Place Higher. Skip the Math You Already Know.
Place Higher. Skip the Math You Already Know.
ALEKS Placement Test Prep
Diagnostic, step-by-step video lessons, and adaptive practice for the ALEKS PPL math placement test.
*Based on users who completed 80%+ of coursework
Your Path to the Right Math Course
Four steps from diagnostic to test day
Take a Diagnostic
Identify your strengths and weaknesses with a diagnostic assessment mapped to ALEKS PPL topics.
Watch Video Lessons
Expert instructors break down each concept into 5-8 minute videos aligned to ALEKS topic areas.
Practice Problems
Build confidence with unlimited step-by-step practice and instant feedback on every topic.
Take a Mock Exam
Simulate test conditions with a full-length ALEKS-style practice assessment.
Free ALEKS Practice Test
Try a sample question or watch a lesson preview
ALEKS Study Guide
Comprehensive prep for every topic that appears on test day
Numbers & Operations
Numbers & Operations
Whole numbers, fractions, decimals & percents
Topics covered:
- Whole number operations and integer arithmetic
- Fraction concepts and operations
- Decimal arithmetic and conversions
- Percent calculations and real-world applications
Ratios, Proportions & Real Numbers
Ratios, Proportions & Real Numbers
Proportional reasoning and number structure
Topics covered:
- Ratios, unit rates, and proportions
- Proportional vs. non-proportional relationships
- Classifying real numbers and number theory
- Integer exponents, scientific notation, and roots
Algebraic Expressions & Linear Equations
Algebraic Expressions & Linear Equations
From expressions to solving equations
Topics covered:
- Variables, expressions, and simplifying
- Adding and subtracting polynomials
- Solving linear equations (one-step through literal)
- Linear inequalities and absolute value equations
Graphing, Linear Functions & Statistics
Graphing, Linear Functions & Statistics
Coordinate plane, slope, systems, and data
Topics covered:
- Slope, intercepts, and graphing lines
- Writing linear equations and systems of equations
- Measures of center, spread, and data displays
- Probability and permutations/combinations
Factoring & Quadratics
Factoring & Quadratics
Polynomials, quadratic equations, and parabolas
Topics covered:
- GCF, trinomial, and grouping factoring strategies
- Difference of squares and perfect square trinomials
- Solving quadratics by factoring, roots, and quadratic formula
- Graphing parabolas and vertex form
Functions, Radicals & Rational Expressions
Functions, Radicals & Rational Expressions
Function concepts, roots, and rational algebra
Topics covered:
- Function notation, domain and range
- Composition and inverse functions
- Simplifying and solving radical expressions
- Rational expressions: simplifying, operations, and solving
Geometry
Geometry
Lines, triangles, area, volume, and coordinate geometry
Topics covered:
- Angle relationships and parallel lines
- Triangle properties and Pythagorean theorem
- Area, perimeter, volume, and surface area
- Coordinate geometry and geometric transformations
Exponentials, Logarithms & Trigonometry
Exponentials, Logarithms & Trigonometry
Advanced functions and trig — for Calculus I placement
Topics covered:
- Exponential growth/decay and logarithm rules
- Solving exponential and logarithmic equations
- Right triangle trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA)
- Unit circle, radian measure, and trig identities
Your 9-Week ALEKS Study Plan
A focused roadmap across all 8 topic areas — from arithmetic foundations to calculus-ready
Week 1
Numbers & Operations
Whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and percents
10–15 videos + 40 practice problems
Week 2
Ratios, Proportions & Real Numbers
Proportional reasoning, real number classification, exponents, and roots
10–12 videos + 35 practice problems
Week 3
Algebraic Expressions & Linear Equations
Expressions, polynomials, solving linear equations and inequalities
12–15 videos + 45 practice problems
Week 4
Graphing, Linear Functions & Statistics
Slope, systems of equations, data displays, and probability
15–18 videos + 45 practice problems
Week 5
Factoring & Quadratics
Factoring strategies, solving quadratics, and parabolas
12–15 videos + 40 practice problems
Week 6
Functions, Radicals & Rational Expressions
Function notation, radical and rational equations
10–12 videos + 35 practice problems
Week 7
Geometry
Triangles, area, volume, coordinate geometry, and transformations
12–15 videos + 40 practice problems
Week 8
Exponentials, Logarithms & Trigonometry
Exponential models, log rules, trig functions, and unit circle
12–15 videos + 40 practice problems
Week 9
Review & Practice Tests
Full-length mock assessments under real test conditions
Take full-length mock exams in real test conditions
Plans Built for Test Prep
Pay only as long as you need to prep — no long-term contracts.
What's Included
They Placed Higher. So Can You.
Real students. Real placements into credit-bearing math courses.
