ALEKS Math Placement
Introducing ALEKS
What is ALEKS?
ALEKS is an online artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know. The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Pre-calculus. After the assessment, the Prep and Learning Module targeting your specific math skills is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve your placement.
The purpose of the assessment is so that you and your advisor know which math courses are best for you to take. Earning a score of 45 or higher means that you are ready to take college-level courses.
ALEKS Frequently Asked Questions
Who must take ALEKS?
- All first-time, full‑time students admitted to Delaware State University’s main campus beginning in the Fall semester are required to take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment.
- New Transfer Students: If you do not have transferable math credits from your prior institution, you must take the ALEKS test. Transfer students who already have transferable math coursework are not required to take ALEKS.
Taking the ALEKS helps make sure you are placed in the math course that best fits your major and your current skill level.
Important: ALEKS Placement Test codes and login credentials are sent only to students who have accepted their offer of admission. For further information on your status, contact admissions [at] desu.edu.
What if I’m not good at math?
Don’t worry—ALEKS is designed to help you. The placement test includes prep and learning modules that let you practice, build your skills, and improve your placement. The goal is to place you in a math class where you can be successful, not overwhelmed. ALEKS simply measures what you know right now, so we can start you at the right level.
When do I take ALEKS? Is there a Deadline or Last Day?
Once you officially accept your offer to attend DSU in the Admissions Portal, you will receive an email with your ALEKS Placement Test information and Class Code. As soon as you receive your code, you may begin the placement test.
You can find all important dates on our ‘Dates and Deadlines’ page.
How do I Access the Codes for the Test?
The ALEKS Placement Test codes and credentials will ONLY be sent to students who have accepted their admissions offers and committed to the University.
Once you officially accept your offer to attend DSU in the Admissions Portal, you will receive an email with your ALEKS Placement Test information and Class Code. As soon as you receive your code, you may begin the placement test.
Please check out ‘Dates and Deadlines’ page for updates on when to take and complete the ALEKS placement test. Failure to take the ALEKS math assessment will result in incomplete schedules, preventing students from completing their admissions and housing process.
How long will the assessment take?
You will be asked up to 30 questions. You should plan to complete the assessment in one 2-3 hour sitting. If you do not complete the assessment in one sitting, you will have 48 hours to complete it before the assessment is reset.
May I use a calculator or other resources while using ALEKS?
ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may NOT use a calculator, or any other resource (friends, family, Internet searches, etc.).
How do I take the assessment?
ALEKS uses Respondus LockDown Browser to keep the testing environment secure. Before starting your first ALEKS test, you will be prompted to download and install the ALEKS version of LockDown Browser if you do not already have it.
Respondus Monitor works on the following devices:
- Windows 10 or 11
- macOS 12 or higher
- iPadOS 15 or higher (must meet the ALEKS compatibility requirements)
- Chromebook (supported versions)
- A webcam and a microphone
- A reliable internet connection
Make sure your device meets these requirements before starting the assessment.
Further instructions on how to take the test and access will be posted on our “Accessing ALEKS for the First Time” page.
** DSU reserves the right to randomly select students to take the placement assessment with a proctor on campus through the University College Testing Services and Programs.
Testing Security and Integrity - Respondus Monitor
ALEKS uses Respondus LockDown Browser to keep the testing environment secure. Before starting your first ALEKS test, you will be prompted to download and install the ALEKS version of LockDown Browser if you do not already have it.
Respondus Monitor works on the following devices:
- Windows 10 or 11
- macOS 12 or higher
- iPadOS 15 or higher (must meet the ALEKS compatibility requirements)
- Chromebook (supported versions)
- A webcam and a microphone
- A reliable internet connection
Make sure your device meets these requirements before starting the assessment.
For Respondus Monitor support, visit the Respondus Knowledge Base or the Respondus Lockdown Browser Troubleshooting for support or to submit a Support Ticket.