Math Placement Test
Testing Services is currently offering the math placement test remotely.
Only students that have not already completed a math class at ECC are eligible to complete placement testing. Taking this assessment remotely will require you to register with ALEKS®, our placement provider, and download software called LockDown Browser® and Responus Monitor®.
You must complete the remote testing setup below the day before you sit down to take your test.
Remote Testing System Requirements
Please expect to spend up to 30 minutes setting up your account and downloading the software.
LockDown Browser® and Responus Monitor® will work on PCs, Macs, and iPads. Download software and review specific system requirements.
LockDown Browser® and Responus Monitor® do not work on Chromebooks or smartphones. If you do not have access to a device that is supported, please get in touch with testing@elgin.edu.
Student Instructions
To download this file, you must be signed in to your ECC student email (@student.elgin.edu).
- Log in at mail.student.elgin.edu.
- Download the Remote Math Placement Instructions - PDF for reference.
Limited On-Campus Testing
We offer limited, appointment-only testing on-campus if you do not have access to complete testing remotely. Register for on-campus testing.
Math requirements vary greatly based on your major, degree, or certificate and the requirements of your intended transfer institution. Speak with an academic advisor during new student orientation or before registering to ensure the correct math course is chosen. To demonstrate college-ready math skills, review the testing scores summary to determine if you need to take placement testing.
Math Placement Test FAQ
Review the testing scores summary to determine if you need to take placement testing. If you have not taken the ACT®, SAT®, PSAT, PARCC®, HiSet®, or high school equivalency tests, or if you do not meet any of the criteria listed in the testing scores summary, you must take ECC’s math placement test. If you meet the college-readiness math requirement and want to enroll in MTH 114, MTH 120, MTH 125, MTH 126, or MTH 190, you will also need to take the ALEKS placement assessment.
- Uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately zero in on your strengths and any weaknesses in math
- Covers material to place you into the right course, from Basic Math to Calculus
- It contains 20-30 questions and generally takes 45-90 minutes to complete.
- Provides a "Prep and Learning Module" after your first assessment to help you improve your placement.
- Most students take the placement test more than once.
You can complete a trial assessment at Select an ALEKS Free Trial.
You will receive a score report at the end of the test and are available online within 24-48 hours after completing it.
Your placement assessment score is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered. Course placement is determined by your ALEKS score and your program of study.
Math requirements vary greatly based on your major, degree, or certificate and the requirements of your intended transfer institution. Speak with an academic advisor during new student orientation or before registering to ensure the correct math course is chosen.
Your math placement score is valid for two years. If you have not enrolled in your first math course within two years after taking the ALEKS math placement, you must retake the assessment to enroll in a math course.
Once you have enrolled in a math course at ECC, you will not be eligible to retake the placement assessment unless you earn an A grade in your first math course taken at ECC. After several years, you may continue the math sequence started or appeal to take the math placement assessment if you return to ECC.
Introduction to ALEKS® PPL
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Learn about ALEKS® Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL).
Watch VideoResources
Other Helpful Resources
- ecclibrary.elgin.edu/math
- ALEKS® practice test
- Choose 'Explore Student Module'
Contact
Testing Center
Building B, Room B115
847-214-7150
Fax: 847-608-5474
testing@elgin.edu
Please note: Starting September, the testing center will be closed Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a weekly department meeting.