Math Placement & ALEKS PPL

How can high school courses be used to place me in higher math courses?

Students who have met either of the conditions below are qualified to register for any of the following courses: MATH 105, MATH 107, MATH 109 or STAT 109. 

A grade of B- or better in both semesters of a high school course titled “Precalculus”

or

A grade of C or better in both semesters of a high school course titled “Calculus, AP Calculus, or IB Math (Year 2).”  

*** If there is a delay in processing your high school transcripts you may need to contact the Mathematics Department, math@humboldt.edu.

How can college courses be used to place me in higher math courses?

College Prerequisite courses are listed in the Course Catalog (https://catalog.humboldt.edu/). Courses taken at Cal Poly Humboldt will automatically allow you to register, but if you took an equivalent course at another college you may need to contact the Mathematics Department, math@humboldt.edu.

What is the ALEKS PPL assessment?

ALEKS PPL determines whether you've met the prerequisites for certain math courses. This optional online program maps your strengths and weaknesses through an assessment of up to 30 questions, taking about 60–90 minutes to complete. 

The assessment includes:

• Practice assessments: Up to four attempts you can complete online at your convenience
• Prep and Learning Module: An individualized, self-paced online review to improve your skills between attempts
• Final proctored assessment: Completed on campus during a scheduled session the week before classes; required to change your placement

Can I take ALEKS PPL? 

You must be an incoming student who has never taken math classes at Humboldt.

How do I use ALEKS PPL to change my placement?

1. Request access: Contact the Mathematics Department at math@humboldt.edu to register.
2. Practice at home: Complete up to four practice assessments online at your convenience.
3. Final assessment on campus: To change your placement, you must complete the final proctored assessment during a scheduled session the week before classes. Dates are announced in advance.

Signup instructions for the proctored final assessment are included with your ALEKS registration information.

What courses will an ALEKS PPL score qualify me for?