ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation documents (2026)

Attached are the update ALEKS Chem prep info sheets. Below is an email from Prof Miller with more info.

Remember, if student complete ALEKS Chem prep, they do not need to take CHEM031!!

I’ve attached several updated documents related to the 2026 ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module that students can use to help them prepare for CHEM 131.  The content is exactly the same as before; the only thing that has changed is the course code.  This module is now open for student enrollment.  Students can still enroll in the 2025 module, but it will close on May 30^th so it’s probably best to start using these new documents for advising initiatives.  We are in the process of updating the Rockville Campus Chemistry Dept website and the Chemistry Guided Placement website to include these instructions on using ALEKS.  The cost for 11-week access is ~$44 and for 6-week access is ~$34.

 Please feel free to share this information and documents with your counseling colleagues.  And as always, please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you for helping us spread the word about ALEKS for CHEM 131 Preparation!  It is most appreciated.

With Thanks,

Virginia

ALEKS for CHEM 131 Preparation information

Each ALEKS ‘course’ is only valid for 18 months, so I have to create a new version every year.  However, the 2021 version is still active until May 30, 2022 so students who have that information can still enroll in that course and complete the module.  But starting today (March 1, 2022), the newest version is now available, so please feel free to distribute the attached document to any interested students.

Thank you for sharing this ALEKS information with students and for encouraging them to complete the module in preparation for CHEM 131.  We have found that students who complete ALEKS perform much better in CHEM 131 than those who do not. Even students who place directly into CHEM 131 due to our alternate MATH criteria benefit greatly from completing ALEKS.  As a result, we are constantly encouraging all students to take advantage of this low-cost resource.  Thank you for helping us spread the word about ALEKS!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and please feel free to share this information within the Counseling Department. 

Thank you!

Virginia

Virginia L. Miller, Ph.D.

Professor | Department of Chemistry

Montgomery College 

51 Mannakee Street | Rockville, MD 20850

240-567-7621 | Virginia.Miller@montgomerycollege.edu

ALEKS - Remote Placement Process Clarification

Q:  I have been seeing a lot of students who want to retest with the ALEKS. Either due to a low accuplacer score from back in the day or a low ALEKS score (taken once). Most of these have not taken a math course. Are these students allowed to take the ALEKS again or do we have to go with their past score?

Also, what to do with students who placed into WD&CE fast track based off an old score? Can they retest with ALEKS?

 A:   They can retake (or take for the first time) but they only get two attempts at ALEKS and we can’t override that.  So if they have taken ALEKS twice they are stuck with their score.

ALEKS - Remove Operations

A password is needed when the student finished the diagnostic test ( Test 1) from home for ALEKS test 2 or test 3 etc.. 

However the Math department is working on some different options and for now after the diagnostic test the student must wait until further notice from the Math department. 

As a reminder the student must:

• go to the College website to register at: www.montgomerycollege.edu/assessment
  
• then the student must scroll always down to ALEKS Math placement test and go to step 1 bullet 3 and click on ALEKS.
  
• it will open a browser where the student will be able to take the Diagnostic test (Test 1)

ROCKVILLE ASSESSMENT CENTER

Campus Center Building Room 014 (CC 014)

240-567- 4175 (Faculty Desk)

240-567-7459 (General Number)

Assessment_RV@montgomerycollege.edu

ALEKS Math Placement Testing | Diagnostic Test & Study

Hi Everyone,

Please see the email below from Ben Nicholson, Department Chair of Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science at Rockville.

Essentially, he’s shared a reminder that at this time, students can focus on completing their ALEKS diagnostic test at home. As a reminder the diagnostic test is their 1^st ALEKS test and it is a required practice test that shows the student where they’d place based on their current math skills and provides them an individualized module based on their results to study from (with the hope that if they spend time reviewing the module, they will be able to improve their placement). The results from their diagnostic/practice test do not appear in SOATEST.   

You can find detailed information on ALEKS Math Placement Testing on the Assessment Center website (scroll down to the middle of the page until you see ALEKS Math Placement Testing and click the drop down arrow): https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions-registration/assessments.html

The ALEKS Math Placement Testing summary is provided in an electronic handout as well: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/_documents/admissions-registration/aleks-math-summary.pdf

Ben also shared that options from remote proctoring are still being discussed and the final decision on this needs to be made/approved by CAPDI (CAPDI stands for the Collegewide Assessment, Placement, and Developmental Issues Committee).

