Math Placement Assessment
Depending on your major, you may need to take a few college math classes – or quite a few! The Mathematics Placement Assessment will gauge your math abilities to ensure that you receive any remedial assistance you need, and place you in the right course your first semester at Columbus State.
Practice is The Best Preparation
Before you test, be sure to review. Proper placement is important to your success in college, and it can save you time and money!
Practice Tests
Click the links below to take practice tests. These provide review material that may be on your assessment.
- ALEKS® Math Placement Test Prep
- You do not need to log in or have a membership to use the review. Just click on Start Course.
- The World of Math Online
Assessment Format
For the Math Placement Assessment, you will be asked to:
- Complete a short survey about your most recently completed math course. Use your best memory and judgment if you are uncertain of an answer.
- Work through a guided tutorial so you know how to answer questions and use tools such as graphing, rulers, and the calculator.
- Answer up to 30 questions with an equation or story problem that you will need to solve.
Timing, Cost, and Assessment Rules:
- The test is not timed and usually takes students about 1.5 hours to complete.
- There is no charge to take the math placement assessment. You may retest four times in two years. Retest rules for CCP may differ.
- You are required to complete this test on a computer in a proctored testing environment. Appointments are required.
- Scratch paper and pencil may be used. No other resources or tools, other than the ones provided by ALEKS, may be used during the assessment
- Avoid using the "I Don't Know" button. It can end your test early, so it is better to guess than to use it.
Retest Option
You have the option to remediate and retake the math placement test up to 4 more times after the initial assessment at no cost to you. Many students benefit from taking advantage of this reassessment process.
To access another placement attempt:
- Spend time improving your math skills by working in your individualized ALEKS Prep
& Learning Module.
- The Prep and Learning Module is accessed through CougarWeb Self-Service
- Click on the Academics Tab (Graduation Cap)
- Scroll down to Access ALEKS PPL (Placement Preparation, and Learning)
- Follow the "Continue My Path" button in the upper left of your ALEKS dashboard to access the lessons
- After you spend a minimum of 5 hours working in your Prep & Learning Module, your next ALEKS PPL placement assessment will be unlocked.
- The Prep and Learning Module is accessed through CougarWeb Self-Service
- Schedule an appointment to access your next proctored attempt.
Assessment Scores
Find your score and the corresponding level below. Questions regarding your required math courses will be answered at your New Student Program or in your appointment with your Academic Advisor.
Score |
Placement Group |
Courses |
0-13 |
Math 0114, 1099 |
|
14-29 |
MATH 1024, 1025, 1050, 1099, 1103, 1109 |
|
30-45 |
MATH 1075, 1099, 1101, 1104, 1111, 1115, 1120, 1122, 1146 STAT 1350, 1400 |
|
46-57 |
MATH 1120, 1123, 1125, 1130, 1148 |
|
58-60 |
MATH 1150 |
|
61-75 |
MATH 1131, 1149 STAT 1450 |
|
76-100 |
MATH 1151 |