Heritage University uses an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. 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.
HU’s ALEKS PPL Assessment consists of three parts:
- An Initial Placement Assessment
- The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
- Access to 4 additional Placement Assessments
What is the purpose of placement assessment?
Placement Assessment results are used to determine the most appropriate math course for students based on their knowledge of the subject. Starting in the right course sets you up for success!
Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
New and incoming HU students whose initial transcript mathematics placement is MATH 94, 95, or 96 are highly encouraged to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment.
Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?
There is no cost for students to take the Placement Assessment.
Taking the Placement Assessment
Before you begin, remember that placement is a critical component for your success in your first math course. The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge state for success in mathematics courses. It is critically important that 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.
While taking the Placement Assessment, students should NOT consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, phone apps, etc.). Using outside resources for this assessment is a violation of HU’s academic honesty policy.
What do I need to begin the Placement Assessment?
- A computer and reliable internet connection
- A quiet place where you can work uninterrupted for approximately 2 hours (the average assessment takes about 1.5 hours).
- Pencils, and plenty of scratch paper
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?
ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, calculators are not permitted during the Placement Assessment.
Are Placement Assessments timed?
Yes, you have 3 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun.
I am ready to start my ALEKS PPL Assessment. How do I begin?
You may take start the Placement Assessment on your own, however, we highly recommend that you visit the ASC in person between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm or virtually from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm weekdays for individualized instruction on starting the placement test. If you’d like to meet with us virtually, email us and we’ll send you the Zoom link to ASC’s Virtual Drop-In Meeting space.
Contact: (509)865-8517
Email: ASC@heritage.edu
To begin the ALEKS PPL Assessment on your own,
- Go to http://www.aleks.com/sign_up/class?class_code=HQ34L-M43WX
- Create your account and record your login information; store it in a safe place
- Please DO NOT create a second account, this will disqualify your prior placement scores and may prevent you from using this placement option in the future.
- Follow the prompts, take a short survey and a short ALEKS tools tutorial
- When prompted, enter the password: IRON60CHERRY
- Complete your placement
What do I do when I’m finished with my ALEKS PPL Assessment?
Contact the Office of Student Affairs to schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor who will talk with you about selecting the appropriate math course based on your major of interest and placement scores. Your advisor may encourage you to continue testing to improve your placement.
Student Affairs: Phone: (509) 865-8663 or studentaffairs@heritage.edu.
What does my score tell me?
When you complete your assessment, you will see your score along with a list of math courses you are ready to take. Below is a summary of the class names and associated ALEKS PPL Assessment scores. Meeting with your advisor will help you determine which math course you should register for.
| ALEKS PPL Placement score range | Math classes you are eligible to register for |
| 0 to 13 | MATH 94 Arithmetic |
| 14 to 29 | MATH 95 Beginning Algebra |
| 30 to 45 | MATH 96 Intermediate Algebra
MATH 221 Introduction to Statistics SOC 220 Applied Social Statistics |
| 46 to 60 | MATH 116 Foundational Mathematics for Teachers I
MATH 117 Foundational Mathematics for Teachers II MATH 135 Business Algebra MATH 140 College Algebra MATH 221 Introduction to Statistics SOC 220 Applied Social Statistics |
| 61 to 75 | MATH 116 Foundational Mathematics for Teachers I,
MATH 117 Foundational Mathematics for Teachers II, MATH 135 Business Algebra MATH 150 Trigonometry MATH 221 Introduction to Statistics SOC 220 Applied Social Statistics |
| 76 to 100 | MATH 116 Foundational Mathematics for Teachers I,
MATH 117 Foundational Mathematics for Teachers II, MATH 135 Business Algebra MATH 150 Trigonometry MATH 221 Introduction to Statistics SOC 220 Applied Social Statistics MATH 212 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I |
Can I improve my score or retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
Yes! You can take up to 4 additional Placement Assessments. To make each attempt worthwhile, ALEKS includes a Prep and Learning Module that you can use to prepare for your next assessment. ALEKS will automatically assign the prep materials according to your needs. You must spend 5 hours in the Prep and Learning mode before your second attempt; 5 hours before your third attempt; 10 hours before your fourth attempt; and 20 hours before your last attempt.
Can I receive tutoring assistance between placement Assessments?
Yes! Tutors are available both online and in-person at the Academic Skills Center (ASC) on the Heritage University Campus. Tutoring support is available Monday – Friday, 12:30 pm to 9 pm, except for two holidays: Friday, June 10th (Yakama Nation Treaty Day Observance) and Monday, July 4th (Independence Day).
Tutors are located in the ASC in the Kathleen Ross Center (next door to the library) from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm and can be accessed virtually from 12:30 pm to 9 pm. If you are unable to be on campus and you’d like to receive help online, just email us and we’ll send you the Zoom link to our ASC Virtual Drop-In space.
Contact the ASC by phone at (509) 865-8517 or email ASC@heritage.edu for more information about tutoring support, Math Bridge Program, or Math Bridge Placement.
Contact Us
Academic Skills Center
Phone: (509) 865-8517
Email:
ASC@heritage.edu