If remote proctoring becomes available, this is when students will be able to schedule to take ALEKS test #2 which is the ALEKS test that will count for assessment purposes/be recorded in SOATEST (this is why the test needs to be proctored) – then students can use the assessment/placement results to register for the appropriate course/s and/or complete additional study modules and retest (ALEKS test #3) to see if they can improve their placement further.

We will continue to provide updates as they are made available to us.

Thanks so much!

-Counseling Chairs

From: Nicholson, Ben <Ben.Nicholson@montgomerycollege.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 6, 2020 10:35 AM

Subject: RE: ALEKS Placement testing during remote instruction

  

If you could share this more widely it will help cut down on some questions….

As of this very moment, students can take the ALEKS diagnostic and do review work.  Options for remote proctoring are being discussed and we hope implemented soon, but the final decision has to be made by CAPDI.  Once the college makes some decisions about placement testing through that group I’m sure they will communicate that.

Ben

Dr. Ben Nicholson

Department Chair, Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science

Montgomery College – Rockville Campus

SC250B

240-567-5222

ALEKS Information & Access To Training Site

I’m resending the ALEKS information as promised. One new piece of information is the access to a training site that you can share with your teams to get a glance of what students would see in their ALEKS account.

Please keep in mind the following instructions when sharing these documents: 

1)    The ALEKS Math Summary is public information. Assessment Centers provide this flyer to students that come to the centers for information about the test. The flyer and additional details on ALEKS appointments are available in our webpage: www.montgomerycollege.edu/assessment Please share this flyer with students as well as MC staff.

2)    The FAQ ALEKS is an internal college document for MC staff. It is NOT for public distribution. However, key information is shared in the flyer and assessment webpage. CAPDI plans to send an official memo to the MC community later in the semester with most of this information. Please share this document with MC staff only.

3)    The Internal Staff Faculty Training document contains instructions to access ALEKS as a student. The vendor has prepared this access for MC staff and faculty to learn about the platform that students would see once they open their account. Follow the instructions in the document to gain access. Please feel free to share this information with MC peers only.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Guillermo

Guillermo E. Laya

Collegewide Assessment Centers Director

Montgomery College

51 Mannakee Street | Assessment Center

CC 017A

Rockville, MD 20850

Phone: 240-567-1596

guillermo.laya@montgomerycollege.edu

ALEKS - Math Placement Testing - General Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated 8/2/19

Beginning July 1, 2019, all new students will be directed to take ALEKs unless they are requesting a retest on Accuplacer. 

Which Math Placement Test will a Student Take? 

1. All new students with no testing history with MC will take ALEKS.
2. All students with ACCUPLACER Math scores more than a year old will take ALEKS.
3. Recent MCPS graduates with Classic ACCU Math scores (less than a year old) who want to retest, will retest with NextGen Math or ALEKS.
4. CE/WDCE students with Classic ACCU Math scores (less than a year old) who want to retest, will retest with NextGen Math or ALEKS.

Information about ALEKS Tests 1 through 5: 

1. Test 1 is a Diagnostic Assessment taken to determine a student’s current math skill. It is not proctored or used for placement.
2. Tests 2 through 5 are proctored placement tests that result in official assessment scores entered into Banner (proctored in Assessment Center).

*Study modules should be completed via ALEKS before each test to improve performance. Three hours of study modules are required before Tests 3 through 5.

