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ALEKS Math Assessment

UT Dallas mathematics senior and her classmates

Math Placement at UT Dallas

Math courses at UT Dallas are rigorous and professors expect that students placed in the course are capable of meeting the demands of the material. These expectations may differ from students’ experiences in high school math courses. Therefore, it is necessary that students are placed into the appropriate level of mathematics.

Whether you are a new freshman, transfer, or continuing student, students can be placed into math courses only by satisfying the pre-requisite requirements. You can see all of the math pre-requisite requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.

ALEKS is used as a pre-requisite for certain math courses. Any student wanting to use ALEKS to place into a math course should consult the undergraduate catalog, linked above, to verify that ALEKS can be used as a pre-requisite for the desired math course desired.

New students, both freshmen and transfer, as well as continuing students, may also use college math credit taken in several ways for math placement. Credit can be applied through completion of credit by exam including AP, IB and CLEP.

Credit can also be applied using math courses taken here, or at another college or university, with a grade of C or better. Learn more about transfer credit.

ALEKS Math Placement FAQs

Do I need ALEKS?

ALEKS is used as a pre-requisite for certain math courses.

  • You can see all of the math pre-requisite requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.
  • You can see the ALEKS scores necessary for math placement below in the section “ALEKS Math Placement Score Table.”
  • TSI, SAT and ACT are not used as a math pre-requisite and cannot be used in place of ALEKS.
  • Only ALEKS scores taken at UTD are accepted.
  • New freshmen should have a proctored ALEKS score as soon as possible.
  • New freshmen may be required by their school to take ALEKS including Engineering and Computer Science and Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
  • If you are still unsure, contact your academic advisor to discuss your math needs and whether you should take ALEKS for your major.
Disability Accommodations

Students approved for disability accommodations may be given extra time and other appropriate services.

  1. You must self-identify and request testing accommodations from the AccessAbility Resource Center (ARC) before working in the ALEKS assessment.
  2. ARC will need to have a request for ALEKS assessment at least seven days before you intend to take the assessment.
  3. If approved for accommodations, you then pay for ALEKS as indicated below in “Paying for the ALEKS Assessment” and forward your receipt to the ARC before accessing ALEKS.
  4. You will be provided directions and an appropriate link to ALEKS.
  5. Do not use the link to ALEKS included in your receipt unless instructed to do so.
I took the AP, CA, IB, or CLEP test.

If you are an incoming freshman and took the AP, CA or IB test and scores are not yet available:

  • Credit by exam scores are not typically available until at least early July or later, which is after most of our orientations have concluded.
  • If you need to register for a math course, we strongly encourage you to take ALEKS and not wait for exam scores. Your school may require it.
  • Math class availability is not guaranteed, and we want you to be in the best position to register for math.
  • Depending on math course availability, you may be able to change your math courses after we have received your AP, CA or IB test score.
  • If you wish to discuss it further, please contact your UTD academic advising office.

You are a continuing or transfer student and your CLEP test score hasn’t arrived but registration started:

  • Math class availability is not guaranteed, and we want you to be in the best position to register for math.
  • If you wish to discuss it further, please contact your UTD academic advising office.

You already have your AP, CA, IB or CLEP scores:

  • Be sure you have asked the appropriate testing company to send your official scores to UTD.
  • After your scores have been entered in Orion, you may be able to select the appropriate math credit for your degree.
  • You should consult with your UTD academic advising office, to be sure you select the correct credit.
  • You may not need ALEKS, but should be sure to consult with your UTD academic advising office to be sure.
I took dual enrollment math or have taken college math classes

You are an incoming freshman and finished dual enrollment math in May or later:

  • Be sure to have your official college transcript sent to UTD no later than June 1.
  • If you need to register for a math course, we strongly encourage you to take ALEKS and not wait for your transcript.
  • Math class availability is not guaranteed, and we want you to be in the best position to register for math.
  • Depending on math course availability you may be able to change your math courses after we have received your transcript.
  • If you wish to discuss it further, please contact your UTD academic advising office

You are an incoming freshman or transfer student and already have all of your math grades:

  • Be sure to have your official college transcript sent to UTD no later than June 1.
  • After your grades have been articulated in Orion, you may be able to select the appropriate math credit for your degree.
  • You should consult with your UTD academic advising office, to be sure you select the correct credit.

