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The University of New Mexico

ALEKS PPL Math Placement

photo: student studying in the library

What is ALEKS PPL and How Does It Help You Succeed?

UNM uses a math placement assessment called ALEKS PPL (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces Placement, Preparation, and Learning). The ALEKS PPL assessment is crucial to placing you in the right math class, supporting your success and degree progress.

This assessment is the state of the art in assessing math knowledge. It is:

Adaptive — the questions increase or decrease in dificulty based on your responses to target your precise range of math knowledge.

Accessible — administered and proctored online from any computer with an internet connection

Widely-utilized — across universities and K-12 programs nationally

Proven to work — Case studies at universities around the country show students who took ALEKS were nearly half as likely to drop, withdraw or fail their first university math class compared to students who were placed using ACT or SAT math scores.

When and How Do You Take ALEKS PPL?

  • Take ALEKS as early as possible, preferably before your scheduled New Student Orientation (NSO). Allow 60 to 90 minutes to complete the assessment.
  • Email testctr@unm.edu from your UNM email to request your ALEKS PPL link.
  • ALEKS is proctored online through your own computer and internet connection or can be taken in-person. If you need help accessing a computer with a reliable internet connection, please reach out to the first-year engineering program at soeintegrative@unm.edu. We can provide a computer for use here on campus when you visit.
  • Completing ALEKS before your NSO, or early in the summer, is the best way to ensure there are seats available in the right math class for you at times that fit your schedule.
  • If your NSO has already passed and you have a new ALEKS score, email your advisor to be placed in the correct math class.
  • If you don’t like your first ALEKS score, you can take the assessment up to 2 more times. You must follow the ALEKS practice modules before taking the assessment again. If you improve your score, then you can place into a diferent math course. The highest score will be used for placement.

Your advisor is available to discuss all your options for math placement during this process. NSO includes dedicated time to connect with your advisor.

If you do not complete ALEKS over the summer, there will be one final opportunity before classes start. SoE will host an event with resources available for taking ALEKS: August 16, 2026.

For more information about ALEKS PPL, please visit goto.unm.edu/soealeks