This page covers everything about ALEKS scoring, retaking assessment, and using the Prep and Learning Module (PLM) to improve your score. If you haven鈥檛 taken ALEKS yet, start at the main ALEKS page.
Didn鈥檛 get the score you were hoping for? That鈥檚 what the Prep and Learning Module is for. ALEKS is adaptive 鈥� it identifies exactly what you need to work on, so your study time is focused rather than scattered. Most students who put in the required hours see a meaningful improvement on their next attempt.
At a glance
Total attempts
Including your first attempt. Up to 4 retakes.
Wait between attempts
Minimum time required between any two attempts.
Score validity
From the date you earn a qualifying score.
PLM access
From your first login to ALEKS.
The retake process
Each retake follows the same sequence. The PLM hour requirements are a system lock 鈥� ALEKS will not unlock the next attempt until they are met.
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Complete your current attempt
Your score appears in HuskyNet the morning after you take the exam. Your highest score across all attempts determines your placement.
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Wait at least 72 hours
You cannot retake the assessment immediately. There is no benefit to doing so 鈥� without working in the PLM, your score is unlikely to change.
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Work in the Prep and Learning Module
Before your 2nd attempt: at least 8 hours in the PLM.
Before your 3rd, 4th, or 5th attempt: at least 5 hours in the PLM each time.
Until you meet the required hours, the next attempt will remain locked. -
Retake the assessment
Log in to HuskyNet 鈫� Student tab 鈫� HCU Math Placement Information (ALEKS). The lock icon on the Start Exam link will be gone once you鈥檝e met the PLM requirement.
Still getting the same score? If repeated attempts are returning similar results, ALEKS is likely identifying a genuine gap in foundational knowledge. The course it suggests will address that gap directly 鈥� and because math builds on itself, filling it now leads to better outcomes in every subsequent course.
Understanding your placement score
Your score is expressed as a percentage mastery (0鈥�100%). The tables below show which courses each score range qualifies you for. Your placement does not earn course credit 鈥� it only determines which course you may enroll in.
| ALEKS score |
Course eligibility |
|---|---|
| 0鈥�13 | MATH 1302 / MATH 1281 combo |
| 14鈥�29 | MATH 1302 |
| 30鈥�100 | MATH 1305 |
| ALEKS score |
Course eligibility |
|---|---|
| 0鈥�13 | MATH 1302 / MATH 1281 combo |
| 14鈥�34 | MATH 1302 |
| 35鈥�50 | MATH 1313 / MATH 1213 combo, or MATH 1302 followed by MATH 1313 |
| 51鈥�60 | MATH 1313 |
| 61鈥�75 | MATH 1434 |
| 76鈥�100 | MATH 1451 |
Note on the 35鈥�50 range (MATH 1313 track): Students in this range have two options: take MATH 1313 and MATH 1213 concurrently, or take MATH 1302 first and then MATH 1313 in a subsequent semester. Students who complete MATH 1302 become eligible for MATH 1313 without needing MATH 1213.
Placement is not binding. If your score places you lower than your current placement by another method, you may choose to take the lower course 鈥� but you are not required to. You can also continue using the PLM to prepare for the course you intend to enroll in.
The Prep & Learning Module and retake licensing
The PLM opens automatically after your first assessment. It focuses on the specific topics where you have gaps 鈥� working consistently in it is the most effective way to improve your score and your readiness for the course itself. Even if you鈥檝e already placed into the course you need, more time in the PLM means better grades once the semester starts.
Progress Assessments: While working in the PLM, ALEKS will periodically give you short Progress Assessments. These check that you鈥檝e retained what you鈥檝e been learning 鈥� they are a normal part of the PLM experience, not additional placement attempts. Progress Assessment results do not change your placement. Only a completed placement assessment can do that.
Your ALEKS license gives you access to both the placement assessments and the PLM for聽6 months from your first login. After that, your access expires and remaining attempts are locked. If you need to retake after expiry 鈥� or want more than 5 assessments total 鈥� purchase an聽ALEKS e-commerce license聽through Testing Services ($25 + tax).
Important: All retakes using an e-commerce license must be taken in person at Testing Services 鈥� they can鈥檛 be taken at home.
Online cohort students: Contact your online advisor or the HCU Math Department to arrange an e-commerce account.