Placement Exams

What is the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

The Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) is an online placement exam used to determine the appropriate starting point for your mathematics coursework at Florida Gulf Coast University. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning technology to accurately assess your current math knowledge and place you in the course where you're most likely to succeed.

Key Features:

• Adaptive Technology: Questions adjust to your knowledge level in real-time
• No Calculator Needed: On-screen calculator provided when appropriate
• Flexibility: Take it online any time prior to registration
• Learning Opportunity: Includes study modules to help you improve your math skills and knowledge

Who Must Take the ALEKS Assessment?

All incoming Freshman or transfer students who intend to register for following courses as their first mathematics course (first semester or subsequent semesters) must take the ALEKS Placement prior to registration, unless they have earned college level math credit with a C or better or have other forms of exemption.

Who is Exempt From ALEKS?

You do NOT need to take ALEKS if you have:

• College credit in a MAC course with a grade of C or better
• Credit through high school dual enrollment or transfer credit
• MAC credit via AP, IB, AICE, or CLEP test scores

Important Note: If you are awaiting AP, IB, AICE, or CLEP test scores that won't arrive before orientation, take ALEKS to avoid registration delays. You can always use your official scores later if they place you higher.

Course Placement Based on Your ALEKS Score

For STEM/Science Majors

Required for: MAC 1105, MAC 1140, MAC 1147, MAC 2311 or higher.

ALEKS Score	Math Placement	Math Pathway
0-29	MAT 1033	MAT 1033 → MAC 1105 → MAC 1140 → MAC 1114 → MAC 2311
30-49	MAC 1105	MAC 1105 → MAC 1140 → MAC 1114 → MAC 2311
50-60	MAC 1140	MAC 1140 → MAC 1114 → MAC 2311
61-75	MAC 1147	MAC 1147 → MAC 2311
76 or higher	MAC 2311	Ready for MAC 2311 (Calculus I)

For Business Majors

Required for: MAC 2233 Elementary Calculus.

ALEKS Score	Math Placement	Math Pathway
0-29	MAT 1033	MAT 1033 → MAC 1105 → MAC 2233
30-49	MAC 1105	MAC 1105 → MAC 2233
50-60	MAC 1140 or MAC 1105	MAC 1140 → MAC 2233
61 or higher	MAC 2233	Ready for MAC 2233 (Elementary Calculus)

How to Take the ALEKS Assessment

Before You Start

• Plan for 90 minutes of uninterrupted time
• Have pencils and scratch paper ready
• Find a quiet location with reliable internet
• Take the assessment several weeks before orientation

Academic Integrity: This assessment must be completed independently. It only places you in the course you are best prepared for if done honestly.

Taking the Test

1. Log on through the official FGCU ALEKS link below.
2. Download Respondus Lockdown Browser when prompted.
3. Complete the webcam and system check.
4. Take your time—the system measures response time to determine the next question.

ACCESS ALEKS PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT

Retaking the Assessment

Viewing Your Scores

• Eagle Portal: Click Here to Access Scores
• Scores upload overnight (may take longer on weekends)
• Your advisor will have access for your appointment

Next Steps: Schedule an advising appointment to discuss your score and major requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When should I take the ALEKS assessment?

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  Take ALEKS several weeks before your orientation session or registration date to ensure your scores are available when you meet with your advisor.

• Can I use a calculator?

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  No physical calculators are permitted. ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator when appropriate for certain questions. This mirrors the policy in most FGCU math courses.

• What if I don't finish in 90 minutes?

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  There is no formal time limit. However, ALEKS tracks how long you take on each question and uses this information to adapt the assessment. Most students finish within 90 minutes.

• Can I take ALEKS if I already have math credit?

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  Yes! Even if you have incoming credit (AP, IB, dual enrollment, transfer), ALEKS is the best predictor of success in FGCU math courses. Taking ALEKS will assess your current knowledge and help you decide whether to use your credit or start at a different level.

• I've already taken ALEKS for another college or university. Do I need to take it again for FGCU?

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  No, you don't need to retake ALEKS if your previous institution allows score transfers. FGCU will accept ALEKS scores from other colleges and universities that were taken within the past 12 months.

  To transfer your score to FGCU:

  1. Log into your ALEKS account
  2. Locate your existing score
  3. Click the "Send Score" button (if available from your institution)
  4. Follow the prompts to send your score to FGCU

  For detailed instructions, see our step-by-step guide on transferring ALEKS scores.

  Note for FGCU students transferring elsewhere: Check with your new college or university to confirm they accept ALEKS score transfers.

• What if I'm not happy with my score?

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  You can retake ALEKS once after waiting 48 hours and completing 5 hours in the study modules. Use the learning modules to strengthen weak areas before your second attempt.

• Do I need ALEKS for General Education math courses?

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  No. If your major requires only General Education math courses (such as MGF 1130), you do not need to take ALEKS.

• Should I study before taking ALEKS?

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  ALEKS is designed to assess your current knowledge, so extensive studying isn't necessary. However, you may want to review basic algebra and trigonometry concepts if it's been a while since your last math course. Be honest about what you know—accurate placement is in your best interest!

• What happens if I don't take ALEKS?

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  If you are a freshman or transfer student, you will not be able to register for MAC 1114, MAC 1140, MAC 1147, MAC 2311, or MAC 2233 without a valid ALEKS score (unless you have qualifying exemptions).

FGCU accepts scores from the past 12 months. To transfer: Log into ALEKS, locate your score, and use the "Send Score" button to select FGCU.

You can retake it once after 48 hours and 5 hours of module study.

No. If your major only requires General Education math (like MGF 1130), you do not need ALEKS.

It's an assessment of current knowledge, but reviewing basic algebra/trig can be helpful if it's been a while.

You will be unable to register for MAC 1114, 1140, 1147, 2311, or 2233 without a valid score or exemption.

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