ALEKS PPL Calculus Placement Assessment

About the ALEKS

ALEKS PPL is the mathematics placement program that Cal Poly Pomona uses for first-time freshmen who need to take Calculus (MAT 1140, MAT 1200, or MAT 1300) as part of their degree requirements. It allows you to review, take practice tests, and do guided study before taking the test a final time to place into a mathematics course.

The ALEKS placement assessment is offered throughout the summer for incoming students. Read more below for eligibility requirements, making an account, and registering for the in-person proctored assessment. 

Steps to Take the ALEKS

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

First-time freshmen who are in Math Category 2 in specific majors need to take the ALEKS PPL assessment. Click on this card for details.

Step 2: Make Your ALEKS Account

Using your CPP email address and password, sign up for the Calculus Placement, Cal Poly Pomona, AY 26-27 on the ALEKS website. Click on this card to get the link. Be ready with pencil, scratch paper, and time for a 1-hour practice assessment when you first log in. The first practice assessment does not count toward your placement. There is no fee for ALEKS. Once you activate your account, it'll be available for one year.

Step 3: Practice

ALEKS is designed as a guided learning experience. After you take an ALEKS assessment, it provides you with practice problems tailored to you. The sequence of assessments and guided learning practice will allow you to place into the appropriate mathematics course and be well prepared for success. Any practice assessment MUST BE COMPLETED prior to taking the proctored Assessment. The ALEKS platform will not allow you to begin the proctored assessment if an initiated practice assessment has not been completed.

Step 4: Take Proctored Assessment

Once you have completed the learning modules, you will feel confident to come to campus for a proctored assessment. If you are in a major that needs the ALEKS, please check your CPP email address or your BroncoDirect Student Center To Do List for the link to sign up for a testing session. Sessions are offered on select Saturdays and weekdays throughout the summer. Once you sign up, monitor your email for check-in instructions. You will need a photo ID and your Bronconame and Bronco password to access the proctored assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions


We recommend beginning your practice assessment at least 3 weeks before your proctored assessment. This will give you time to review topics prior to the proctored assessment.

You should aim to take the ALEKS ahead of your Orientation date. If you take it after, we will help you adjust your math course enrollment as needed.

Any practice assessment initiated, but not completed, MUST BE COMPLETED prior to taking the proctored ALEKS PPL Assessment. The ALEKS platform will not allow a student to begin the proctored assessment if an initiated practice assessment has not been completed.

Our recommendation is to try and take the proctored ALEKS assessment before your Orientation date.

If your major requires you to take MAT 1140, MAT 1200, or MAT 1300, then you are required to take the ALEKS PPL assessment unless you have an exemption. To receive an exemption, you will need to submit one of the following:

  • AP Precalculus or AP Calculus AB and/or BC exam scores of 3s or higher. 
    • You can make sure to indicate Cal Poly Pomona on your AP score report.
    • If you have a passing score and it is not on your Transfer Credit Report, join the Bronco Advising Center’s virtual queue for assistance. You will need to know your College Board login information.
    • CPP will receive scores in July.
  • IB Mathematics HL exam score of 4 or higher. 
    • You can request IB transcripts through IB Transcript Request.
    • If you have a passing score and it is not on your Transfer Credit Report, join the Bronco Advising Center’s virtual queue for assistance.
  • Official transcripts for College Algebra (as the prerequisite for MAT 1200) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (as the prerequisites for MAT 1140 or MAT 1300) from an accredited college with grades of C or higher. 
    • Refer to your college’s registrar or records webpage for more instructions on ordering official transcripts.
    • Visit Admissions’ Admitted Freshmen checklist for more information on submitting transcripts.  
  • It may take a few weeks for CPP to receive your scores or transcripts, add them to your record and clear your To Do List item. 
SAT math score and/or your ACT math score are not eligible for an exemption.

We strongly encourage you to still take the ALEKS in the event you don't pass the AP exam or course. We will use the higher score to place you.

We will use your highest score to place you in a math course. Your proctored ALEKS assessment score will serve as an insurance policy in the event you do not pass the AP exam.

Students who live out of the area can contact us to discuss options. You are encouraged to select a test date before your Orientation date. If none of the testing dates work for you because of extenuating circumstances, contact testingservices@cpp.edu. 

Taking the proctored ALEKS assessment is strongly recommended so we can place you in a math course that fits your major and helps you make progress to degree. There is no penalty for not taking the ALEKS, but you may need to take additional math courses prior to enrolling in your major's math requirements.

ALEKS Placement Score Chart

ALEKS Scores Placement
ALEKS Composite Score Trig Subscore Initial Placement Comments
76-100

MAT 1140 Calculus I
MAT 1200 Calculus for Life Science
MAT 1300 Technical Calculus I

 Also eligible to take PHY 1210/1210L
61-75 0-22

MAT 1060 Trigonometry

 Only MAT 1060 is required to continue into MAT 1140 or MAT 1300. MAT 1050 may be skipped unless required by major.
23-29 MAT 1050 College Algebra Only MAT 1050 is required for continuing into MAT 1140 or MAT 1300. MAT 1060 may be skipped unless required by major. Also eligible to take PHY 1210/1210L
Any trig subscore MAT 1200 Calculus for Life Science
53-60

MAT 1050 College Algebra
MAT 1060 Trigonometry
MAT 1070 Pre-Calculus

Must take MAT 1070 OR take both MAT 1050* and MAT 1060* before taking calculus (1140 or 1300).

*May be taken in either order or at the same time.
46-52 MAT 1050 College Algebra
MAT 1060 Trigonometry
MAT 1070 Pre-Calculus

Must take MAT 1070 OR both MAT 1050* and MAT 1060* before taking Calculus (MAT 1140 or MAT 1300).

*May be taken in either order or at the same time.
0-45 MAT 1050 College Algebra
MAT 1060 Trigonometry
MAT 1070 Pre-Calculus

Questions?

For questions about eligibility and scores/course placement, contact the Bronco Advising Center. 

For questions about the proctored assessment, email Testing Services at testingservices@cpp.edu. 

For ALEKS website troubleshooting, email the Mathematics & Statistics Department at mathstat@cpp.edu.