Proctored assessments

A. Review the technology requirements for the placement test.

1. You must use a device with one of the following operating systems:
      Windows running 10+ 
      Mac running OS X 10.15+ 
      iPad App running iOS 16+ 
      Chromebook running 105+
2. You must have access to a stable internet connection for the duration of the test (2 hours).
3. Your computer or device must have a functional web-camera and microphone.

Email your name and ID number to advising@augustana.edu if you do not have access to the listed technology.

B. Follow these instructions while taking your placement test to ensure we measure YOUR current skills.

1. You must complete the placement test by yourself. No assistance is allowed.
2. You may not use any resources or electronic devices other than the computer or iPad you are using to complete your exam (e.g. no books or other printed materials, no hand-written materials, no calculators, no phones, no radios, no headphones or other listening devices).
3. You may use a blank sheet of 8.5 X 11in (216 x 279mm) paper and a pencil for calculations during the exam. You will be asked to show the front and back of the paper to your camera prior to the start of the exam to demonstrate it is unused.
4. You will be recorded as you complete the exam, wear comfortable clothing similar to what you would wear to school. Your face must be visible throughout the exam. Do not wear a hat with a brim, sunglasses, or any other items that could obstruct the view of your face while you are taking the test.
5. Have a photo id including your full name (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.) ready to show to your camera when requested at the beginning of your test.
6. You will be asked to scan your environment using your webcam to demonstrate you are alone and there are no resources or other devices within reach.
7. No virtual backgrounds are allowed while taking the test.
8. Once you begin the placement test, you will have 2 hours to complete it. You must complete the test in one continuous session. You may not leave your seat for any reason during this time.

All ALEKS PPL assessments used for placement into Augustana courses must be completed using the Respondus Monitor automated proctoring system described below. This system records you as you complete the placement test to ensure you are following all instructions.

Be honest. 

It is important for you to take this placement test seriously so your placement truly reflects your current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on this test– the only result will be that you enroll in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the placement test, you should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc.). The purpose of the placement test is to give an accurate measure of your current mathematical knowledge so you will be successful in mathematics courses.  

Review of Recordings

The recording of you completing your placement test will be reviewed by campus staff. If your recording is determined to contain irregularities (for example, your face is not visible during the entire exam, noises are detected, you leave from the camera’s view, you are observed communicating with others, etc.) your placement score will be deleted, you will not have a math placement for enrollment in fall semester courses, and the recording will be shared with the college Honor Council.

Rule Violations 

All Augustana students are held to the expectations of academic integrity described in the Honor Code. According to the Honor Code, using books, notes, or other materials not explicitly permitted on an exam, copying other students’ work in taking an exam (or, having another student complete your work), using copies of exam materials in preparation for the exam when those materials have not been made public, and assisting another student in cheating in any of these ways is considered cheating.

1. Any student found to be cheating on their ALEKS PPL math placement test will be reported to the Honor Council for review of a violation of the Honor Code. 
2. The math placement test score will not be considered valid, and
3. The student will not be able to enroll in any course requiring a math placement during the next semester at Augustana.

ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment designed to identify the Augustana course in which you are prepared to be successful. After you take your practice Placement test, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.

Topics covered:

• Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
• Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
• Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
• Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
• Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
• Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).

Step 1

Visit www.aleks.com and select SIGN UP NOW!

Step 2

Enter the following 10-character code into the Class Code box: DVQ4V-4GHFX

Then select Continue.

Step 3

Verify that your Class Code is correct and that your class is Incoming E-Commerce, Fall-Spring 2024.

Step 4

Select "No, I have never used ALEKS before." Then select Continue. 

Step 5

Complete the Student Information and be sure to write down the password you create.  Note, you must include the zero at the start of your Augustana ID number. Agree to the Terms of Use and then select Continue. 

Step 6

ALEKS generates a Login Name for you. You will need this Login Name later. Write it down, or take a picture of it. You will also receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided in step 5 that includes your Login Name. Be sure to save this information.

Step 7

On the next screen select Continue.

Step 8

Under My Classes: click on your course title, Incoming E-Commerce, Fall-Spring 2024, to enter your ALEKS PPL account. (Note, your course title will be different than the title below.)

Important: You'll need your Login Name and Password each time you log into ALEKS PPL. Visit www.aleks.com to enter your login credential.

Questions about your course or problems you need help with? Email advising@augustana.edu.

1. Visit https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_system_requirements
2. Download the LockDown browser (under Download on the right side of the page) 
3. Double check your Setup & Installation using links on the left side of the page.

Click on the “It’s not working” link if you have any difficulties. There is also support available through a Live Chat.

You do not need to schedule your practice test or your official placement test. Tests are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, you are encouraged to complete your proctored (official) placement test as soon as you are able. We CANNOT enroll you in a MATH, COMPUTER SCIENCE, PHYSICS, or ENGINEERING course without your math placement.

We want you to perform to the best of your ability when you complete your placement test for your official score. So you will complete a practice placement test first. Take the practice test seriously. Your score on the practice test will determine the skills you can review and/or learn using ALEKS PPL prior to taking your official placement test.

1. Launch the LockDown Browser and Agree to the Terms of Service. 
2. Complete the Tools Tutorial. The Tools Tutorial helps you become familiar with how you will enter your answers into the program. This is information you will need when you take your placement test. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.
3. Can I review a question after I've answered it? Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response. 
4. What if I see questions I don’t know how to answer? It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On those questions, simply answer, I don't know. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. I don't know is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in your score. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the practice or official placement test, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.
5. When you are ready, you can begin your practice placement test. Remember, this is a timed test. You have 2 hours to complete the test. Be sure to be alone in a well-lit and quiet space when you complete your test.
6. Before the first test question appears, you will be asked to complete a webcam check. If you have any problems, click on the “It’s not working” button for assistance. A live chat with support teams is also available.
7. After you submit your test, you will receive your practice test placement score. The table below will help you interpret your score.

If you are satisfied with your placement from your practice test, you can complete your official (proctored) placement test when you are ready. 

If you would like to improve your score, you can utilize the functionality in ALEKS PPL to review and/or learn new skills. Research shows that 50% of students who spend at least six hours working in their Prep & Learning Module and then reassess their placement will place at least one course higher. Before taking a second official (proctored) placement test, you must work in the ALEKS module for at least five hours and wait at least one week. 

If you IMPROVE your placement to THE NEXT COURSE, YOU MUST EMAIL advising@augustana.edu.edu to inform Augustana that your math placement has changed. Your email must be RECEIVED by 4:30 pm on the deadline listed under Aleks PPL Placement Score Deadlines below. Your email must include your name, ID number, new placement, and date of your most recent proctored test.

Students must complete their official ALEKS PPL placement test by the deadlines listed below to enroll in courses requirement a Math Placement Score.

New Students for Fall 24-25 and Spring 24-25

Current Students