Mathematics Placement Test

About the Math Placement Test

Math placement is required of new Tri-C students and transfer students who have not earned a qualifying ACT or SAT Math score, or have not successfully completed a college-level Math course at another college or university. Submit official qualifying ACT/SAT scores to the registrar’s office or submit in-person at a campus testing center.

Qualifying ACT & SAT Math Scores:

ACT: 21+
SAT: 520+

All placement scores, including ACT and SAT scores, are valid for course placement for two years from the test date. 

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®

Complete an initial ALEKS assessment at a time and place convenient for you by accessing ALEKS through your New Student tab in my Tri-C Space. 

What is ALEKS?

Tri-C students use ALEKS for math course placement. 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, please visit the Testing Center webpage and select your preferred campus from the menu for more information.

When you visit a Tri-C Testing Center, you will need to know your password to login to my Tri-C Space to access the test. You will only need to bring a photo ID. Scrap paper and pencil will be provided. Personal calculators are not permitted, but are available in the assessment for select questions. 

What does my placement score mean?

After completing your proctored placement test, a Math Coach will meet with you to review your results, discuss opportunities for you to improve 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. After taking a proctored ALEKS assessment at a Tri-C campus Testing Center, you may retest after completing an additional five hours of practice in your ALEKS learning pie or completing your ALEKS learning pie, whichever comes first.