Math Placement Test

You may take our math placement test ALEKS PPL online if you have access to a computer with the following properties:

• You must have a Windows or Mac computer that you are able to install LockDown Browser for ALEKS and Respondus Monitor for ALEKS on. (It must be the "for ALEKS" versions of these programs, and you may not run different versions of them simultaneously.) It may be possible to take the assessment on an iPad, but some users have experienced issues with this. Other tablets and Chromebooks are not supported.
• You must have a camera enabled to use Respondus Monitor.
• You must have a stable internet connection.

Learn more about the ALEKS system requirements. If you do not have a computer that meets these requirements, schedule a time to take ALEKS PPL at one of campus computer labs, either on the main campus in Radford or on the Radford University Carilion campus in Roanoke.

Before you take ALEKS PPL online

• Please set aside enough time to take the test. The time limit is 2.5, but before you start, there is a short pre-test tutorial to help you know how to input your answers. Many students will finish well before this time limit.
• Find a place with a stable internet connection and a distraction-free environment.
• Have your Radford University username and password ready as well as the device you use for Duo two-factor authentication. You will need them to connect your ALEKS account with your Radford University account so that your scores can transfer into our registration system.
• Have a photo ID ready to show the online proctoring system.
• Have scratch paper and a pencil available to do the work needed for the questions.
• The calculator you are allowed to use is built into ALEKS PPL. Therefore, external devices such as calculators and phones are not allowed. 

When you are ready to take ALEKS PPL online:

• Log into ALEKS PPL with your Radford University username and password.
• You will then be asked to create an ALEKS username and password that you will use to login when you return to ALEKS PPL.
• You will be prompted to install LockDown Browser for ALEKS and Respondus Monitor for ALEKS if they are not already installed. 
• Before you begin the assessment, you will be asked to enter the "proctoring password" MATH4RADFORD.
• The assessment consists of up to 25 questions.
• You have 2.5 hours to complete the assessment.

After taking ALEKS PPL

Your score will be available to you immediately after you finish, and it will be uploaded into the Radford University registration system overnight to use for course registration.

You may not be happy with your initial score. That's okay! ALEKS PPL creates a personalized study plan for you based on your initial assessment to help you improve your skills and prepare you for your upcoming class or to retake the assessment. 

Retaking the assessment:

• You may retake the assessment up four times after the initial assessment.
• You must wait 48 hours AND work 3 hours in your study plan to unlock the next assessment opportunity.
• Working in your study plan not only helps you with the content, but it also gives you more experience with the user interface of the test. Most students increase their scores by 5-to-10 points on their second assessment, and some have increased by significantly more than this.
• If you retake the assessment after Quest and improve your score enough to place into a higher MATH course than you are registered for, please contact your academic advisor or email math-placement@radford.edu to adjust your schedule.