Math Placement (ALEKS)

Do You Need to Take the Math Placement Test?

Students complete math placement to determine which course best fits their skill level. The math placement test requirement may be waived for a variety of reasons.  

• Earned associate degree, bachelor’s degree or higher
• Grade of C or better in college-level math from an accredited institution
• Math placement scores from Tri-C within the last two years
• Satisfactory ACT or SAT math scores. Log in to your act.org or collegeboard.org account to send your scores or submit unofficial scores to admissions@tri-c.edu.
  • ACT Math score - 21 or higher
  • SAT Math score - 520 or higher

If none of the above applies to you, you will use ALEKS for math placement. ALEKS is available any time and no appointment is needed for testing. If you are a transient/visiting student (your intention is to return to your home institution) you may not need to use ALEKS. Please see Visiting Students for information on obtaining approval and submitting your Transient Enrollment Request Form. ESL students must complete level 2 before using ALEKS.

What is ALEKS?

ALEKS uses artificial intelligence and adaptive questioning to determine what you know, what you don't know, and most importantly what you're ready to learn next. The results of your assessment will ensure you are placed into a math course that best fits your skill level.

Check out this short video to see how ALEKS works! 

Complete an ALEKS Assessment

First, complete an initial assessment of up to 30 questions. The assessment must be completed within the two hour time limit. Use scratch paper and pencil only. You are expected to do your own work.

Do not use a personal calculator or get help from friends or online resources. An on-screen calculator is provided in the assessment for select questions. Using outside help or a calculator will result in placement into a math course that you’re not ready for.

Students who plan to register for a Fall 2022 math class (not Spring or Summer term) must make an appointment to complete an ALEKS assessment at a campus Testing Center beginning on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. Students have the option to complete the first assessment from home as a practice attempt, which will not count for placement.

Can I use ALEKS on my phone?

Although most tablets will work, smaller mobile devices and smartphones are not supported. See the full system requirements for ALEKS here.

Improve Your Skills! 

After completing the initial assessment, ALEKS creates a personalized learning plan based on your results. The Prep and Learn module is a self-paced learning environment where you can practice and improve your skills before your next assessment. Progress checks along the way make sure you are retaining the information you have learned.

Improve Your Placement

Students have access for one year and may complete up to five assessments. By working in the Prep and Learn module and completing additional assessments, you can sharpen your math skills, potentially place into a higher math course, and save time and money. Complete five hours of practice in your learning module to unlock your next assessment. ALEKS will save your progress as you work, so it's not required to do five hours all at once. 

Take Advantage of Tri-C Math Support

A Tri-C Math Coach will contact you to connect you with math support to help you while you work in ALEKS and prepare for your next assessment. You can do it! Our Math Coaches are here to help you. 

If you have questions about ALEKS, or, if you do not have access to a computer to use ALEKS, contact a campus Testing Center for assistance with next steps.