ALEKS PPL Calculus Placement Assessment: 2024-25

About the ALEKS

ALEKS PPL is the mathematics placement program that Cal Poly Pomona uses for first-time freshman 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.

Steps to Take the ALEKS PPL

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

First-time freshmen who are in Math Category 2 in specific majors need to take the ALEKS.

Step 2: Make Your ALEKS Account

Using your CPP email address and password, sign up for the Calculus Placement, Cal Poly Pomona, AY 24-25 at the ALEKS website. This link should take you directly to the ALEKS AY 24-25 cohort. 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 for your placement - it is for practice only.

There is no fee for the 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 PPL Placement assessment, ALEKS provides you with practice problems specifically tailored to you. The sequence of ALEKS PPL Placement assessments and guided learning practice will allow you to place into the appropriate mathematics course and be well prepared for success.

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.

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 your Bronconame and Bronco ID to access the ALEKS PPL 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.

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 achieved one of the following:

You earned a 3 or higher on the AP Precalculus or AP Calculus AB and/or BC exam.
You took College Algebra (as the prerequisite for MAT 1200) or College Algebra and Trigonometry (as the prerequisites for MAT 1140 and MAT 1300) at an accredited college and earned a C or higher.
You earned a 4 or higher on IB Mathematics HL.

NOTE: Your SAT math score and/or your ACT math score do not make you eligible to take MAT 1140, MAT 1200, or MAT 1300, regardless of your scores. You are only exempt from taking the ALEKS PPL assessment if you meet the conditions stated above.

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.

Students who live out of the area can contact us to discuss options. We will also offer proctored assessments on your Orientation date.

courses to take based on ALEKS score
Math Placement Chart (PDF)
ALEKS Composite Score	Trig Subscore	Initial Placement	Comments
76-100		MAT 1140 Calculus I MAT 1200 Calculus for Life Sciences MAT 1250 Business Calculus MAT 1300 Technical Calculus I	Also eligible to take PHY 1210/1210L.
61-75	0-22	MAT 1060 Trigonometry	Only MAT 1060 is required for continuing into MAT 1140 or MAT 1300. MAT1050 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 MAT 1250 Business Calculus
53-60		MAT 1050 College Algebra MAT 1060 Trigonometry MAT 1070 Pre-calculus MAT 1250 Business Calculus	Must take MAT 1070 OR take both MAT 1050* and 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 1060 before taking calculus (MAT 1140 or MAT 1300). MAT 1050 and 1060 may be taken in either order or at the same time.
0-45		Category IV students required to take MAT 1051/A or STA 1201/A. Category III students take either MAT 1055 with MAT 1055 Activity or STA 1205 with STA 1205 Activity; or, take either MAT 1051 with MAT 1051 Activity or STA 1201 with STA 1201 Activity.	MAT 1051+1052 is a two course sequence equivalent to MAT 1050. STA 1201+1202 is a two‐course sequence equivalent to STA 1200. MAT 1055/A is equivalent to MAT 1050 but with more practice and support. STA 1205/A is equivalent to STA 1200 but with more practice and support.

Questions & Help

Eligibility and Scores/Course Placement

Bronco Advising Center

Proctored Assessment Questions

Testing Services

ALEKS PPL Website Troubleshooting

Email Mathematics & Statistics Department