your pre-assessment:
- Find a quiet place free of distractions to take your assessment.
- Allow at least 2 hours free from interruptions to take the pre-assessment.
- Have paper and a pencil with you to help you solve the problems.
- You can expect between 25 and 35 questions on the preassessment. This number will vary because the software is trying to determine your level. The more consistent you are with your ability, the more likely ALEKS can determine your level quickly.
- All the problems will be open-answer (no multiple-choice). If you cannot solve a problem, typing "I don't know" is okay, but try your best to solve as many problems as you can on your own.
- Review your results at the end of the assessment and use the learning modules you were assigned to help you improve.
- I need accommodation for my ALEKS-PPL assessment. What do I do?
If you have a disability that will impact your ability to demonstrate your level of math preparedness accurately, please contact the Office of Educational Accessibility to register your legal documents and ensure the university is aware of your individualized needs. Once you have registered with the office and had your test accommodation request approved, reasonable accommodations will be provided. - Can I use a calculator or my phone while working in ALEKS-PPL?
Phone and calculator use is not permitted during either your unproctored or proctored assessment. An on-screen calculator will be available for all students on questions where a calculator is necessary. - What math course did I place into?
The scores on ALEKS-PPL range from 0 to 100 and a score table will be provided to you at the end of your unproctored pre-assessment. The table will indicate which class you could test into based on your performance on the pre-assessment. - I am happy with my class placement based on the pre-assessment score. Do I have to do the modules and the proctored assessment?
You still have to take a proctored exam. Your pre-assessment score is not considered valid for class placement. You are not required to complete any work in the modules between the initial assessment and the first proctored placement exam.Ìý If you wish to take additional proctored exams after the first proctored exam, then you will need to complete 10 hours in the learning modules before the next placement exam.