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Math Placement Test Guidelines

Math placement test guidelines for ALEKS PPL and geometry.

ALEKS Placement, Prep, and Learning (PPL) Overview

  • The test is not timed. Allow at least 60-90 minutes
  • Questions are free response (no multiple choice)
  • ALEKS PPL is an adaptive placement test
  • Results from Test 1 determine a customized “Prep and Learning” study plan

Math Placement - ALEKS PPL Test Policies

  • Use of scratch paper and only the built-in calculator is allowed
  • One year use of ALEKS PPL based on account creation date
  • Minimum Prep and Learning Module hours are required to access some tests
  • Scores are valid for 18 months
  • Highest proctored ALEKS PPL score will determine placement
  • Only one proctored ALEKS PPL test may be taken in a day.

NEW Procedure for 2023 ALEKS PPL accounts

All four ALEKS PPL tests are proctored and taken at a COD testing center. Results from all tests can be used for placement.

Procedure for Students with active 2022 ALEKS PPL Accounts

Test 1 is taken unproctored at home, then the remaining attempts at a COD testing center. Only results from Test 2, 3, and 4 can be used for placement.

ALEKS PPL tests are proctored in person at one of five testing centers or remotely through the Virtual Testing Center (VTC). ALEKS PPL testing is available on a walk-in basis. Please be sure to review hours and testing locations. are available at cod.edu/testing. To make a remote testing appointment, email alekstesting@cod.edu.

Before testing, you must have the following:

  1. A photo ID
  2. A valid ALEKS PPL account. If your account has expired, email alekstesting@cod.edu to request an account reset.
  3. Required minimum Prep and Learning Module hours completed. 

Geometry Placement Testing

ALEKS Geometry is an adaptive placement tool that is available to use for an 18-week period. It has a remediation module to help review topics you may have forgotten or need to practice. The results from your first Knowledge Check determine a study plan individualized to your knowledge level. All questions on the ALEKS geometry test are free response (no multiple choice). A maximum of two proctored attempts are available.

Math Placement - Geometry Placement Test Policies

  • 18 weeks of access to ALEKS Geometry based on account creation date
  • Allow at least 60-90 minutes to complete each proctored exam
  • Use of scratch paper is allowed
  • Use of the ALEKS Geometry built-in calculator only
  • Scores are valid forever
  • Highest ALEKS Geometry score will be used for placement 

A few math courses require a geometry prerequisite. Your ALEKS PPL score may satisfy that requirement. Review the cut score chart for prerequisite requirements. 

Testing Center staff will proctor ALEKS Geometry in person at one of our five testing center locations or remotely through the Virtual Testing Center (VTC).

Before testing, you must have the following:

  1. A valid ALEKS Geometry account. If your account has expired and you have not taken your two attempts, email alekstesting@cod.edu about an account reset.
  2. Completed the Knowledge Check (unproctored)

ALEKS Geometry testing is available on a walk-in basis. No appointment needed. A photo ID is required. 

Testing in the VTC does require an appointment. Email alekstesting@cod.edu if you need a remote testing option.

Contact Information

Academic and Specialized Testing Center, Glen Ellyn - Main Campus
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2A06/2A08
(630) 942-2401
Email: testing@cod.edu
Testing Hours and Locations