What is on the ALEKS math placement test?
The math on the ALEKS placement test covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. However, since the level of difficulty of each question is determined based on the student’s answers to previous questions, some students never advance to the Algebra 2 test questions.
How to study for the ALEKS Math Test
1. Select an ALEKS study guide.
Make sure your review includes comprehensive instruction, guided practice, and interactive tests.
2. Learn the content.
Don’t settle for quick help that won’t move the needle. Use ALEKS Math diagnostic tests to determine where you should focus your energies, and don’t be afraid to go back to more basic lessons to build your foundation. You’ll also benefit greatly from grade reports to monitor your progress and keep you on task.
3. Practice efficiently.
Target the topics that are covered on the test - nothing more and nothing less. The best ALEKS Math test prep programs allow you to make the most of your time.
4. Take an ALEKS practice test.
Test prep books and practice questions are great, and classes and tutors are helpful, but there’s no substitute for seeing what you’ll actually face on test day and doing a trial run. Any ALEKS Math test prep course worth its salt will include practice tests as a core component of your preparation for the test.
5. Sign up for the test.
If you follow the steps above, there’s no reason to be nervous. You’ll be ready!
What is ALEKS?
ALEKS stands for Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces, which is an online program for math, business, science, and behavioral science. The learning is personalized and the assessments are adaptive, allowing the ALEKS to deliver the exact content that the student needs.
What is ALEKS math?
The ALEKS math assessment is an adaptive program that is delivered online and uses artificial intelligence to identify the exact areas where students need help based on their answers to open-response questions.
How does the ALEKS program work?
The ALEKS quickly assesses the student’s knowledge of a course by using just 20 to 30 questions in most cases. The reason the ALEKS works so well in such a short period of time (45 minutes or so) is that it adapts to the student’s responses. In other words, each question is based on the student’s answers to all of the previous questions.
How do I pass the ALEKS placement test?
Here are five tips you can use to do well enough to pass the ALEKS math test:
- Don’t do the problems in your head – use pencil and paper.
- Do use a calculator when available – some questions allow it.
- Don’t go into the test cold – refresh your skills beforehand.
- Don’t rush – you have a full 24 hours to complete the ALEKS test.
- Do answer every question – there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
How many questions are on the ALEKS test?
The ALEKS test is composed of 20 to 35 questions. The questions are open-response and the test is adaptive, meaning that each question is based on the student’s answer to the previous question. It usually takes about 45 minutes to complete the test.
Is the ALEKS placement test hard?
The ALEKS placement test is hard because it’s adaptive. In other words, the more questions you answer correctly, the harder the questions become. Therefore, you’ll always be pushed to the limits of your knowledge. Another reason the ALEKS test is hard is that it’s designed to place you into any math course all the way up to Calculus, so the questions can become quite difficult if you continue to get the answers right. Using Online Tutoring will help ensure you can easily pass ALEKS math.
What is a good ALEKS test score?
An ALEKS test score of 30 or more is considered good because it means you’re ready for college math. If you want to place into Calculus, however, you’ll need an ALEKS math score of at least 75.
Can I take the ALEKS test at home?
Yes, you can take the ALEKS test at home, and most students prefer to do so. The convenience of taking the test at home is one of the great advantages of the ALEKS compared to other placement tests that require you to take the test in person at a testing center.
The ALEKS went great. I passed with a 95! It was all very helpful.Anthony Barrios - May 2025
I had a great experience with the MathHelp.com lessons. It helped me learn a lot of new things and recall some concepts I had forgotten. What I can say is, I pity those who would go for the ALEKS test without going through these lessons first. I scored 76% in the ALEKS Math Placement test, thanks to the lessons. It qualified me for the course I wanted. The lessons were well thought of, the contents were precise and beautifully delivered. Well done and keep up the good work!Odong Joel - April 2025
Great ALEKS course! I enjoyed the bite-sized approach.Troy Kaser - April 2025
What makes MathHelp.com different?
What is the ALEKS Test?
ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is an online tutoring and assessment program that includes course material in mathematics, chemistry, introductory statistics, and business.
Rather than being based on numerical test scores, ALEKS uses the theory of knowledge spaces to develop a combinatorial understanding of the set of topics a student does or doesn't understand from the answers to its test questions. Based on this assessment, it determines the topics that the student is ready to learn and allows the student to choose from interactive learning modules for these topics.
ALEKS was initially developed at UC Irvine starting in 1994 with support from a large National Science Foundation grant. The software was granted by UC Irvine's Office of Technology Alliances to ALEKS Corporation under an exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license. In 2013, the ALEKS Corporation was acquired by McGraw-Hill Education.
ALEKS is available for a variety of courses and subjects that cover K-12, higher education, and continuing education, ranging from basic arithmetic and chemistry to pre-calculus and MBA financial accounting preparation.