I need to take ALEKS


Summary of Steps:

  1. Pay for ALEKS
  2. Take ALEKS unproctored for practice
  3. Use the Prep and Learning Modules
  4. Take ALEKS proctored
  • When do you take ALEKS?
    • Freshman should have an ALEKS score prior to orientation.
    • Transfer and continuing students should have an ALEKS score prior to the time you want to register for math.
  • Do you need to install any plug-ins prior to taking ALEKS?
    • Yes. You will be instructed to download the plug-in when you log in to take the exam.
    • If you have any trouble downloading the ALEKS plug-in, please contact ALEKS customer support.
  • Useful information for you:
    • The ALEKS Assessment is a math placement test that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics and is fully automated and adaptive to your knowledge and ability. The first questions asked will be drawn from across the curriculum and may be too easy or too hard.
    • As the assessment proceeds, your answers will be used to give the system an idea of your knowledge, and it will gradually focus the questioning in a way appropriate to your individual skill level.
    • By the end of the assessment, you should find the questions generally challenging but reasonable for your individual level of knowledge.
    • The exact number of questions will vary due to the adaptive mechanism just described.
  • Tips for you:
    • It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer, “I don’t know.”
    • However, on any question that you have some familiarity with, it is important to try to answer to the best of your abilities. If you do not try your best on the assessment, ALEKS will underestimate your knowledge.
    • “I don’t know” is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know the topic, and this will be reflected in the assessment results.
Step 1: Paying for the ALEKS Assessment
  • ALEKS access cost is $30. Proctoring is an additional cost and paid separately. Refer to Step 4 to see the proctoring options and explore costs and payment information.
  • You pay through UT Dallas Marketplace.
  • Receive your payment receipt at the email address entered when paying.
  • Your link to ALEKS is in the receipt.
  • Your payment covers five total attempts and access to the prep and learning modules. The first attempt is unproctored (see Step 2) and is covered in the $30 payment. The other four attempts are proctored (see Step 4) and require an additional payment.
  • Proctoring is charged separately and is NOT part of the ALEKS payment.
  • If you believe you might be eligible, email aleks@utdallas.edu to request a fee waiver of the $30 charge. Requesting does not guarantee approval. Proctoring is provided by third parties. Requests for proctoring fee waivers should be made directly to the proctoring service.
  • No refund of the $30 charge will be made after using a proctored attempt. To request a refund, forward your email receipt to aleks@utdallas.edu and explicitly state the request for a refund.

Payment problems:

You paid, but you didn’t get an email receipt. How do you get one?

  • You should have received an email receipt at the address entered when paying. Your link to ALEKS is in the receipt. Please check your inbox, as well as the junk or spam folders.
  • Email aleks@utdallas.edu from your UTD email address if you do not find it in your inbox or spam/junk folders.

You entered the wrong email address. What do you do?

  • Email aleks@utdallas.edu from your UTD email address and provide:
    • the date of payment
    • name under which payment was made
    • correct email address for receipt to be resent

For problems or questions about the receipt, email aleks@utdallas.edu.

Step 2: Unproctored practice ALEKS Assessment
  • The first attempt is unproctored for practice.
  • It is online only.
  • It is best to take the unproctored attempt as if it were proctored. See Online with Honorlock in the “Proctoring Options” section below for online proctoring requirements.
  • The attempt is two hours.
  • Use this attempt to help you become comfortable with this type of environment.
  • You must answer all questions to earn a score and move forward.
  • This score cannot be used for math placement.
  • Your score is presented immediately after answering all questions.
  • Prep and learning modules are assigned based on the unproctored score.
  • Prep and learning modules are available immediately after the attempt.
  • Students must wait 48 hours before being able to take a proctored attempt.
Step 3: Prep and Learning Modules
  • You get up to 12 months of access to the prep and learning modules.
  • Modules are assigned based on your unproctored assessment score.
  • Modules are available immediately after taking the unproctored attempt and not before.
  • You are strongly encouraged to work on areas identified for review prior to taking ALEKS with a proctor.
  • Work in the modules is not used for math placement.

