Welcome to the UNC Charlotte math placement assessment. This assessment is designed to help you find the right starting place for your mathematics studies at UNC Charlotte. We want to give you the best possible foundation for success and have found this test to be an accurate tool for matching students with the correct classes. Obviously, there’s more to success than the knowledge that you bring with you; dedication and determination can make up for gaps in knowledge.
Do I need to take the math placement test?
First and foremost, talk to an advisor in your major about which math classes you will need for your degree. They can help you navigate the math placement process.
- You do not need to take the math placement assessment in order to register for MATH 1101, MATH 1102, or STAT 1222. (Again, check with your advisor to see if these courses are a fit for your degree.)
- You do not need to take the math placement assessment if you have sent an official copy of your SAT or ACT scores to the University (click here for instructions for sending your SAT scores) (click here for instructions for sending your ACT scores). Your math level will be assigned based on your test scores. You may still take the assessment though if you wish to improve your math level.
- You may not need to take the math placement assessment if you have AP credit or transferable math credit from another institution. In this case, you will not be assigned a math placement level, but your college credits can serve as prerequisites for courses in the same sequence.
- You should take the placement assessment if you have not been assigned a math placement level based on your official SAT/ACT scores, do not have the correct transferable math credit, intend only to register for courses that do not require a placement level, or wish to increase your math level.
What is ALEKS?
UNC Charlotte requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment 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. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.
ALEKS consists of three parts:
- An Initial Placement Assessment
- The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
- Access to 2 additional Placement Assessments
UNC Charlotte encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.
What is the purpose of placement testing? The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best classes based on their scores.
This is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of his/her strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time.
Be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously, and each student gives an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, etc…). The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge state so that he/she will be successful in mathematics courses. UNC Charlotte’s honor code can be found here: Policy 407.
How do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? Use the link below. You will need a laptop with a working camera and a working microphone. You will be asked to log in with your NinerNet ID and will be taken to the placement assessment in ALEKS. You will also need a photo ID. There is a short practice tutorial before your assessment begins. You may have up to 3 attempts, but between attempts, there is a 24-hour ‘cool-off’ period when you will be unable to access the test. Between attempts, you must also use the Prep and Learning Modules for 3 hours between each attempt and again for 5 hours between subsequent attempts. More FAQs about the assessment are found here.
IMPORTANT NOTES – Please Read!
- You will need the following password to take the assessment: CHARLOTTE1
- Once you click the link below, you will have one calendar year to complete the placement process. If you need access after this time period, you will have to purchase a separate license to take the assessment.