PPL Assessment (Math Placement Test)

Math Placement is standard practice for colleges and universities, and is an important part of student success at UA. The purpose of our placement process is to determine, based on your mathematical background and current mathematical ability, which MATH courses are appropriate for you. Past experience shows that the Math Placement Test may be the clearest indicator. For this reason, we encourage all students to take the PPL Placement Assessment; however, if you have recent transfer math credit, you may be able to use a transfer Math course for placement into a UA MATH course. Incoming first year students can qualify for courses through sufficient SAT I MSS or ACT MATH scores. These scores must be recent.

Incoming students should refer to the information in the Math Placement section of Next Steps Center, and access the test through Next Steps Center.

If you have already taken the PPL Assessment, or have reviewed the PPL information, you can proceed to the PPL Assessement here.

About the PPL Assessment

The PPL Assessment is a proctored math placement assessment that places students into all courses at or below the level of Calculus I (Math 122A/B,125).

This is an online assessment, taken on your own computer or laptop, at whatever time is convenient to you. If you do not have access to a computer, limited In Person Testing is available. We are currently offering appointments throughout the summer. Click here to register for In Person Testing.

Brief information about the PPL Assessment:

It is a 30 question, 60-90 minute assessment, but students have up to 3 hours to complete it. You cannot save and come back to the test, you must complete it in one sitting. Problems must be done in order. Once you complete the assessment (or run out of time on the 3 hour time limit), your score is final.
Scores are processed several times a day, but not immediately. You can check after 5am, 12pm, 4pm, 6pm, or 8pm Monday - Saturday. Scores are processed at 5am, 6pm, 8pm on Sundays.
Scores expire after 1 year.
You can use an approved calculator, blank scratch paper and a writing utensil. No other materials, persons, websites, etc. are allowed. TI-83 or 84 calculator is recommended. If you use a different calculator, check here to make sure it is allowed. Calculator models that use symbolic manipulation are not allowed, and the use of such a calculator will result in a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and an invalidated test score.
The test is proctored using Respondus Monitor. A Webcam and microphone are required. The session is recorded and reviewed.
- Students are expected to adhere to the UA Code of Conduct while taking the assessment. Take the assessment as if you are taking an in-person proctored test. Use of any prohibited materials (phone, websites, un-approved calculator, persons, textbooks, notes, etc.) will be reported to the Dean of Students, as will any suspicious behavior while taking the assessment. This will result in an invalidated score on the assessment.
Do not take the assessment until you have read all of the information about the PPL Assessment through the links below.

Math Placement and PPL Assessment FAQS

Additional Information

Additional information about the PPL Assessment and procedures is available through the PPL FAQs .

After completing the assessment, students can check their scores through Next Steps Center (incoming students) or on your Transfer Credit Report in UAccess Student within 24 business hours of testing. Check the Math Placement Chart to determine which course(s) you are eligible for.