Additional information:

  • You may derive a great deal of benefit from the knowledge profile that the initial assessment generates. If you did not receive the minimum score on the unproctored attempt for the desired UT Dallas mathematics course, you may use the knowledge profile to identify areas of needed review.
  • Even if you did receive the desired minimum score on the unproctored attempt, you may find it helpful to review materials that the assessment identified as a knowledge weakness. Remember, courses at UT Dallas are challenging and the pace is demanding. Professors expect students to have a thorough knowledge of prerequisite material.
Step 4: Proctored ALEKS assessment basic information

Proctoring Options

Online with Honorlock:

  • This option uses remote proctoring software in which a webcam scan of the assessment area and the recording of all activity during the exam is required.
  • Find a quiet and controlled environment.
  • Have a pencil and plenty of blank scratch paper
  • You may not use your own calculator. ALEKS provides an online calculator.
  • No other materials should be near you or within reach.
  • Click here for payment, setup and Honorlock support information.
  • Password Problem
    • Honorlock handles the password directly. Follow the instructions for proctoring online with Honorlock
    • If you have done so, your Honorlock add-on is not functioning properly, and you should contact Honorlock support for assistance.

In person at the UT Dallas Testing Center:

Additional Proctoring Information:

  • Only proctored attempts can be used for math placement.
  • Each attempt is two hours.
  • Unlike the unproctored attempt, you do not have to answer all questions to get a score.
  • Scores are presented immediately after finishing.
  • You are strongly encouraged to work in the prep and learning modules if you did not achieve your desired score after each proctored attempt.
  • When you earn a score you like, you may stop using ALEKS.
  • You must wait 48 hours before being able to take another proctored attempt.
  • Incoming freshmen should obtain a final score at least one week prior to attending freshman orientation.
  • Your highest score is used for math placement.
  • Scores are only valid for one year.
  • Proctors are a third party. Payment for proctoring is NOT included in the ALEKS payment.

ALEKS Math Placement Score Table

Your proctored ALEKS score will be incorporated into your UT Dallas student profile and used for placement purposes. Your academic advisor will have access to your ALEKS score in Orion.

Your highest proctored score is used for math placement.

You can view your score by logging into your ALEKS account.

UT Dallas Math CourseMinimum ALEKS Score
Math 1306 – College AlgebraMinimum ALEKS Score of 35% Required for Placement
Math 1314 – College AlgebraMinimum ALEKS Score of 50% Required for Placement
Math 1316 – TrigonometryMinimum ALEKS Score of 50% Required for Placement
Math 1325 – Applied Calculus IMinimum ALEKS Score of 70% Required for Placement
Math 2306 – Analytic GeometryMinimum ALEKS Score of 70% Required for Placement
Math 2312 – PrecalculusMinimum ALEKS Score of 70% Required for Placement
CS 2305 – Discrete MathematicsMinimum ALEKS Score of 70% Required for Placement
Math 2370 – Intro MATLABMinimum ALEKS Score of 80% Required for Placement
Math 2413 – Differential CalculusMinimum ALEKS Score of 80% Required for Placement
Math 2417 – Calculus IMinimum ALEKS Score of 85% Required for Placement
I just finished ALEKS and have a proctored score. Why can’t I register?

Verify in your ALEKS account that your score is proctored.

It can take up to 2 business days for proctored scores to be downloaded.

You can reach out to your advising office for registration assistance before the automatic download.

If it has been more than 2 business days since earning a proctored score check with your advising office for any other registration issues.

Any other problems or questions about your score or registration email aleks@utdallas.edu.

How can I remove the ALEKS To-Do list item?

You took ALEKS:

  • Verify in your ALEKS account that your score is proctored.
  • It can take up to 2 business days for proctored scores to be downloaded.
  • The ALEKS To-Do list item is auto-removed later the same day that the proctored score is downloaded.

You have math credit or won’t be taking math at UTD, and you do not need ALEKS:

  • If you have already taken math, verify with your academic advisor that your transcript has been received and your math credit articulated in Orion.
  • If you are not taking math at UTD verify your math needs with your academic advisor.
  • Email aleks@utdallas.edu from your UTD email address to ask for the To-Do list item to be removed.
ALEKS technical support

Contact ALEKS Support for business hours, email, phone number and live chat options.

If you looked through every section here and you are sure the answers to your questions aren’t here, email aleks@utdallas.edu for assistance.

Online Proctoring

Honorlock

Honorlock provides online proctoring of the ALEKS assessment for UT Dallas. Please read below for more information.

Setup

To use Honorlock, you must use the Google Chrome web browser. The Honorlock extension is only supported by Google Chrome. The Chrome web store will open in a new tab. Select “Add to Chrome” to add the extension to your browser.

