Math Placement Test

Cincinnati requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine your readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map your strengths and weaknesses.

The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, you will receive an individualized Prep and Learning Module to refresh your knowledge on forgotten topics. You will then have the opportunity to reassess and improve your placement.

ALEKS PPL consists of three parts:

• An Initial Placement Assessment 
• The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
• Access to four additional Placement Assessments

You are encouraged to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if you achieve the desired score. Spending time in ALEKS has proven lead to better preparation and improved grades in college-level classes.

The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses as you move forward with your college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, you should meet with your advisor to review your results and enroll in the best classes based on your scores.

It is important that you take the Placement Assessment seriously, and that you give it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects your current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment; cheating will only result in you enrolling in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing you time and money. For this reason, while taking the Placement Assessment, you should not seek help from any outside sources (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, etc.).

Additionally, as a new member of the Cincinnati Community, you are responsible for "upholding the principles of a Just Community" and "promoting the highest levels of personal and academic honesty" (Bearcat Bond), as well as adhering to the Student Code of Conduct. As such, you are asked to:

• Acknowledge and honor your commitment to the principles outlined above regardless of the location you take your placement assessment(s)
• Take your placement assessment(s) without any additional assistance
• Follow all the provided instructions. 

If you are found to have violated the academic standards mentioned above you will be adjudicated by the university and may face educational sanction(s), suspension, and/or dismissal. The Student Code of Conduct explains the process and procedures used to address Academic Misconduct.

Please contact The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards at 513-556-6814 or conduct@uc.edu if you have any questions.

The math placement test is offered both on campus and online.

• Take Math Placement Test Online

• Operations with algebraic expressions
• Factoring algebraic expressions
• Linear equations
• Linear inequalities
• Two equations in two unknowns
• Quadratic equations
• Quadratic inequalities
• Exponents and radicals
• Word Problems
• Polynomials and Polynomial Equations
• Rational expressions
• Graphs of functions
• Composition of functions
• Absolute value
• Trigonometric values and radians
• Trigonometric identities
• Logarithmic and exponential functions

Your score on the math placement test indicates the math course at UC that is appropriate for a students skill level. The score is provided to the UC Blue Ash Academic Advising staff to assist students with math course enrollment when they attend orientation.

All students are given the option to retake the test. You are required to wait three weeks between testing dates. Review our retake policy page.

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• Guided Self-Placement for Writing Details
• Foreign Language Placement Details
• Take Placement Test(s) Online

Placement Testing
Muntz Hall
Phone: 513-558-9425
ucbaplacement@uc.edu