ALEKS Math Placement
Introducing ALEKS
What is ALEKS?
ALEKS is an online artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know. The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus. After the assessment, the Prep and Learning Module targeting your specific math skills is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve your placement.
The purpose of the assessment is so that you and your advisor know which math courses are best for you to take. Earning a score of 45 or higher means that you are ready to take college-level courses.
Who must take ALEKS?
ALEKS is for all new students…Freshmen or Transfer, even those bringing in college credits. There are no exemptions. This is to ensure that all students are placed in the appropriate math class based on their chosen major. Starting 2026 - 2027, the ALEKs Placement Test codes and credentials will ONLY be sent to students who have accepted their admissions offers and committed to the University. Please expect communication with codes and credentials a month or two before classes start.
What if I’m not good at math?
Be honest about your skill level and do your best. There is no benefit to cheating on the placement assessment – your only reward will be that you are forced to take a class that is too difficult for your current level of mathematics knowledge. Therefore, while you are taking the assessment, do not consult any other source for help (friends, family, Internet searches, etc.). The purpose of the placement assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current math skills so that you will be successful in your math courses.
When do I take ALEKS?
You’ll have to take it before we can schedule your classes. Starting 2026 - 2027, the ALEKs Placement Test codes and credentials will ONLY be sent to students who have accepted their admissions offers and committed to the University. Please expect communication with codes and credentials a month or two before classes start. Once classes begin, ALEKS is no longer available.
Specific dates are provided on the link that says “Dates and Deadlines.”
How long will the assessment take?
You will be asked up to 30 questions. You should plan to complete the assessment in one 2-3 hour sitting. If you do not complete the assessment in one sitting, you will have 48 hours to complete it before the assessment is reset.
May I use a calculator or other resources while using ALEKS?
ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may NOT use a calculator, or any other resource (friends, family, Internet searches, etc.).
How do I take the assessment?
- Starting 2026 - 2027, the ALEKs Placement Test codes and credentials will ONLY be sent to students who have accepted their admissions offers and committed to the University. Please expect communication with codes and credentials a month or two before classes start.
- Your Academic Advisor or the Office of Student Success Orientation Team will reach out to students directly with the credentials needeed for take their assessment.
- If your academic year Class Code and credentials have not been sent over two weeks before your Semester or Classes start, please reach out to StudentSuccess [at] desu.edu (subject: ALEKs%20Site%3A%20New%20Class%20Code%20Request) for support.
- Further instructions on how to take the test and access will be posted on our “Accessing ALEKS for the First Time” page.
** DSU reserves the right to randomly select students to take the placement assessment with a proctor on campus through the University College Testing Services and Programs.