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  Review Instructions

  Read all information about the ALEKS PPL assessment, including what to expect during the test.

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  Have your USC network username and password available

  If you forgot them:

  • Use “Forgot IDs” to find your username.
  • Use Password Reset to change your password.

  To claim your username watch the USC Division of IT video on how to claim your username and password.

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  Check your Computer

  • Confirm your device meets ALEKS PPL system requirements (browser, webcam, internet connection, etc.).
  • Confirm Respondus Lockdown Browser requirements
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  Setup Your Testing Space

  • Set up your computer on a table.
  • Tell your family and friends you will need privacy.
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  Gather Supplies

  • Have paper and a pen/pencil ready for scratch work.
  • Use only the built-in ALEKS calculator (no outside calculators allowed).

During the ALEKS Math Placement Test

Expand allAccess ALEKS PPL

• Use a personal computer with reliable Internet access.
• You can log in anytime before starting the assessment.
• Download Respondus Lockdown Browser.

Plan Your Time

• Schedule a quiet block of time to work without interruptions.
• Once you start, you have 2.5 hours to finish the assessment.
• Most students finish in about 60-90 minutes, but time varies.
• You must complete it in one sitting. You cannot save and return.
• You are allowed a total of 5 attempts (including partial attempts) within one year of logging in.

Understand the Format

• There are 25 open-ended questions.
• No multiple-choice questions—you’ll type in your answers.
• Before starting, you’ll watch a short tutorial on:
• Entering answers
• Using the built-in calculator and graphing tool

Gather Supplies

• Have pen/pencil and paper for scratch work.
• Use only the ALEKS built-in calculator (no outside calculators allowed).

Be Honest

• Do not cheat—scores determine your math placement.
• Cheating could place you in a course that’s too hard, leading to:
• Wasted time and money
• Possible delayed graduation

Technical Help

First make sure your computer meets the ALEKS system requirements. If you are still encountering issues, please contact ALEKS student support at (800) 258-2374 or chat with an ALEKS support agent. 

If you can’t log in to ALEKS or have problems with DUO multifactor authentication, you may need to contact USC's DoIT’s Help Desk by calling 803-777-1800.

After Completing ALEKS PPL

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  View Your Score

  Immediately after submission, you’ll see your ALEKS Math Placement score on the screen.

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  Score Availability in Self Service Carolina

  Your score will be added to Self-Service Carolina automatically within 24 hours after completing the assessment.

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  Decide Next Steps

  If satisfied with your score:

  • No further action is needed.

  If NOT satisfied with your score:

  • After your 1st attempt, you can retake the test immediately.
  • After your 2nd attempt, you will need to wait at least 3 hours and complete at least 3 hours of personalized learning modules before each additional attempt
  • Use the waiting period to review tutorials and practice resources provided by USC.