Liberty University Math Assessment (ALEKS): How to Test Out of Remedial Math
Before enrolling in math at Liberty University Online, most students must complete the ALEKS math placement assessment. Your score determines whether you start in MATH 121 (College Algebra) or get funneled into remedial courses first — potentially adding thousands in tuition and months to your degree timeline.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Liberty ALEKS placement test and how to secure the score you need.
What Is the LUO Math Assessment?
Liberty uses ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation, and Learning), an adaptive assessment developed by McGraw-Hill. Unlike traditional tests with fixed questions, ALEKS adjusts difficulty based on your answers, zeroing in on your actual skill level.
Key features of the Liberty ALEKS assessment:
- Adaptive format — everyone gets different questions
- Typically 25-30 questions, taking 60-90 minutes
- Unproctored — you can take it at home
- Up to 5 attempts allowed
- Mandatory “Learning Modules” time between retakes
Official details are available on Liberty’s placement testing page.
Why Your Placement Score Matters
Your ALEKS score directly determines which math courses you’re eligible to take:
| ALEKS Score | Eligible Courses |
|---|---|
| Below 30 | MATH 100 (Remedial/Developmental) |
| 30-45 | MATH 114, MATH 115 |
| 46+ | MATH 121 (College Algebra) |
| 61+ | MATH 128 (Pre-Calculus) |
The financial math: Scoring 29 instead of 30 means taking MATH 100 before your required math course. That’s roughly $1,500 in additional tuition plus 8 weeks of your time. For students using military tuition assistance or limited financial aid, an unnecessary remedial course burns through precious benefits that could be applied toward your actual degree requirements.
What Topics Are on the Liberty ALEKS Test?
ALEKS covers material from basic arithmetic through algebra, adjusting to your level as you answer:
Foundation (determines MATH 100 vs. 114/115 placement): Fractions, decimals, percentages, basic algebraic expressions, simple equations, number properties.
Intermediate (determines MATH 121 placement): Linear equations and inequalities, graphing, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, exponents and radicals.
Advanced (determines Pre-Calculus placement): Quadratic equations, functions, logarithms, basic trigonometry.
For most students aiming to place into MATH 121, focus your preparation on intermediate algebra. You don’t need calculus-level skills — you need solid competency in high school Algebra 2 material.
5 Pro Tips for Improving Your Placement Score
1. Don’t take the first attempt cold. Spend a few hours reviewing algebra basics before your initial attempt. Khan Academy’s free Algebra 1 and 2 courses cover everything you need. A little preparation prevents wasting an attempt.
2. Use “I Don’t Know” honestly. ALEKS offers this option for every question. Using it strategically gives more accurate placement than random guessing. If you genuinely don’t know how to approach a problem, say so.
3. Actually work the Learning Modules. Between attempts, ALEKS requires you to spend time in targeted practice modules. This isn’t punishment — it’s the most efficient way to fill knowledge gaps. Students who engage seriously with the modules often gain 10-15 points on retakes.
4. Take it in one sitting. You have 48 hours to complete the assessment once started, but breaks kill momentum. Find a quiet 90-minute window where you can focus without interruptions.
5. Don’t panic when questions get hard. ALEKS keeps increasing difficulty until you miss questions — that’s how it finds your ceiling. Seeing problems you can’t solve means the system is working, not that you’re failing.
Alternative Path: Transfer Credits
If placement testing isn’t your strength, consider an alternative route: complete your math requirement through a transfer-friendly institution like Portage Learning. Their self-paced courses transfer to Liberty and bypass placement testing entirely. This can be especially useful for students who haven’t taken math in years and want to relearn at their own pace before tackling ALEKS.
Need a Guaranteed Placement Score?
If you’ve attempted the ALEKS assessment and aren’t placing where you need, or you want to ensure proper placement on your first try, Finish My Math Class offers expert ALEKS support.
We help students secure the placement scores they need to bypass remedial courses and start their degree math requirements immediately. Contact us for a free quote — especially if registration deadlines are approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions About the LUO Math Placement Test
What score do I need on ALEKS to place into MATH 121 at Liberty University?
To enroll in MATH 121 (College Algebra), you typically need a minimum score of 46 on the ALEKS assessment. If you’re aiming for Pre-Calculus (MATH 128), the required score increases to 61. Scoring high enough initially allows you to skip remedial courses like MATH 100, saving approximately $1,500 in tuition.
Can I retake the Liberty University Math Assessment?
Yes, Liberty allows up to five total attempts on the ALEKS assessment. However, between each attempt, the system requires you to spend a minimum amount of time (usually 3-5 hours) within the ALEKS Learning Modules to ensure you’re actually improving your skills before re-testing.
How long do I have to complete the ALEKS assessment?
Most students finish within 60-90 minutes. You have a maximum of 48 hours to finish once you start, but completing it in one sitting is highly recommended to maintain focus.
Is the Liberty ALEKS placement test proctored?
No, the ALEKS placement assessment is unproctored and can be taken from home. However, ALEKS is designed to adapt to your actual knowledge level, making it difficult to artificially inflate your score with outside resources.