Proctoring System Requirements

  • You must take the exam on a desktop computer or laptop (not a tablet, Chromebook or cell phone).
  • You must use Google Chrome with the Honorlock extension.
  • Disable any pop-up blockers.
  • You must have a working built-in or external webcam and microphone.
  • Your Internet speed must be at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Hot spots are not recommended. Determine your internet speed by running a speed test.
  • Contact Honorlock Support with any issues or additional questions.

Payment and Testing

  • Starting September 1, 2022, there will be a $14.99 charge per attempt.
  • You may test anytime after each 48 hour cool down period following the previous attempt.
  • Cheating will invalidate your test for placement purposes.
  • You will have two hours to complete the assessment.
  • Have a pencil and plenty of blank scratch paper.
  • You may only use the online calculator provided by ALEKS.
    Please note: The calculator is only provided in questions that ALEKS Corp decided is necessary.
  • You may have no other material.
  • Be sure you have the Honorlock extension added to Google Chrome.
  • Log into ALEKS using the link provided in your email receipt.
  • Select “Start” next to the Honorlock Proctored notice.
  • Follow the prompts for authentication before beginning your exam.
  • Honorlock provides a step-by-step example.
  • If you need assistance while testing, 24/7/365 Honorlock live-chat support is built into the ALEKS test page. You can also contact Honorlock Support.

Reaching Support

For more information on Honorlock, visit the Testing Center’s ALEKS website.

In-Person Proctoring at the UT Dallas Testing Center

The UT Dallas Testing Center provides in-person proctoring of the ALEKS assessment. Please read below for more information.

Payment and Setup

After you have paid for access to the ALEKS exam, you may proceed to the Testing Center’s ALEKS website. There you can make payment, as well as see necessary information and reserve a seat. Currently the Testing Center is charging $35 per testing attempt. Opportunities to use the Testing Center are limited; currently testing days are every Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

IMPORTANT: You must complete the unproctored practice test before taking the test proctored. Be sure you have followed the summary of steps. Your scheduled time to proctor with the Testing Center should be no earlier than the 48 hour cooling down period after completing an unproctored practice test or a proctored test attempt.

Opportunities to use the Testing Center may be limited. Please see the Testing Center’s ALEKS website for details.

Testing

  • Visit the Testing Center’s ALEKS website to pay and reserve your seat. You must reserve your seat at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Arrive at the Testing Center at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to take the ALEKS Assessment. The Testing Center is located in the SPN2 building at 3020 Waterview Pkwy., SP2 Suite 11.175, Richardson, Texas 75080.

You must bring a photo ID (see below); without proper photo ID, you will be denied entry to the Testing Center to take your exam.

  • UT Dallas students enrolled in classes must bring their Comet Card to be admitted into the Testing Center.
  • UT Dallas students not enrolled in classes may use one of the following acceptable forms of photo ID to be admitted into the Testing Center:
    • State ID
    • State Driver’s License or Learner’s permit
    • Other Govt. issued ID (Military ID, Passport, CHL, etc.)
    • School ID

You must arrive 15 minutes before your test time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to your test appointment, you may not be admitted.

A link to the ALEKS assessment will be provided at the computer station for the student’s convenience. Once logged into ALEKS, students proceed to proctoring for the exam. The Testing Center staff will enter the proctor password. Cheating will invalidate your assessment.

The email address you will have provided (preferably your UT Dallas email address, ends with “utdallas.edu”) will be used for official notifications regarding the exam for which you have registered.

Personal items are not allowed in the testing room during test session. These include:

  • Backpacks, bags, wallets, purses, all watches (including digital, analog, smart watches and Fitbits), bracelets, wrist-bands, keys, calculator covers
  • Candy, chewing gum, tobacco products, E-cigarette, food or beverages of any kind, including water bottles
  • Outer coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves, sunglasses, scarves, hats, head coverings (except for cultural or religious purposes)
  • Electronic devices: any phones, pagers, iPads, laptops, cameras, recording/listening/scanning or photographic devices etc.)
  • No calculators are permitted. ALEKS provides an online calculator for your use on questions which require it.
  • No scratch paper or pencils. The Testing Center provides small erase boards and markers.

Contact

Prior to arrival at the Testing Center, please use the contact information provided on the Testing Center’s website.

There will be staff on hand to answer questions after your arrival at the Testing Center.