ALEKS Placement Testing Process:

1. Students get information about taking ALEKS Test 1 (Diagnostic), in their welcome letter and email.
2. Students complete Test 1 (Diagnostic) on their own as recommended in the Welcome Letter/Email prior to coming to the Assessment Center. Students should be encouraged to take Test 1 (Diagnostic) in one of the Learning Centers. See item # 2 below under Implementation Questions for specific Learning Center locations. If students wish to, they will be permitted to take Test 1 (Diagnostic) in the Assessment Center. However, students must first claim their MYMC Account and set up their ALEKS account prior to coming to the Assessment Center. This is not the preferred location. See item #2 below.   
3. Students immediately receive their Test 1 (Diagnostic) numerical score upon completion of the test. Students also receive a result indicating the highest MC course for which their scores qualify them. For example, if they receive a score of 40 they will be told they are eligible for MATH 050/MATH 117.
4. Students who are satisfied with their Test 1 (Diagnostic) results will wait 48 hours before going to the Assessment Center to take Placement Test 2. Placement Test 2 is the first official placement test score that will be entered into Banner. Assessment Center Staff will direct students to meet with a Counselor after Placement Test 2.
6. Students who are dissatisfied with the Test 1 (Diagnostic) results should complete study modules in ALEKS before taking Placement Test 2. They must also wait 48 hours between Test 1 (Diagnostic) and Placement Test 2. Additional study modules must be completed before taking each subsequent test (Test 3 through 5).
7. There will be a 48-hour wait time between all Tests. Students will also be required to complete a minimum of 3 hours on study modules in ALEKS before taking Test 3, Test 4, and Test 5.
8. A referral from the Math Department will be needed before taking Test 5.
9. See item # 9 below for the specific point of contact in the Math Department at each campus. Referrals will be made via Starfish.
10. Placement test scores from Test 2 through Test 5 are entered in Banner which is loaded into the e-MAP, which gives students math course placement. We will continue to use the highest test score (from Test 2 through Test 5) for course placement.
11. If ALEKS placement results fail to post to Banner overnight, contact the IT Helpdesk and submit a work order.

ALEKS Implementation Questions: 

1. How will students be notified that they need to take the ALEKS Test 1(Diagnostic)?  Will this be in the Welcome Letter, Welcome Email, etc.?  How will students be notified about the study modules?
   • This information will be included in the Welcome Letter & Welcome Email with a link to the Assessment Center webpage.
2. Where are students going to be encouraged to take Test 1 (Diagnostic) (Assessment Center, math lab, at home)?
   • Students will be encouraged to take Test 1 (Diagnostic) in one of the Learning Centers listed below. They can also work on the study modules in these locations.
   
   
   Germantown: MAPEL Center (HT 229) , Science Learning Center (BE 244)
   

   Rockville: Ackerman STEM Learning Center (SW 109)
   

   Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Mathematics Learning Center (P1-101D) Science Learning Center (P1-101A) 
   
   
3. What if a student does not have a computer at home?  Where will the student be encouraged to take Test 1 (Diagnostic)?
   
   • Students will be encouraged to complete Test 1 (Diagnostic) in one of the locations listed above in item # 2. But, students may take it in any location where they can quietly focus for up to 2 hours. Utilizing the Learning Centers listed above is best because the staff in those locations will be able to assist and respond to questions. The Assessment Center staff will not be able to answer questions during testing as this would disturb other testers.
   
4. Will students be able to access Test 1 (Diagnostic) from mobile devices?  What are the recommended settings in which students should take the diagnostic?  For example, is the Welcome Center the best place to take it?
   
   • Yes, Test 1 (Diagnostic) can be accessed from any platform that supports MyMC login. The math department recommends that students take Test 1 (Diagnostic) anywhere they can sit and concentrate on mathematics for up to 2 hours. The Learning Centers listed above in item # 2 are the best locations to take the Test 1 Diagnostic.  The diagnostic is important because it will determine the content students are given to prepare for all future tests.
   
5. How long will it take to upload scores into Banner after the student has completed ALEKS at the Assessment Center?
   
   • Currently, this is an overnight process.
   
6. Can students access their own test scores? Do the score reports include placements?
   
   • Yes and yes. The raw score and the highest MC course placement will be given to students immediately upon completion.
   
7. How soon will students have access to their results and in what form will they receive these results?
   
   The raw scores for each test and the highest MC course placement will be given the students immediately upon test completion.  A student can log into ALEKS at any time and see all their previous attempts.
   
8. Will the student need to see a counselor in between each Test to know his or her placement?
   
   • Students must see a counselor after taking proctored Test 2 for interpretation and advising on appropriate course selection for their Program of Study. They will receive a course placement sheet.
   
   • If a student has questions about placement after taking additional Tests 3-5, counselors can provide assistance.
   
