Lincoln University requires new incoming students to complete a proctored ALEKS placement assessment to determine readiness for mathematics coursework. ALEKS is an adaptive assessment that measures students’ mastery of topics ranging from Basic Math through Pre-Calculus. Most students complete the assessment in approximately 90 minutes. The ALEKS process is designed to support accurate course placement while giving students an opportunity to improve their readiness through structured learning before re-assessing.
ALEKS is an assessment, not a traditional test. Its goal is to identify what a student already knows and what they are ready to learn next. There is no penalty for incorrect answers in the way a graded exam might work; rather, incorrect answers help ALEKS pinpoint gaps so the learning module can focus on the concepts the student needs most. For the best placement outcome, students should approach ALEKS with seriousness and provide an honest effort so scores accurately reflect current skill level and preparedness.
Students may complete the proctored ALEKS placement assessment up to three times. After each attempt, ALEKS provides a targeted Preparation and Learning Module that helps students review missed concepts and strengthen skills prior to the next proctored attempt (taken remotely or on campus).
| ALEKS Placement Assessment | Assessment Status | Required Practice Time | ALEKS Score Used for Placement |
| First Attempt | Proctored | N/A | Yes |
| Second Attempt | Proctored | Three Hours | Yes |
| Third Attempt | Proctored | Five Hours | Yes |
A student’s placement score on each ALEKS assessment reflects their percentage of mastery of the relevant concepts. After the first proctored attempt, students may either enroll in the course corresponding to their placement or complete the required ALEKS learning module and then take another proctored assessment to improve their score. Students are strongly encouraged to spend several hours working in the ALEKS learning module. Even if they place into their desired course on the first attempt, additional time in ALEKS learning module can enhance their readiness and support stronger performance and higher grades once enrolled.
Course placement at Lincoln University is determined as follows: 
Your academic advisor or your LLE academic success coach will assist in your mathematics placement. You should review the General Education Requirements as well as your major's requirements as listed on your course sequence sheet in the Academic Catalog of the year in which you entered Lincoln University.
Once you are admitted and given Lincoln’s student status, the Math Learning Center (MLC) will sign you up and e-mail you your ALEKS PPL login credentials. Please check your Lincoln e-mail regularly. Once you receive your login information, follow the steps below to complete your placement testing.
Step 1: Log in to ALEKS
Step 2: Start the Test
Step 3: Take the First Proctored Assessment
Step 4: Access Your Placement Assessment Results
If you want to improve your placement score, repeat step 3 after you complete required practice/learning module review for each next testing attempt.
Your academic advisor or academic success coach will see your score in LU Self-Service and will assist you in registering for your math course.
Who has to take the ALEKS placement assessment?
All incoming Lincoln University freshman and new transfer students without earned credit in a mathematics course.
Is there a fee for using ALEKS?
There is no fee to students; it is being paid by Lincoln University.
Can I retake the ALEKS placement assessment?
Yes, you may take up to 3 placement assessments. However, to make the second attempt worthwhile, you must spend the required amount of time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module after the first assessment so that you can improve your skills.
Are ALEKS placement assessments proctored?
Yes, ALEKS placement assessment is proctored, and the proctored score is used for placement into a course
Is remote proctoring available for ALEKS?
Yes, students may use LockDown Browser with Respondus Monitor to take the ALEKS placement assessment remotely using a webcam. This process entails recording the student's attempt and making the recording available to Lincoln University for review. There is a $5.00 fee for this service.
Does the remote proctoring require scheduling or advance notice?
No, ALEKS assessment with LockDown Browser + Respondus Monitor proctoring is available on-demand 24/7, with no scheduling required.
How does it look for students?
When a student begins a placement assessment requiring LockDown Browser with Respondus Monitor, the student will be prompted to download the custom ALEKS LockDown Browser software. If the student has the browser already installed on his or her device, the assessment will launch the browser directly. Note: Students will see the more recognizable term “webcam” instead of the commercial name of “Respondus Monitor.”
What are the system requirements?
LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor will work on windows, Mac, and iPad App and Chromebook. You can find specific system requirements posted here: https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_system_requirements
Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between placement assessments?
Yes, this is a resource that can be used to better prepare to improve your proctored placement assessment.
Are placement assessments timed?
Yes, you have 2 hours to complete an ALEKS placement assessment once it has begun.
How long will a placement assessment take to complete?
ALEKS placement assessments require approximately 90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by student. There will be a maximum of 25 questions.
May I use a calculator 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.
What happens if I do not complete a placement assessment in the allotted time?
For the proctored ALEKS placement assessments, you will be given a score, but it may underestimate your true ability.
May I use any other resources during a placement assessment?
You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, phones, calculators, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper placement and ultimately course failure.
How long is my placement result valid?
Your placement result is valid for as long as you are an active Lincoln University student.
Can I practice using ALEKS before I begin placement?
ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your placement begins.
How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have access until the placement assessment period concludes. Since you are provided with access to it after the first proctored attempt, the length of availability will vary from student to student.
Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module?
Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with two placement assessments.
What are ALEKS Progress Assessments?
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete progress assessments to solidify your gains in knowledge.
Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?
No, you must complete a new placement assessment to change your placement result. Click on the menu in the upper-left of the page from within ALEKS to navigate. Only your placement assessment result will be used for course placement.
Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later?
No, you may only use one Prep and Learning Module. If you are unsure which module to select, use the module recommended by ALEKS.
What if I do not place into the course I wanted?
After you take the first proctored placement assessment, ALEKS recommends you Learning Module to review and learn based on your score. You can attempt the placement assessment up to three times after reviewing the learning module requirement. This gives you a chance to improve your result.
I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?
No, you must achieve the minimum required placement result to take each corresponding class.
What if I placed into the class I wanted?
Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result above is the minimum preparation required for your course! Take advantage of the targeted review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.
Where can I get help with ALEKS?
http://support.aleks.com/assess_placement
