The Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) placement exam is used to place students into math classes ranging from  Introductory Algebra and Intermediate Algebra up to various levels of college level math such as College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus. ALEKS is an online assessment which is self proctored meaning you can take this test entirely from home. Students will start by completing an initial assessment. This assessment will help give you an idea of your current math skills and helps identify potential gaps in your knowledge. ALEKS will then use your assessment results to develop a learning module based around your needs. After reviewing learning module content you can then get started on your first official test attempt. Students have a total of 4 opportunities to complete placement testing.

Before you start your first ALEKS placement exam: 

• Make sure you have the proper device  
  • Windows running 10, 8, or 7
  • Mac running OS X 10.10+
  • iPad App running iOS 9+

Note: Chromebooks are not compatible.

• Download the LockDown browser.  https://www.aleks.com/support/ lockdown_system_requirements  
  • After downloading you may want to confirm that LockDown browser was installed successfully.  https://www.aleks.com/support/ lockdown_test

Testing from home:

• Make sure you have a room where you can close the door and test free from others.
  • This should be a quiet, well lit space with no one entering or exiting the room.
  • You will be asked to use the camera on your device to scan the environment including the top of your desk. 
    • Failure to complete your environment scan can invilidate your test results.
• Make sure you have enough time for your exam.
  • You have up to 4 hours to complete the exam, however a majority of students take between 1 to 2 hours to complete their first test.
• During your test:
  • No outside assistance is permitted. 
  • The webcam and lockdown browser are how students are proctored so the webcam lens must not be covered up.
  • No outside calculators are permitted. A calculator icon will appear on the screen when it is allowed to be used.
  • No use of cell phones or other electronic devices are permitted
  • Headphones are not needed during the exam and are not allowed.
  • Scratch paper IS permitted and is encouraged. 

Log in here using your La Sierra username and password to get started with ALEKS.

Testing in-person in our testing center

ALEKS uses special monitoring software which provides the flexibility to complete your placement exams at any time from the comfort and convenience of your home. We understand however that some students may have questions about this process or simply may not have a device which allows them to test from home. While it is not nessisary to test in person, if you prefer to complete your test in person contact our office contact us by emailing testing@lasierra.edu

Retaking the Math Placement Assessment

If you wish to retest we encourage you to make use of  your learning modules and to complete several "knowledge checks" within the platform before you move on to your next test attempt. Students have a total of 4 official test attempts (assessments 2, 3, 4 and 5). In addition students have access to the ALEKS platform for one full year.