Precalculus Proficiency Assessment (PPA)

What is the PPA?

The PPA helps students place into Math 30, 70, 71, or 42. Some majors require the PPA if no qualifying scores or coursework are on record. The PPA is completed through ALEKS, which measures math readiness to place you in the right course. The PPA is online and remote. After completing the intent to enroll, you’ll receive email instructions on how to access the assessment.

When to Take the PPA?

Complete the PPA at least one week before orientation to avoid delays and ensure proper math placement.

How Long Will it Take?

The PPA includes:

  • Practice assessment (2 hours)
  • Prep and Learning Modules (5 hours)
  • Cool-down period after module completion (48 hours)
  • First Official Graded Attempt (2 hours)
  • Cool down period after First Attempt (48 hours)
  • Second Official Graded Attempt (2 Hours)

Exemptions from the PPA

You could be eligible to enroll in Calculus without taking the PPA if you have any of the following:

  • A score of 3 or higher on the AP Precalculus, Calculus AB, or Calculus BC exam
  • A score of 50 or higher on the CLEP Precalculus exam
  • A grade of C- or better in a community college or university Precalculus class or higher

Send your official College Board scores or transcripts to the SJSU Admissions Office admissions@sjsu.edu to ensure that you can enroll in the appropriate math class. If you’ve taken an AP Precalculus or Calculus exam but your score hasn’t yet been received and posted, we recommend taking the PPA as a backup.

Note: AP course grades do not count for calculus placement — only AP test scores are accepted.

If you plan to take Pre-Calculus, you do not need the PPA. For more details, consult your advisor.

How to Access the PPA?

To access ALEKS:

  1. Log in to MySJSU
  2. Navigate to "Other Items" at the bottom of the menu on the left of the screen (above the red logout button, there's a file folder icon next to it).
  3. Click "ALEKS Authorization"; this takes you to an instructions page with a checkbox.
  4. Click the box labeled "Select"
  5. Click the gold button labeled "Precalculus Proficiency Assessment" (you may need to check the box a few times).
  6. After following the prompts, create your profile. You'll then be prompted to complete the initial practice assessment. This is not graded; it is for ALEKS to gauge your current math skill level and customize your prep and learning modules accordingly.
  7. You will then need to spend at least 5 hours in the prep and learning modules, then wait 48 hours to unlock the proctored assessment.  
  8. For the official and graded assessment. You will need a lockdown browser and your device camera enabled. Your score will reflect in your portal the next day.

To locate your score report after you have completed the graded assessment:

  1. Log in to MySJSU
  2. Click on "My academics"
  3. Click the CSU FacGrad Campus page

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered on the PPA exam?
  • Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
  • Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations)
  • Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions)
  • Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
  • Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
  • Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations)
What are the system requirements?

In advance of the initial placement assessment:

  • Prepare an area with reliable internet access
  • Download the lockdown browser

No plug-ins or applets are required for your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your placement assessment. Visit the ALEKS system requirements on their support site for a list of preferred browsers.

What is the format of the questions on ALEKS?

They are open-response questions that require you to work out solutions with paper and pencil and then enter them into ALEKS.

May I use a calculator while using ALEKS? 

ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem.

Can I review a question after I’ve answered it?

You can review answered questions before submitting it. cannot change an answer once you submit it. Once submitted, you cannot change an answer.

What if I see questions I don’t know?

You will likely be asked questions on material you have yet learned. It is appropriate to answer such questions, “I don’t know.” However, it is important to do your best on any question you are familiar with. “I don’t know” is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, which will be reflected in the placement assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the placement assessment; it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know.

Are placement assessments timed?

No, you can complete the placement assessment at your own pace. The system will allow you to access your placement assessment for 2 hours. If you need to exit the placement assessment, you can log back in and pick up where you left off.

Where and when can I see my score?

You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your placement assessment.

You can view your ALEKS score by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the placement assessment.

Your score will automatically be uploaded to your MySJSU record the next day. It will then be used to recommend the highest possible Math course for your major.

I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?

No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.

Where can I get help with ALEKS technical support?

What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes during the placement assessment? Simply close the browser or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the placement assessment exactly where you left off without losing your previous answers.

Troubleshoot Your Setup | Submit a Help Ticket

Can I retake the PPA?

One retake is allowed. The higher of the two scores will be used to determine placement.

What if I started the PPA last semester but did not complete it?

Incomplete work does not carry over between test cycles. If you did not complete the PPA previously, you will need to start over again with the current test cohort. Email testing-office@sjsu.edu for more information.

What if I completed the PPA last semester but did not enroll in a math class?

As long as an official, proctored PPA score is entered into the system, it will remain in your record.

 

Email testing-office@sjsu.edu for any questions.