9. Will the student need a referral to take Tests 2-5?
   
   • No referrals are required for Test 2 – Test 4. A referral from the Math Department will be required prior to taking Test 5. Referrals will be posted in Starfish. Direct students to the designated Math Department contacts below for approval to take Test 5:
   
   Germantown:  Nafeesa Azizi - (HT 138), nafeesa.azizi@montgomerycollege.edu
   Rockville: Scott Poese - (SC354C), scott.poese@montgomerycollege.edu
   Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Lori Christy - (SN 102), Lori.christy@montgomercollege.edu
   
10.  What happens after taking Test 5?  Will there be an exception for students to take it for a sixth time?
    
    • Placement testing options end after Test 5. No exceptions can be made during the same testing cycle. Currently our P&P has 1-year life span for math assessment scores as long as the math sequence has not been started. This remains in effect for ALEKS.
    
11.  Are students allowed to retake Test 1 (Diagnostic)?
    
    No. Test 1 (Diagnostic) cannot be retaken.
    
12. Will placement scores be available in Starfish?
    
    • Placement scores will be available in Starfish, just like other placement scores.
    
13. Since students will have the opportunity to take Test 1 (Diagnostic) and Tests 2 through 5, should we stop offering the test "X" number of days before the start of the semester so that students can fully take advantage of all of their Tests as needed?
    
    • ALEKS allows each student a Diagnostic plus four test attempts; five total tests.
    
    All placement testing will pause one week before the first day of classes. Note the last day for testing in the Assessment Centers before the Fall 2019 semester begins is August 24, 2019.
    
14. Is there an amount of time that students must wait between each test attempt?
    
    Yes, there is a 48-hour wait time between each test. Students must also complete 3 hours of study modules within ALEKS before taking Test 3, Test 4, and Test 5. A referral from the Math Department is also needed to take Test 5. See item # 9 for Math Dept. points of contact. 
    
15.  Does the Test 1 (Diagnostic) allow MC to insert a survey, like ACCUPLACER, to ask the student questions about his or her study habits (StAMP initiative)?
    
    • Yes.  We have currently been asking a few questions.
    
16. What is the average time that it should take the student to complete the assessment?
    
    • Students should be able to complete the assessment in less than 2 hours; 65 minutes was the average during the pilot. For each individual student, the time needed to take Test 1 (Diagnostic) will be a good indicator of time needed to complete the proctored tests
    
17. At which point should recruiters be talking about ALEKS in the high schools?
    
    • Recruiters should be talking about ALEKS in the high schools now. ALEKS implementation starts July 1, 2019.
    
18. Will counseling faculty be able to access scores on the same day by logging into an "ALEKS admin site" like with ACCUPLACER or will they need to wait for Banner?
    
    No.  This information is in Banner. For students who have taken the test but their score has not yet uploaded into Banner, the student can log into ALEKS and show that score (or print it out) to a counselor.
    
19. Has this information been updated in the academic orientations?
    
    • Yes, the e-MAP contains ALEKS information and course placements.
    
20. When off-campus students have login or technical issues (code doesn't work, computer froze, etc.) with Test 1 (Diagnostic), whom should they contact?
    
    • They can contact the ALEKS help line at: 1-800-258-2374 or https://mhedu.force.com/aleks/s/alekscontactsupport
    
    • The login and username will be the same for students as their MyMC credentials.  Therefore, if a student forgets his/her information, the MC helpdesk is available for support as well.
    
21. Are students able to use a calculator during testing?
    
    • The only calculator allowed is the one built into the ALEKS test, and it does not appear for all questions. Students can learn more about the embedded calculator in the ALEKS tutorial available in their account.
    
    • Any accommodations for a handheld calculator would go through DSS.

Chemistry - ALEKS

Chemistry Department

Dear MC Student,

Did you place into CHEM 099 (Introductory Chemistry)?
OR
Did you place into CHEM 131 but want more preparation for this course?

WE HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE!!
The Chemistry Department has developed an online course, CHEM 131 Preparation Module, designed to allow students to prepare for CHEM 131 on their own instead of taking the CHEM 099 (Introductory Chemistry) course. This online course module uses ALEKS, an adaptive online system that creates a unique learning experience that recognizes your past knowledge so that you only need to spend time on the content you don’t know to prepare for CHEM 131.

