Mathematics Placement Test

About the Math Placement Test

Math placement is required of new Tri-C students and transfer students who have not submitted qualifying  ACT or SAT Math scores, or have not successfully completed a college-level Math course at another college or university. Submit ACT/SAT scores to the registrar’s office or in-person at a campus testing center. All placement scores, including ACT and SAT scores, are valid for two years from the test date.

Qualifying ACT & SAT Math Scores

ACT - 21 or higher & SAT - 520 or higher

Please note: English as a Second Language (ESL) students must complete the second ESL level (ESL 1210, 1221, 1231) or test into the third ESL level (ESL 1310, 1321, 1331) before taking the math placement test.

How Do I Take the Math Placement Test?

Step 1: Prepare for Your Placement Test Using ALEKS®

Before taking the math placement test at a campus Testing Center, students are encouraged to prepare by completing an initial assessment of up to 30 questions. You can complete the initial assessment at a time and place convenient for you by logging in to ALEKS through your New Student or Student tab in my Tri-C Space. Choose Math Placement Prep & Learn (ALEKS) to get started! 

Personal calculators and other outside resources should not be used during the assessment. The only calculator that you should use is the one provided on the screen for select questions.

What is ALEKS?

ALEKS is a web-based assessment and learning system that uses artificial intelligence and adaptive questioning to assess a student's mathematical strengths and weaknesses. The results of your assessment will ensure you are placed into a math course that is most appropriate, based on your current abilities. 

How Does ALEKS WorK?

For additional questions refer to the ALEKS Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 2: Improve Your Skills in the ALEKS Learning Pie

After completing the initial assessment, ALEKS creates a personalized learning pie showing your assessment results. Based on your results, you will see which assessment topics require additional practice and preparation. Students are highly encouraged to work in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module prior to visiting a Tri-C campus Testing Center to take a proctored assessment which will result in a math placement score.

On-campus math support is available to students working in their ALEKS pie.

Step 3: Take Your Proctored Placement Test

For campus Testing Center locations and hours of operation, visit the Testing Center webpage and select your preferred campus from the menu for more information.

When you arrive for testing, you will need to know your password to log in to my Tri-C Space. You will only need to bring a photo ID. Scrap paper and pencil will be provided. Personal calculators are not permitted to be used, however, an on-screen calculator is provided in the test for select questions. 

What does my placement score mean?

After completing your math placement test, a staff member will meet with you to review your results, learn about opportunities for improving your score, and discuss your next steps after testing.

Step 4: Improve Your Math Placement Score!

You can take the ALEKS assessment up to five times total. After taking the math placement test at a campus Testing Center, you may retest after completing five hours of practice in your ALEKS learning pie or completing your ALEKS learning pie, whichever comes first.

Please note: You do not have to complete the required five hours all at once. ALEKS will save your progress when you log out so you can work at your own pace towards completing the five hours of practice.