The Online Math Placement Exam (ALEKS) assesses the student’s knowledge of mathematics concepts at the undergraduate level. It is taken unproctored at mathplacement.indiana.edu. The Online Math Placement Exam must be taken at least once, but you may choose to take it up to three times. The exam should be completed in a single sitting without interruption. You cannot pause the exam and return to it later. There is no time limit for the Online Math Placement Exam, although all testing must be completed in a continuous 48 hour time frame. We suggest that you allow 90 minutes to complete the exam.
The Online Math Placement Exam must be taken without assistance. Calculators may not be used on the exam. Dictionaries, books, notes, the internet, websites, and other tools should not be used during the exam. Please do not ask others for assistance during the exam. Otherwise, the test scores may not accurately reflect your knowledge and skill level, and you may be placed into a mathematics course that exceeds your capability.
A 24-hour waiting period is required between testing attempts, and the online tutorials must be completed before retesting can commence. Students can complete available study modules at a different time from when they are actually testing. There is no additional fee for retesting.
The student will receive their test scores from their academic advisor, who will help them to identify and register for the most appropriate math coursework. Exam results are used for course placement only. No academic credit is awarded.
Information about how to interpret Online Math Placement Exam scores is available on the Department of Mathematics ALEKS Math Placement Recommendations website.
All freshman and transfer students are required to take the Online Math Placement Exam. Students with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or SAT Subject Test credit are still required to take the Online Math Placement Exam. Exemptions are allowed only under the following circumstances:
Students with intended business majors must have IU Bloomington credit for one of the following options to be exempt from the Online Math Placement Exam:
- MATH-M 118 and MATH-M 119
- MATH-M 118 and MATH-M 211
All other students must have one of the following options to be exempt from the Online Math Placement Exam:
- MATH-M 118 and MATH-M 119
- MATH-M 211
If you plan to enroll in CHEM-C 117, CHEM-S 117, MATH-T 101, or EDUC-N 101, you must take the Online Math Placement Exam regardless of your intended area of study.
If a student’s transfer credits have not been articulated for these particular IU Bloomington course(s), the student must plan to take the Online Math Placement Exam prior to New Student Orientation (NSO). During your NSO advising appointment you will meet with an advisor who will interpret your score and determine your placement levels and course options. Neglecting to take the exam prior to NSO may disrupt your advising appointment and course registration. Please see the IUB Credit Transfer Service website to see how courses from previous institutions will transfer.
Academic credit for Calculus may be awarded through a proctored exam taken during New Student Orientation. Additional information about the Calculus Exemption Exam is available on the Optional Exemption Exams page of our website.