The Math Placement Test

ALEKS PPL Assessment for Spring 2026 opens October 5, 2026

The University of North Texas has implemented the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) test to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student's strengths and weaknesses.

Who is eligible to take the Math Placement Test?

Only TSI complete students can take the Math Placement Test. (Students who are TSI incomplete should consult with Advising Services concerning TSI status and developmental mathematics courses.)
If you have taken a math class at UNT, you are not eligible to take the ALEKS PPL.
If you have a transfer credit for a course equivalent to a UNT math course, then you are not eligible to take the ALEKS PPL
- EXCEPTION 1: Students that have successfully completed Math 1680 or Math 1580 (or an equivalent course to be transferred to UNT) and have changed their major to a field that requires Math 1650 or higher can take the Math Placement Test as long as they have not previously taken it.
- EXCEPTION 2: Students that have successfully completed Math 1680 and must show algebra proficiency to enroll in Chemistry can take the Math Placement Test as long as they have not previously taken it.

Who should take the Math Placement Test?

If you are TSI complete, you do not have to take the Math Placement Test to enroll in MATH 1100 (College Algebra).
Students can place into Math 1650 via SAT score or ALEKS placement
If you want to bypass MATH 1100 and enroll in MATH 1650 (Pre-Calculus) or MATH 1710 (Calculus I), and have not scored high enough on the SAT test, or have not taken the SAT test, you will need to take the Math Placement Test to be placed in these higher level Math courses.
Students cannot use the Math Placement Test as a substitute for a failed class or a class in which they received a grade of W.

What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at your institution. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.

Topics covered:

Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).

Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment? ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.

What is the format of the questions on ALEKS? ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. We provide scratch paper for you.

May I use a calculator while using ALEKS? ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to solve a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

May I use any other resources during a Placement Assessment? You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and potentially course failure. It is a violation of the institution’s honor code.

Can I review a question after I've answered it? Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.

What if I see questions I don’t know? It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer, I don't know. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. I don't know is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in the Placement Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.

Are Placement Assessments timed? Yes, you have 2 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun.

How can I take the Math Placement Test?

We recommend you take the ALEKS PPL Mathematics Assessment online from anywhere. You can use Chromebooks or iPads. You are required to use LockDown Browser with a working Webcam.
1. Go to www.aleks.com.
2. Click on New Student / Sign Up.
3. E-mail Tonya.King@unt.edu (using your UNT student e-mail) to request the Course Code. Enter the code on the ALEKS page.
4. Select "confirm" on Class Information Page.
5. Select "Not Used Before".
6. Enter your personal information as required.
7. Create your password.
8. Write down your login name.
9. Select the link in Class Module.
10. Enter the password "MATH123".
11. Select "Get Started".
12. Do the short survey.
13. Select "Get Started" to the introduction course and complet the introduction course. (This is not the test.)
14. Select "Get Started" to begin the test.
  - Launch LockDown Browser.
  - Agree to instructions.
  - Read all steps.
15. Begin exam.

You also have the option to take the test on a walk-in basis, Monday-Friday between 8:30 am - 2:00 pm, in the Mathematics Undergraduate Advising and Testing Center (GAB 443), at home on a personal computer or at prescheduled orientation sessions.
There is no charge for the UNT ALEKS PPL Assessment.
For new UNT students who have registered for a new student orientation session, we encourage the ALEKS PPL Assessment online prior to your session.

Math Groups and Equivalent Courses

Math Group	Courses to Enroll In	Has Credit For	ALEKS Score Needed
1	1100,1180,1580,1680	TSI Complete	N/A
2	1650	B in 1100	65-69%
2B	1190	1100 or 1180	60-64%
2C	1600	1100	60-64%
3	1710	B in 1650	≥ 80%
3C	1810	1610 or 1650	70-79%

The rules of the test

You get 2 attempts to take the test within a year.
To access the second attempt students must wait a minimum of 48 hours and spend a minimum of 3 hours in the prep and learning module.
You are not allowed to use calculators for the test.

If you need accommodation due to a disability to fully participate in this program, please contact Tonya King, Department of Mathematics, via email at Tonya.King@unt.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.