ALEKS Math Placement Test

GW uses the online placement system Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) to place students in the appropriate version of the first calculus or other math course. This placement test does not assess calculus knowledge, but rather readiness to start introductory calculus courses. Topics covered include algebra and trigonometry.

ALEKS is an online, non-multiple choice adaptive placement exam that we use to determine the appropriate placement in mathematics and economics courses. The goal is to ensure that you have the skills that you need in order to succeed in the course that you take.

Students wanting to register for Math 1051, 1220, 1231 or 1252 must achieve the minimum required score on the proctored ALEKS Math Placement test prior to registering for the class. 

There are two virtual unproctored attempts that allow you to practice prior to taking the proctored ALEKS placement test that will be valid for placement. The ALEKS proctored placement will use remote proctoring, allowing students to take the proctored test online and at home proctored virtually. Before you take your proctored placement you will need to verify your computer meets the requirements and download Respondus Lockdown Monitor and Browser. The proctored test requires a computer camera and audio.

Students with questions about ALEKS should email [email protected].

For Spring 2025 Math Courses

FOR STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THE UNIVERSITY FALL 2023 OR LATER:

You are required to have the minimum score on a proctored version of the ALEKS test prior to registering for your spring 2025 courses. You should have the required proctored score two days prior to registering for the course you want to take. The final deadline for taking the proctored ALEKS test prior to spring 2025 classes will be 11:59 p.m. on January 5, 2025.

FOR STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THE UNIVERSITY PRIOR TO FALL 2023:

You must achieve the minimum score on an unproctored ALEKS math placement test prior to registering for your spring math course. If you entered the university prior to Fall 2023 and have the required unproctored score please contact the Economics Department to be signed into your class.

If you require disability-related accommodations for the ALEKS assessment, you will need to register with GW’s Disability Support Services by submitting their online application. Note, the DSS registration process can take 1-2 weeks. If you have further questions on how to register for accommodations, please contact [email protected] or 202-994-8250.

Once you are registered and approved for accommodations with DSS, you will then need to submit your Letters to Professors to ([email protected]), to ensure your accommodations are in place for your exam. It will take approximately two business days to get your accommodations added within ALEKS.

Take the ALEKS Test

Who Needs to Take ALEKS

This test is mandatory for any student who wishes to register for MATH 1051, MATH 1220, MATH 1231 or MATH 1252.

Scores on ALEKS Math Placement Test assist students in getting placed in the appropriate Math course. Students must have the required proctored ALEKS placement test score in the system to register for a course. 

All students who entered the university in Fall 2023 or later must have the required minimum score on the proctored ALEKS Math Placement Test in order to be enrolled in a course.

Students who have a 3 on the AP Calculus AB exam (or AB subscore of the BC exam) may enroll in MATH 1231 with their AP Score and do not need to take the ALEKS Math Placement Test. Be sure to have your AP score in the system prior to registration.

You must complete two unproctored attempts before you take a proctored placement test. You should use the ALEKS Knowledge Prep and Learning Modules to prepare for the proctored test. Students who spend more time in the prep modules are more likely to see improvement and will be better prepared for proctored placement exam.

No placement test is needed to take MATH 1000: Dean’s Seminar, MATH 1007: Mathematics and Politics or MATH 1009: Mathematical Ideas.

Students are unable to place into MATH 1220 in Spring semesters. Please talk to your advisors for alternative options.

Required ALEKS Test Scores

• MATH 1051: 31 or higher
• MATH 1220 with required additional discussion section: 31 - 60* 
• MATH 1220: 61 or higher
• MATH 1231: 76 or higher
• MATH 1252: 31 or higher

*Students who score between 31-60 on the proctored placement exam can register for Math 1220, they will be placed in a mandatory additional discussion section that will meet once a week. MATH 1220 is not offered in spring semesters.

