ALEKS PPL
About ALEKS PPL
ALEKS PPL is not a pass/fail or graded test; it is a math course placement tool that we use at CNM as measurement of your current math skills. ALEKS PPL will help determine which prerequisites, co-requisites, or special clearances you've met and which courses you are eligible to register for as a new CNM student. ALEKS PPL is appropriate for students who do not have ACT or SAT scores or any other means of placement.
If you have questions about ALEKS PPL, please reach out to the CNM Assessment Center.
How ALEKS PPL Works and What to Expect
- The ALEKS PPL is computer-based.
- ALEKS PPL includes a virtual calculator; no notes or personal calculators are allowed.
- The Assessment Center will provide scratch paper for you to use.
- The ALEKS PPL is self-paced and is not timed. On average, it takes one to two hours to complete.
- Results are given upon completion. Check out the Placement Exam Score Guide for information about scores and corresponding math courses.
- You can only take the ALEKS PPL once per day.
- After taking ALEKS PPL, you are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss your results and select the appropriate course.
Once you take your first ALEKS PPL, you will receive practice problems in a Prep and Learning Module designed to help you improve your placement score.
If you need assistance with the practice problems, the tutors at The Learning and Computer Center (TLCc) can help you. You can also review these practice problems before taking your first math class. You have a year of access to the problems in your Prep and Learning Module.
If you would like to practice, you can take an un-proctored ALEKS PPL. This will give you access the Prep and Learning Module before scheduling a proctored placement. The results from an un-proctored practice placement will not allow you to register for your first math course.
Contact Angie Alley, Associate Dean of MSE, to learn how to set up a practice placement.
After at least 24 hours from your previous placement and three hours spent in the Prep and Learning Module, you can take another proctored placement to try to improve your score.
In total, you have five placement attempts. This includes a practice placement if you choose to use one.
Scheduling a Proctored ALEKS PPL
All proctored ALEKS PPL assessments must be scheduled in advance, whether they are taken in-person or remotely. Per CNM Assessment Center policy, anyone who violates testing rules will not be allowed to continue. CNM may cancel any test if there is reason to question the validity of the scores.
The in-person ALEKS PPL is available at the Main, Westside, Rio Rancho, Montoya, and South Valley campuses. For in-person scheduling, please visit our CNM Assessment Center homepage, which lists the most up-to-date testing links, location information, and hours of operation.
To take the ALEKS PPL remotely, you will need a computer with webcam and audio capabilities. Assessment Center staff will proctor the ALEKS PPL. To register, select the appropriate registration link below.
If you are located outside the Albuquerque Metro area and prefer taking ALEKS PPL in person at a testing site near you, please complete the ALEKS PPL Distance Location Form email a copy to [email protected]. You will receive an email reply from CNM with additional instructions.
Dual Credit Proctor Information
If you are a high school proctor and interested in proctoring the ALEKS PPL at your school, please email [email protected] for additional instructions. All requests will be reviewed, and we will follow up with a request for the required information.