I was terrified of the ALEKS. Spent 5 weeks on the algebra and precalculus modules and scored an 82 — placed straight into Calculus I and skipped two remedial courses.
Priya S., Pre-med, Columbus, OH
First ALEKS attempt I scored a 34. Worked through the Algebra section for 4 weeks, retook it, scored a 61, and placed directly into College Algebra instead of developmental math.
James T., Business major, Phoenix, AZ
The diagnostic showed exactly which ALEKS topics I was weak on. Targeted those for three weeks and jumped from a 45 to a 72 — placed into Precalculus on the retake.
Elena R., Computer science, Austin, TX
Returning student after 10 years away from math. The videos rebuilt my confidence topic by topic. Placed into the statistics course my nursing program required on the first try.
Carlos M., Adult learner, San Antonio, TX
My school requires a 61+ to skip developmental math. StudyPug's ALEKS prep got me from a 48 to a 67. Every dollar was worth it.
Aisha K., Engineering transfer, Raleigh, NC
Community college transfer needing a Calc II placement. The precalculus and functions modules were exactly what I needed. Scored a 91 and placed right in.
David L., Mathematics major, Portland, OR
Everything You Need to Know About ALEKS PPL
Format, scoring, and what to expect on test day
Total Duration
Untimed
~45–90 minutes typical
Score Range
0–100
Percent topics mastered
Test Format
Adaptive
Questions adjust to your knowledge
Cost
$0–$25
Set by your institution
What is the ALEKS Placement Test?
The ALEKS Placement, Preparation & Learning (PPL) is an adaptive math placement assessment used by 1,000+ colleges and universities to determine which math course you're ready for. It scores you on a 0–100 scale representing the percentage of topics you've mastered — and your school uses that score to decide your starting course.
ALEKS PPL spans eight topic areas: Numbers & Operations, Ratios & Proportional Reasoning, Algebraic Expressions & Linear Equations, Graphing & Linear Functions, Factoring & Quadratics, Functions/Radicals/Rational Expressions, Geometry, and Exponentials/Logarithms/Trigonometry. Because it's adaptive, the test homes in on exactly what you know and don't know across all 97 subtopics. There's no time limit, and most students finish in 45 to 90 minutes. You can unlock up to 5 retakes by completing Prep & Learning Modules between attempts.
Key Facts About the ALEKS Placement Test
- Used by 1,000+ U.S. colleges for math course placement
- Adaptive assessment — questions adjust based on your answers
- Scored 0–100 (percent of topics mastered)
- Untimed; most students finish in 45–90 minutes
- Up to 5 retakes available after completing Prep & Learning Modules
- No pass/fail — your school sets cut scores per course
ALEKS Placement Test FAQ
We've got answers to some popular questions.
What's included in the subscription?
Full access to step-by-step video lessons, diagnostic assessments, adaptive practice, ALEKS-style questions across all 8 PPL topic areas, mock exams, and progress tracking. One subscription covers every ALEKS topic — no add-ons or per-section fees.
Can I sign up free to try it?
Yes — sign up free to access sample ALEKS lessons and see how StudyPug works. Subscribe when you're ready for full prep, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How much does it cost?
Plans start at $29.99/month for Flexible access, $20/mo billed quarterly ($59.99 for 3 months), or $15/mo billed semi-annually ($89.99 for 6 months — best value). All plans include every PPL topic area and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What is the ALEKS Placement Test?
ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation & Learning) is an adaptive math placement assessment used by over 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities. It covers topics from whole numbers through precalculus and scores you 0–100 based on the percentage of topics you've mastered. Your institution uses that score to place you into the appropriate math course.
How is the ALEKS placement test structured?
ALEKS PPL is fully adaptive — it presents questions one at a time and adjusts to your responses to pinpoint exactly what you know. There are approximately 20–30 questions, no time limit, and most students finish in 45 to 90 minutes. Scores range from 0 to 100.
What ALEKS score do I need?
Cutoffs vary by institution and by course. Common benchmarks are: 30+ for College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning, 46+ for Precalculus, and 61+ to place directly into Calculus I at many schools. Always confirm your school's specific cutoffs with your academic advisor or testing center.
Can I retake the ALEKS placement test?
Yes. Most institutions allow up to 5 attempts total. After your initial attempt, you must spend a minimum number of hours in ALEKS Prep & Learning Modules before each retake. StudyPug's content aligns with those same topic areas, so your study time counts toward both your prep hours and your score improvement.
How long should I study for the ALEKS placement test?
It depends on your starting point. Students with strong algebra backgrounds may need 2–3 weeks of focused review. Students returning to math after a gap often need 4–6 weeks. StudyPug's diagnostic will identify exactly which topics to prioritize so you don't waste time on material you already know.