ALEKS – Math Placement Assessment

Prior to the summer of 2018, ALEKS was the primary tool used to appropriately place students into introductory math courses. Beginning in the summer of 2018, however, FIU has adopted a new math placement model (MPM version 1.0) that replaces ALEKS as the primary placement tool. The MPM, considers, among others, three key variables for predicting the highest course in which a student might be successful. The most significant predictor variables were determined to be, in order, (1) unweighted overall high school GPA, (2) SAT Quantitative/ACT Math score, and (3) the difficulty of the highest level high school math course in which students enrolled.

For some students however, it may still be necessary for them to take the ALEKS. Unlike the new, math placement model, ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent system that uses adaptive questioning to determine exactly what a student knows, doesn’t know, and is most ready to learn.

For those for whom the ALEKS remains necessary, detailed information is provided below.

Where and how do I sign up to take the assessment?

To take in person. (Recommended for local students)

• Go to https://testing.fiu.edu
• Select Register for an Exam
• Scroll down to ALEKS First Time BBC or ALEKS First Time MMC
• Select campus
• Select date and complete requested information
• You will receive a confirmation via email
• Photo ID is required on the day of the exam
• For assistance or additional information, please call (305) 348-2441 for MMC or (305) 919-4043 for BBC
• Please Note: All students are required to pay the $15 ALEKS fee each time the exam is taken regardless of attempt (first, second, third etc.) Make sure that you have a valid credit /debit card, or access to a valid card’s information with you.

To access your records:

• Go to https://www.aleks.com/fiu
• Log in using your given username and password
• Look for a Record button to access your past assessment(s)

To re-take an assessment:

• Go to https://testing.fiu.edu to schedule the assessment.
• Arrive at the University Testing Center ten minutes before your scheduled time.
• You will be directed to a testing room where you will be asked to login to the ALEKS site (make sure you have your login name and password with you!)
• You will be asked to pay the ALEKS assessment fee ($15) directly to ALEKS corporation before you can begin. Make sure that you have a valid credit /debit card, or access to a valid card’s information with you.

What can I expect on the assessment?

This is a math assessment, so make sure that you have plenty of paper on which to write. You do not need a calculator. If a question requires use of a calculator, one will appear on your screen. Before you start the assessment, a short tutorial is provided to familiarize you with the ALEKS toolbar. The assessment will consist of about 30 open-ended questions, with varying degrees of difficulty. You will not know whether your answer is correct or not. Your answers determine what questions you are asked next, as ALEKS probes the depth of your knowledge. Because of the adaptive nature of the assessment, you will not be permitted to go back to change your answers. Therefore, try to answer the questions to the best of your ability. You should answer “I don’t know” only if you truly do not know the answer.

How long does the assessment take? Is there a time limit?

On average, the assessment takes about 90 minutes. You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes. The assessment should be completed in one sitting, so plan accordingly. The time starts when you begin the assessment. After 2 hours 30 minutes, the assessment will close and you will be assigned the score earned at that time. If you are not happy with that score, you can retake the assessment after 24 hours have elapsed.

How do I find out my ALEKS score?

Your ALEKS score appears after you complete the assessment. You will see a pie chart showing your performance in different areas represented by color-keyed slices. The darker color in each slice represents your mastery level. Above the pie, you will see, under Course Mastery, the number of topics in which you did well. At the bottom of this page, under the History tab, you will see a table that contains, among other things, the Assessment Performance Goal which is your ALEKS score.

Your ALEKS score will be available to your advisor within 24-48 hours. If you need it sooner, please print the results.

What does my score mean? What class am I eligible for?

Your score shows the level of your math preparedness and as such can be used to help you choose a class in which you are likely to succeed. If you take a class for which you don’t have required prerequisites, your chances of passing are greatly diminished. ALEKS placement assessment evaluates your knowledge and indicates the class level in which you can be successful. It is always recommended that you discuss your ALEKS score with your advisor.

Can I take the assessment more than once?

Yes. You can take the assessment as many times as you want. Every attempt has to be taken at the University Testing Center (one attempt per day). Please visit https://testing.fiu.edu for available dates and times.

How much does the assessment cost?

Each attempt costs $15 and is payable directly to the ALEKS corporation. Learning Modules subscriptions can be purchased directly from https://ALEKS.com.

Will the score appear on my transcript?

No, the score will be available to your advisor and used only to place you in a class in which you are most likely to succeed.

Is there any additional proctoring fee to take the exam?

If you take the exam at one of FIU’s testing centers, (GL 120 MMC or ACI-160 BBC), the $10 proctoring fee will be waived. You will still be responsible for the $15 ALEKS fee. If in the rare event you require remote proctoring, you may use ProctorU for example. ProctorU’s charges will apply in addition to the $15 ALEKS fee.