Guidance on Taking the ALEKS Math Placement Test

• You have a total of two unproctored attempts to prepare for the proctored test. You will have one proctored attempt in summer to achieve the minimum score needed to register for the course you want to take in fall, a second proctored attempt is available in fall to achieve the minimum score needed to register for the course you want to take in spring.
• Students must take the test online without proctoring two times, as practice, before taking an online proctored test. 
• Please do your best on your unproctored attempts at the placement test. Take your time and do not rush through the assessment. The unproctored attempts help you become comfortable with this environment and identify areas of needed review. Prep and Learning Modules are assigned based on your unproctored score. If you do not obtain the required score for the course you are interested in taking on the unproctored test, you should study the Prep and Learning Modules presented by ALEKS in order to remedy the deficits in your knowledge base and prepare for the proctored test. Even if you receive the desired minimum score on your unproctored attempts, you may find it helpful to review materials that the unproctored assessment identified as a knowledge weakness.
• The third attempt will be a proctored test. You must download the Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor to take the proctored test. You need to install the ALEKS version of Lockdown Browser even if you already have a different version of LockDown Browser that is used for other courses on your device. Guidelines and the password for the proctored test are below. A fourth proctored attempt is available prior to spring registration.
• Students who already took their two unproctored tests and one proctored test in summer can take an additional proctored test during fall term in order to get the minimum proctored score needed. It is recommended that you study in the Prep and Learning Modules prior to taking the next proctored test.
• Students may only use a pen or pencil, paper and the resources provided within ALEKS for their unproctored and proctored attempts. ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator if students need one to complete a particular problem, you may not use your own calculator.
• After every attempt, before you can retake the test, you must spend a minimum of three hours studying the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules. You are required to take both unproctored attempts before the proctored attempt.
• There is a cool-off period of 24 hours between assessments. This means 24 hours must pass before you can retake the placement test.
• You have two hours and 30 minutes for each assessment, so use your time wisely. If you do not complete the test and submit within the allotted time it will not count as a test attempt and record your work. Be sure to watch the clock and complete the assessment within the allotted time.
• You must hit "submit" on your work before you log off, or it will not count as a test attempt.
• ALEKS testing should be completed consistent with the principles of GW’s Code of Academic Integrity. 

Proctored ALEKS Math Placement Test

The proctored ALEKS Math Placement Test Score is used for placement. Students must take the online ALEKS Proctored test prior to January 5, 2025 for Spring 2025 classes.

Students will take their proctored ALEKS attempt using the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. This will block access to other websites and software and use remote proctoring software in which a webcam scan of the testing area, and recording of all activity during the exam is required. You must show your photo identification at the start of the remote proctoring. 

You should take the proctored test in a private quiet space, free from noise and distractions. You will need to have a valid ID showing your name and photo available as well as pens/pencils and a few pieces of blank scratch paper. No other materials should be near you or within reach. You may not leave the room for breaks during the exam. You may not use your own calculator. 

In order to take the proctored exam you will need to ensure that your computer meets the system requirements and that you have downloaded Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor for ALEKS. You can download the Respondus Lockdown Browser for ALEKS, check system requirements, and check your setup and installation. 

You will be remotely proctored using Respondus Monitor, an automated remote proctoring vendor. Respondus Monitor will walk students through the check in procedures and monitor students throughout their assessment session through audio and video. A human staff member reviews most assessment session recordings after the assessment is taken. 

Note: You will need to install the ALEKS version of Lockdown Browser even if you already have a different version of LockDown Browser. You can have multiple versions of Lockdown browser installed on your computer. There is no need to uninstall other versions.

Students who experience technical difficulties or other circumstances that make it impossible for them to take the online proctored test should contact [email protected].

What happens if I do not get the needed minimum score on the proctored ALEKS math test for the math class that I want to take? 

Students who do not have the proctored score needed for the math course they want to take should consult with their school advising office about course options. Opportunities to take the proctored test for Fall 2025 course registration will open in March of 2025.

Guidelines for the Proctored ALEKS Test

• No outside resources are permitted. While taking ALEKS, you should not access other resources (a phone, tablet, notes, books, etc.) or communicate with other people. Do not wear headphones or ear pods while taking the assessment. Make sure the area around your computer is clear of papers with writing, books, phones, calculators, etc.
• Only 3-5 blank sheets of paper and a pencil/pen are permitted during the assessment. Your phone should be placed far enough away from you that you would need to stand to pick it up.
• You may not use any type of handheld calculator. On problems in which a calculator is permitted, one will be provided in ALEKS.
• You will be prompted to complete a 360° environment check.
• You must position your computer and webcam so that you SHOW YOUR FACE, TORSO, BOTH HANDS AND YOUR ENTIRE WORK SPACE AT ALL TIMES. To achieve this, you will need to push your computer slightly away from you and tilt the webcam. This is required. The expected webcam position should look like this image:
   

Please stay in your seat and focus on your assessment until you are finished. If an interruption occurs, briefly explain what happened by speaking directly to your webcam. 

Have your identification ready before you take ALEKS. 

Acceptable Identification:

• Your GWORLD Student ID card 
• State Driver's License
• State Issued Personal Identification with photo
• Valid Passport

Password for Proctored ALEKS is: ALEKS2425!

And, finally, remember that you cannot exit ALEKS until all questions are completed and you have submitted it for grading. The assessment usually takes about 90 minutes to complete, but it is timed for 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

Interpreting Your Score