Clark College utilizes mathematics placement assessment called ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces), a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS avoids multiple-choice questions and uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know.  Please note: ALEKS may not be taken after a student receives a letter grade (A - F) in a math course at Clark.

Clark College is providing students the opportunity to test with ALEKS remotely. We are here to support your enrollment experience.

The following information will provide instructions for ALEKS testing remotely:

1. Connect directly to ALEKS from the website:  www.ALEKS.com
2. At the top of the ALEKS homepage, you will see, “SIGN UP – New Student?” click on it.  Then enter the code and set up your account.
   *All Clark College students:  KDFED-MNFEY
   
3. Be sure to write down your login information, as you will need it to access your account in the future.
4. ALEKS will ask a series of demographic questions; you will then have access to take an unproctored practice exam.
5. After completion of the unproctored practice exam, you will receive a test score and the topics available for review and skill enhancement.
6. You are now ready to work in the Prep & Learning modules.
7. When you feel ready to test for placement (you have 4 attempts), you will activate the LockDown Browser and the webcam on your computer.

While taking the proctored assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (calculator, friends/family, Internet searches, cell phone, smartwatch, textbooks, notes, etc.). ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if one is allowed to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator. You may only use a pen or pencil, blank scratch paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS.

The ALEKS "proctored" placement assessment requires the installation and use of LockDown Browser and a webcam. If you are unable to take a proctored ALEKS exam for any reason, or if  you are uncomfortable taking a proctored ALEKS exam, see "What if I can't take a proctored exam?" below. Otherwise, here are additional details:

• You will need a Windows or Mac computer (Chromebooks are supported) that enables you to install software.  The computer will also need a functioning webcam and microphone, since you will be recorded during the assessment.
  If you do not have these requirements, please contact enroll@clark.edu.
• Even if you have previously downloaded LockDown Browser for another course or assignment, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS Placement Assessments. The download links are available at https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_system_requirements. Run the installation program after the download is complete.
• Once LockDown Browser is installed, go to the following link with a regular browser to test if LockDown Browser will launch properly from your computer. Also perform the webcam check on this page:  https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_test 
• You will need a proctor password to take the test after downloading the LockDown Browser.  The code is:  PENGUINS123#
• If you have any problems with LockDown Browser or the webcam setup, open a support ticket at https://support.respondus.com/
• Once you have taken the proctored math assessment via ALEKS, your score will be processed and linked to your student record within 3-5 business days. A confirmation email will be sent to your preferred email in ctcLink letting you know this process is complete and verifying what math placement you are eligible for (this information will also be made available once you complete your proctored ALEKS assessment from your ALEKS account).

Students who use assistive technology may need additional support to access the distance-proctored version of ALEKS.  Our Disability Access Center team is ready to help and can be reached by email at avillanueva@clark.edu.

Students are allowed one unproctored practice test and a maximum of four attempts at the proctored ALEKS assessment. Students are required to spend at least three hours in the Prep and Learning Modules between retakes. The highest score is always used for placement.

Once you have activated your ALEKS account you have up to 12 months of access. If you are unable to access your ALEKS account please contact the Enrollment Services at enroll@clark.edu.

 

The first attempt at the assessment is an unproctoed practice test to assess which Prep and Learning Modules a student should complete. Students are encouraged to take the unproctored practice test and complete the Prep and Learning Modules to ensure placement into the math class that aligns with their skill level.  Upon completion, students may view their results by topic. These topics can then be studied in the Prep and Learning Modules before taking a proctored assessment at the Assessment Center. 

Students are required to spend at least three hours in the modules between retakes (students have module access after completing the first exam, either as an unproctored practice test or a proctored assessment). According to McGraw-Hill, 85% of students who spend five or more hours in the Prep and Learning Modules score high enough to place into a higher math course. Students can spend an indefinite number of hours in the modules. 

Students can view their score and corresponding placement immediately after completing an assessment. The screen will show all of the unproctored practice and proctored ALEKS score ranges and corresponding math courses, and the student’s score and corresponding courses will be highlighted.

Once you have taken the proctored assessment via ALEKS, your score will be processed and linked to your student record within 3-5 business days. A confirmation email will be sent to your preferred email in ctcLink letting you know this process is complete and verifying what math placement you are eligible for (this information will also be made available once you complete your proctored ALEKS assessment from your ALEKS account).

View the ALEKS placement range chart

We in the Mathematics Department understand that some students may not be able to take a proctored ALEKS exam. If you are unable to, after you have taken a practice ALEKS exam (see #1-#5 of "How can I take ALEKS" above), please send your practice test score.

If you have actively been using your ALEKS account within the last 3 months and need your account extended, please email Enrollment Services a request at enroll@clark.edu.

If you have not been active in your ALEKS account within the last 3 months and your account says it is expired, please create a new ALEKS account. Please note, if a new ALEKS account is created you will lose all previous practice work and need to restart the process from the beginning. Proctored tests will remain valid; students are allowed four proctored tests.