Math Placement Test, PPL Assessment

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 are an incoming transfer student you may be able to use a transfer Math course for placement. 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.  

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).

Brief information about the test:

• 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.  
• Scores are processed several times a day, but not immediately. You can check after 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 6pm, or 8pm.  
• 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. 
• You can review before taking the assessment.
  • After completing your first assessment, you can also review through an ALEKS learning module within 12 months of your first attempt at the assessment.  
• How do I access the Math Placement Assessment?   Assessments are proctored primarily through Respondus Monitor, an online proctoring service.
  • In-person testing is not available at this time.
  • Current students click here to find out how to test. 
  • Incoming students test through their Next Steps Center.
  • Please use CHROME as your browser. You must have it downloaded before you begin your testing appointment.   
  • Respondus Monitor does not work with a Chromebook. Please try to access a PC or MAC with a webcam and a microphone to take the PPL Assessment. If you only have access to a Chromebook, contact the Math Placement Office for assistance with accessing the PPL Assessment. 
• Respondus Quick Guide- You will need this guide to navigate the testing process.
• You can take the assessment up to five times in a 1 year period, but your access expires 1 year after your first attempt.  There is a 24 hour waiting period between attempts at the assessment.  If you schedule a retake prior to the 24 hour waiting period, you will be blocked from taking the assessment. 
• The problems must be done in order.  Once you have answered a question, you cannot go back and change it.
• There is a fee for taking or retaking the assessment.
• Assessment scores are good for one year for entry into MATH courses. 
• 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.
• Read more here.  Do not take the assessment until you have read all of the information about the  PPL Assessment.
• Once you complete the assessment (or run out of time on the 3 hour time limit), your score is final.    

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 hours of testing. Check the Math Placement Chart to determine which course(s) you are eligible for.