Placement Exam (ALEKS)
BYU-Idaho uses an ALEKS mathematics placement assessment to determine readiness for math courses or to meet the mathematics prerequisites for Chemistry 105 or Chemistry 106.
About the Exam
The ALEKS Placement covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. After the initial assessment, you will use a learning Module to review, so you can improve your placement. All scores over 38 are automatically reported to the university within 24 business hours. To begin your placement exam read the frequently asked questions below.
Students who have not met the prerequisites for the course they need or who do not have the required ACT/SAT score as listed below:
| COURSE | ACT SCORE | New SAT (2016 & Later) | SAT SCORE |
| FDMAT 108 | 18 or higher | 470 or higher | 430 or higher |
| MATH 109 | 23 or higher | 570 or higher | 540 or higher |
| MATH 110 | 23 or higher | 570 or higher | 540 or higher |
| MATH 111 | 23 or higher | 570 or higher | 540 or higher |
| FDMAT 112 | 27 or higher | 640 or higher | 620 or higher |
| MATH 119 | 26 or higher | 620 or higher | 600 or higher |
| Chemistry | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Students registering for Chemistry 105 or 106 may meet the FDMAT 110 prerequisite by scoring a 70 or higher on the ALEKS exam. Chemistry does NOT accept the ACT or SAT score to meet their requirements (Note: The ALEKS test score will NOT fulfill the Foundation's math requirement for graduation.)
You do not. This is not a pass-fail assessment. It is an assessment that will create a study program for you after the initial assessment.
You will know your score the instant you finish your initial assessment. It will be in bold above your placement pie chart after you have finished the assessment.
Scores 38% or higher will automatically be sent to the university and be entered in the registration system within 24 business hours.
You do not fail the ALEKS placement exam. But if you did not get the score you desired, please read below.
What if I do not achieve the score I desired?
After you have completed your initial assessment, ALEKS custom designs a program of study called a Prep and Learning Module. Use the Prep and Learning Module to review and learn. After you feel prepared, you may take another placement assessment to improve your placement result.
No. Getting a high enough score on the test may waive prerequisites for Math or Chemistry courses, but no credit will be received for taking the test.
You will know your score the instant you finish your test on your computer. It is the placement result. Based on your placement result, use this chart to determine the class you qualify to register:
ALEKS Score (%) Needed to Register for
| 38 | MATH 101 |
| 38 | FDMAT 108 |
| 53 | FDMAT 110 |
| 53 | MATH 111 |
| 55 | MATH 109 |
| 70 | MATH 119 OR CHEM 105/106 |
| >85 | FDMAT 112 |
- Your placement assessment will take approximately 90 minutes to complete
- The amount of time can vary by student.
- There will be a maximum of 30 questions.
- You must complete it within 48 hours of beginning the placement assessment.
You will have six months from the time that you take the initial assessment and until you have completed five assessments. Once your ALEKS program expires or you have completed all five assessments, you will not be able to purchase a second ALEKS program.
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?
- No. ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem.
May I use any other resources during a placement assessment?
- You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS.
- You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS.
- Using outside resources may lead to improper placement and ultimately course failure.
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete pop quizzes to solidify your understanding of math.
You must be a BYU-Idaho student to use this ALEKS placement. Scores will not be sent to other universities.
The assessment is completed by you on your own computer from anywhere in the world. You will pay $25 directly to the ALEKS program when you create an ALEKS account. If you create duplicate accounts you will be charged to each account. You are not allowed to purchase ALEKS twice. You must complete the program within the five exam limit or six months.
The ALEKS program costs $25 for six months worth of access.
Access is granted for six months. A second ALEKS course will not be issued if you are unable to complete the program within that time frame.
Remember you must be a BYU-Idaho student to use this ALEKS placement. Scores will not be sent to other universities.
To begin your assessment, please click this link.
Video overview of the ALEKS program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BysDRZGP6wc