Math Proficiency Exam
The math proficiency exam is administered online through ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning system (ALEKS PPL). This adaptive testing system will assess your mastery over a broad range of mathematical topics ranging from basic arithmetic to precalculus (including trigonometry).
Your score on the exam will determine what math and science classes you can register for. The ALEKS system helps to ensure readiness for math and science classes so that students can be set up for success. Students may only take math and science courses for which they have demonstrated the requisite math background. After taking the proficiency exam, students may utilize the ALEKS learning modules to improve their skills in specific areas.
Who must take the proficiency exam?
All incoming first-year and some transfer students are highly recommended to take the exam. If you do not think you plan to take any courses that require math proficiency, please contact your advisor.
The only students who do not need to take the math proficiency exam are:
- Students that have college math credit. If you have college math credit equivalent to QR 101, Math 115, Math 131, Math 132, or 200-level math, that credit will satisfy prerequisites and you do not need to take the math proficiency exam.
- Students that have AP or IB math credit. If you scored a 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exams, or a 5, 6, or 7 on any IB Math HL exam, you do not need to take the math proficiency exam. For more information, see the Advanced Standing page.
Taking the Placement Exam
There are two versions of the placement exam: one for incoming first-year/transfer students, and one for all other students. It is important that you register for the correct exam, as your score may be unable to be recorded if you are taking the wrong exam. If you previously took the exam as an incoming student and would like to take it again after the beginning of fall semester, please follow the instructions for continuing students below.
- Incoming student instructions (first-year or transfer students taking the exam for fall registration)
- Continuing student instructions (students taking the exam after the beginning of their first semester)