ALEKS testing should be completed consistent with the principles of Seton Hill's Academic Integrity Policy.  If you have any questions or concerns about ALEKS, the Math Center is here to support you along the way. 

ALL assessments will be reviewed by staff to ensure academic integrity measures are followed.  See the highlighted area below for more information.

What is the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment?

ALEKS is not a test, but a tool used to identify current quantitative skills and place students on a path towards success in their math and related coursework. It is an adaptive open-response assessment with a maximum of 25 questions to be completed in a 2-hour time limit. Because it is adaptive, you may see some, but not all, of the following topics during the assessment: 

• Whole numbers, fractions, and decimals 

• Percents, proportions, and geometry 

• Signed numbers, linear equations, and inequalities 

• Lines and systems of linear equations 

• Relations and functions 

• Integer exponents and factoring 

• Quadratic and polynomial functions 

• Rational expressions and functions 

• Radicals and rational exponents 

• Exponentials and logarithms 

• Trigonometry 

You will complete a short survey and a tools tutorial before the the initial assessment.  Because ALEKS assesses current strengths, no preparations are necessary and not outside resources are used. 

Who takes the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment?

All incoming, first-year students and current students who need ALEKS to satisfy their course prerequisites will take the remotely (online)proctored ALEKS Math Placement Assessment to help ensure they start with the best math or science course for them. The best course should be one:  

• for which prerequisite knowledge is well understood and not just somewhat familiar.

• in which achieving a successful course outcome is highly likely. 

• that gives you a foundation to succeed in future coursework required for your major. 

The ALEKS Math Placement is used to satisfy the prerequisite requirements of select math and science courses.  Transfer credits (CHS, AP, dual-enrollment) MAY override ALEKS score requirements. Check all prerequisite requirements in the SHU Course Catalog. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor to discuss their plan of study, course requirements, and transfer credits.

How do new and current students take or find the ALEKS Math Placement?  

• New, incoming students can use the math placement link provided in Slate (your onboarding admissions portal)

• Current students can go to MYSHU and type ALEKS Placement in the search bar. Select the ALEKS Placement tool.  

  • Scores expire after two semester. Log in to your ALEKS account to check the date of your last score.

  • If your account has expired, contact Amy Beninati at abeninati@setonhill.edu. 

• Complete the assessment well in advance to your registration window. You may need time to work in the Learning Modules to retake the ALEKS Math Placement.

• The ALEKS PPL Student Reference Guide shows students how to proceed from login through completion.  Seton Hill students will use Single Sign On (SSO) which is the SHU username and password. 

Is the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment proctored?

Yes, ALEKS Math Placement uses Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser for online proctoring starting in Spring 2025. This pertains to all newly created accounts starting March 1, 2025. If your current account (or score) has not yet expired and was created before March 1, 2025, you can continue with the remote proctoring system.

Respondus Monitoring with Lockdown Browser is a fully automated remote proctoring system that uses a webcam and microphone to record students taking ALEKS.  You will need to download and install both Respondus Monitor and Lockdown Browser. Remote proctoring is a convenient alternative to in-person assessments that still enables the University to verify students' identities and improve academic integrity. You will 

How do I install Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser so I can take my ALEKS?

Note: You will need to install the ALEKS version of Lockdown Browser even if you already have a different version of LockDown Browser with Canvas. Multiple versions of Lockdown Browser can be installed on a computer. There is no need to uninstall other versions. If you log into ALEK before installing this system, you will be prompted to do so.

1. Check your system requirements. 

• Supported devices include Windows 10 or later, iPad with iOS 17 or later, Chromebooks, and Mac computers. 

2. Download and install the LockDown Browser from ALEKS for your system. Click on your device listed under Download heading.

3. Check the setup and installation. by clicking on LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor (Webcam) links. 

4. Once it is installed, you should return to the ALEKS page and click the button to Launch LockDown Browser and begin your assessment.

5. To learn more about how to use Respondus Monitoring and to get detailed instructions, download and refer to this ALEKS Respondus Monitor Student Guide, Student Start Up Guide for Respondus: PDF, or the Student LockDown Browser Explanation: Video

How do I prepare for a proctored assessment?

Respondus Monitor will walk you through the check in procedures and monitor you throughout the assessment session using both audio and video.  Flagged videos will be reviewed by staff and could impact the validity of your score.  If standards are not followed, your score may be removed from the system and impact scheduling.  Our goal is to ensure your score acurately reflects your current level of knowlege.

Be prepared by doing the following:

• have a valid ID that includes your name and photo to be shown at the start of the remote proctoring. (SHU ID, state-issued driver's license or personal identification photo, school ID, valid passport).

• find a quiet space without noice or other distractions for up to 120 minutes.

• gather several pens or pencils and few pieces of blank paper for calculations. (No other materials should be near you including a calculator.)

• sit (without breaks) for duration of the assessment which is usually 30-120 minutes. (2-hour time limit)

• do not use any other electronic device including Ipads, calculators, or multiple screens.

How do I meet academic integrity standards and avoid being flagged for concerns?

• be prepared to do a 360-degree webcam scan of the testing area knowing that the proctored assessment will be recorded for review.

• push your computer slightly away from you and tilt the webcam in order to show hands, torso, face, and entire workspace throughout the assessment. 

Since questionable items and/or behaviors are flagged for review by staff and may violate the SHU Academic Integrity Policy stated in the University Course Catalog you should NOT:

• use a hand-held calculator or any other outside resource. (ALEKS has a built-in calculator when permitted)

• take breaks that require you to leave the room.

• engage in conversations.

• wear earbuds or headphones

Note: If an interruption occurs, please speak directly to the camera to explain the circumstances thoroughly. 

Students that are highly flagged in Respondus Monitor, your score may be invalid.

How do I study or prepare for the ALEKS Math Placement?

What happens AFTER completing the ALEKS Math Placement? 

Go to the webpage: ALEKS - Scores and Next Steps to review scores, explore retakes, and more. 

Students who experience circumstances that make it impossible for them to take the online proctored test should contact abeninati@setonhill.edu.

ALEKS scores are uploaded to the registration system hourly.  Once uploaded, a current student can register a course if the prerequisite requirments were met.

Incoming students will have satisfied the ALEKS math placement requirement for their admissions onboarding.  However, students should review the webpage: ALEKS - Scores and Next Steps listed above to learn about retakes, Learning Modules and possible course requirements. 

Are there resources and reference guides to walk me through the process?  

• ALEKS PPL Student Reference Guide shows students how to proceed from logging in through completion.  Since Seton Hill students will use Single Sign On (SSO) which is the SHU username and password, skip to the First Time Use Experience section.  Students should only access ALEKS through MYSHU or the link provided by admissions. 

• Respondus Monitor Student Startup Guide

• Student Start Up Guide for Respondus: PDF

• Student LockDown Browser Explanation: Video

• LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor System Requirements and Download: Link

• Download Lockdown Browser:  https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_system_requirements

• Check Webcam: https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_test

• Lockdown Browser Troubleshooting: https://www.aleks.com/support

How do I contact the Office of Disability Services?

If you are a student with a disability, and if you require accommodations, please contact Seton Hill’s Office of Disability Services and establish eligibility. Disability Services can be reached at disabilityservices@setonhill.edu or 724-830-4606. 

What if I need additional technical support? 

When completing an assessment in ALEKS, you should use the following support resources from ALEKS before contacting the Solution Center or the Math Center:

• ALEKS Technical Support Articles

• ALEKS Placement and Assessment Customer Support

• General ALEKS Customer Support

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