Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered on ALEKS?

  • real numbers: fractions, integers, and percentages;
  • equations and inequalities: linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations;
  • linear and quadratic functions: graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas;
  • exponents and polynomials: integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations;
  • rational expressions: rational equations and rational functions;
  • radical expressions: higher roots and rational exponents;
  • exponentials and logarithms: function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations;
  • geometry and trigonometry: perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations.

What are the questions like? 

Open-response test (not multiple choice). You work problems out with paper and pencil and then enter your answers. Before the assessment begins, ALEKS provides a short tutorial to make sure you know how to enter answers and how to use the online calculator and graphing tool, which come up for items that allow their use.

What if I don't take ALEKS and I am not exempt?

Your registration will be blocked until you have a placement test score or a recognized exemption. If you don’t complete a mathematics course in your first year, you will be out of compliance with state mandates. Depending on your major, this could ultimately hold up your graduation.

What if I missed the deadline to take the placement test?

You can still access the placement test the same way, and you should take it immediately.

What should I practice to take ALEKS? 

There is no reason to practice first. Do the very best you can on the test. The learning module that ALEKS constructs for you will target your areas of improvement. You have two online attempts. 

In order to access the second online attempt, you must wait at least 48 hours after completing the first assessment and spend at least 5 hours working in the learning module.

What happens if I stop taking the test in the middle?

You may log out and back in during the 4-hour time frame, picking up where you left off. If you don’t complete the test in that time, no score will be rendered, and you will have to start over. You have not completed the test until you see your score.

What if ALEKS is not working?

  1. Check to make sure that your Towson University NetID (username) and password are working by logging into you TU online student account. If you are not able to log into your TU online student account, use the recommendations on online student accounts to reset or change your password.
  2. Check the list of supported browsers.
  3. If you are still having difficulty, please contact ALEKS's online customer support or call their support line at 1-800-258-2374.

How do I know my results?

When you complete the test, you will immediately see your score, as well as your learning “pie,” the learning module constructed for you. You can always log back into ALEKS to see your score and learning pie.

What happens if I score lower when I retake ALEKS?

The higher score will determine your placement.

When I log into ALEKS, my account says “expired.” I only took it once. Can I still take it again?

Once you log into ALEKS for the first time, you have one year from that time in which to complete all assessments. Your account will automatically expire after that one year. However, you may contact the math department for a class code that will allow you to “renew” your account through a self-pay process (fee may be up to $25). You will then make an appointment with the math department to take a proctored assessment.