Take a deep breathe and believe in yourself. The Math Placement Test is designed for Oakton to assess where you're at with math. It will help us find the right level course to support your success.
Placement tests are given on-campus and remotely through the Testing Center. Instructions and more information can be found online. Students who currently receive or intend to receive accommodations to complete a test should contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at 847.635.1489 or accessdisability@oakton.edu prior to testing.
Different careers require different types of math. We encourage you to reach out to Advising Services if you have questions about what math pathway aligns with your goals.
Oakton Uses ALEKS Math Assessment Tool
This tool is structured into three phases 1) Initial Placement Assessment 2) Prep and Learning Modules 3) Retesting (if desired)
After taking the test a score reflecting your placement will be displayed. If you are not satisfied with your placement after this first attempt and are not currently enrolled in a Math class, you are encouraged to take the ALEKS assessment again.
ALEKS can be taken a total of 5 times over a one-year period.
In order to retest, work in ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules is required. (Instructions are below)
Assessments can be taken at either the Oakton campus or remotely.
If you have taken the ALEKS exam in aproctored environmentat another university within the last 2 years and wish to transfer the score, you will need to send the results to Oakton.Instructions to send these results (PDF) (176 KB)to Oakton are available.
If a year has elapsed from when you first took the test and you wish to take the assessment again, a new subscription can be purchased.
Refer to the course catalog for more information on any of the Mathematics courses listed below in the ALEKS Score Chart.
It’s important that you consult with an academic advisor to determine which course is appropriate for you. Some courses are designed to coordinate with a specific degree or certificate. Contact the Enrollment Center at 847.635.1700, Room 1860, Des Plaines or 847.635.1400, Room A100, Skokie
See chart below for overview.
Before retesting, it is required that you spend time working in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules to improve your skills. Work in the modules can be done at any location (no password is required.) To access the modules,
Log intomyOakton, click on theDiscoverlink on the left side of the page
In the search bar, type in ALEKS, then hit Enter on your keyboard.
If you want to add the Aleks (Math) test card to your myOakton homepage, click on the bookmark icon on the upper right hand corner of the card
Click on the Access the ALEKS placement test link
The Prep and Learning modules will open. Choose the desired learning path.
Work in the modules does not have to be completed in one session. A timer on the left side of the module screen keeps track of how much time you have spent in the modules. You can spend more time than is required.
ALEKS retest conditions:
Before the 2nd attempt—3 hoursof work in the Prep and Learning Modules is required
Before the 3rd attempt—3 additional hoursof work is required.
Before the 4th attempt—5 additional hoursof work is required.
And before the 5th attempt—8 additional hoursof work is required.
If you have questions regarding your ALEKS results or would like guidance about retesting, please contact:
ALEKS Retest Support aleks@oakton.edu Division of STEM 847.635.1688
If you have questions related to your placement, please contact: Mathematics Assessment Coordinator, Division of STEM mathplace@oakton.edu 847.376.7110
There is no fee for first time account holders. Oakton students have free access to four additional assessment attempts for one year from the date of the initial assessments, and access to the Prep and Learning Modules for one year from the start of working in the modules.
If your subscription has expired and you wish to purchase a new subscription for $20, please contact either Testing Center (Des Plaines - 847.635.1939, Skokie - 847.635.1446) for directions.
ALEKS Score Chart
Effective Fall 2023
Cut Score
Math courses for which a student can register:
0-13
065, 111, 114
14-29
All of the above and 070
30-36
All of the above and 080, 085, 087, 088, 095, 102, 116
37-45
All of the above and 092, 125, 131
46-60
All of the above and 122, 128, 140
61-75
All of the above and 143, 144, 149, 180, 190
76-100
All of the above and 250
Geometry
Geometry If you have an ALEKS score of 46 or above, you have satisfied the Geometry requirement. You may have fulfilled your requirement for geometry through previous coursework. To see if you have met the geometry requirement:
Where it says "Find Cards," type in Student Links and hit Enter on your keyboard
In the "Student Links" card, click on Student Profile
Choose “Prior Education and Testing”
Find “Geometry Requirement” in the Testing portion of the screen (lower right)
A value of 1 = requirement met
A value of 0 = requirement has not yet been met
If you have not satisfied the Geometry prerequisite … register for MAT 080 if you intend to take MAT 128, 140 or 149.
Other Ways to Place into College-Level Math
Students can earn an initial placement into math courses through a variety of methods. These include recent ACT or SAT scores, previous developmental or college level math credit at other institutions, Transitional Math courses, GED scores, meeting certain criteria in High School work and the Oakton Mathematics Placement Test (ALEKS).
Placement into college-level math is earned by meeting one of the following criteria:
Test Scores
ACT Math score of 20 or higher
SAT Math score of 490 or higher
GED score of 165 or higher on 'Mathematical Reasoning' (MAT125, MAT131)
GED score of 145 on 'Mathematical Reasoning' (MAT085, MAT087/125 [co-requisites], MAT095)
HiSet score of 15 or higher on Mathematics (MAT125, MAT131)
ALEKS placement score of 37 or higher
Grades
An overall HS GPA of at least 3.0 (unweighted) with a grade of C in both semesters of a fourth year of High School math
A grade of at least C in both semesters of an approved Transitional Math course in High School
A grade of at least C in a college-level transfer math course at another institution
A grade of at least C in another higher education institutions course that meets the learning objectives in Oakton's MAT085 or MAT0095
Agreements
Specific agreements regarding coursework with most High Schools in Oakton's district (Glenbrook, Maine, Northridge Prep, Evanston, Loyola or Niles Township).
To meet the prerequisite of an Oakton course in Mathematics, you must have one of the following:
Developmental Courses
These are designed to equip you with the tools needed to succeed in future math courses.
Review your ALEKS Placement Score and compare it to the Score Chart.
If you've taken an equivalent course elsewhere and earned a qualifying grade, you can have prerequisites waived. Have your transcripts and scores examined by the Mathematics Department Placement Coordinator.
* Remember to include what course you are attempting to register for here at Oakton.
The Math Placement Test is designed for Oakton to assess where you're at with math. It will help us find the right level course to support your success.