We would like to invite you to take advantage of this web-based alternative to the Introductory Chemistry course offered at Montgomery College. If you accept, you will be given access to the CHEM 131 Preparation Module for 12 weeks*. You will be able to work through the course module at your own pace. Once you reach 95% mastery in the course module, you will be given an override that will allow you to register for CHEM 131 directly.

THERE IS NO COST TO STUDENTS TO TAKE THE CHEM 131 PREPARATION MODULE!

*Please note that you cannot take the CHEM 131 Preparation Module while simultaneously enrolled in CHEM 099.

Stop by the Rockville Chemistry Department (SC 331) for more information and for a course access code to get started in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module.

Rockville Chemistry Department
Science Center 331-C
Montgomery College
chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu
Chemistry Department

Student Information and Frequently Asked Questions about the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module

What is ALEKS and how does it work?

ALEKS is a Web-based, artificially intelligent learning and assessment system that uses adaptive
questioning to accurately determine your knowledge level in chemistry. It provides you with an
individualized learning experience tailored to your specific strengths and weakness. Because it
recognizes your prior knowledge, it allows you to spend time learning only the content you need to
master while bypassing content you already know. This system gives you the ability to take control of
your own learning and master the material at your own pace.

The ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module is designed to provide you with the pre-requisite information
necessary to be successful in CHEM 131. You must achieve a 95% mastery of all topics within this online
module in order to register for CHEM 131.

Who should use the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module?

This on-line module is designed for students who wish to take CHEM 131 but are lacking the required
chemistry pre-requisite knowledge. It is being offered as a web-based alternative to the Introductory
Chemistry course (CHEM 099) offered at Montgomery College. Because ALEKS is an on-line system, you
can learn the required material at a time and location that is convenient for you. You do not need to
come to campus to complete this module. This is a self-paced system that is best utilized by highly
motivated students with good time-management skills.

The ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module cannot be utilized in combination with CHEM 099!
You must also have the appropriate MATH Assessment Level (MATH 050) in order to use the ALEKS
CHEM 131 Preparation Module.

How long will it take to complete the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module?

Everyone’s path through ALEKS will be different. ALEKS will tell you what you need to learn and help
you track your progress in the pie chart learning mode. The average amount of time it takes to
complete this module ranges from 40-90 hours.

The Rockville Chemistry Department will give you an access code for ALEKS that is valid for 12 weeks
from date of first use. You are highly encouraged to spend time in ALEKS every week. Do NOT wait until
the last minute to start working in ALEKS or your access code may expire before you successfully
complete all of the material (additional access codes will NOT be issued under any circumstances). We
recommend that you start working in ALEKS immediately.

What is required to use ALEKS?

In order to use ALEKS, you must have daily access to a computer with reliable internet access. We
recommend that you do NOT use a smart phone or tablet with ALEKS. Be prepared to spend several
hours every week in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module.


What topics are covered in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module?

The following topics are covered in the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module. You are required to
achieve a mastery score of 95% in all of these topics in order to register for CHEM 131.

• scientific notation, unit conversions, significant figures in measurements
• physical & chemical properties & changes, density, properties of matter
• atomic structure, isotopes, atomic mass, ions
• Ionic, molecular & acidic compounds (nomenclature & determining chemical formulae)
• Avogadro’s number, molar mass, elemental analysis, mass percent
• chemical equations and reaction stoichiometry, types of reactions, limiting reactants, percent yield, solutions & molarity

What if I need assistance?

The chemistry tutors at the Ackerman STEM Learning Center (located on the ground floor of Science
Center West, Rockville Campus) can provide assistance with any of your chemistry-related questions.
Please note that these tutors will answer content specific questions and provide general assistance, but
they will NOT teach you the material.

If you have a technical question or problem related to the ALEKS system, then please go to
http://support.aleks.com. ALEKS provides excellent support for this program. No one at Montgomery
College can provide you with competent technical support for ALEKS. Please do NOT write to anyone
within the Chemistry Department, the Ackerman STEM learning Center, or the Montgomery College
Help Desk with technical questions about ALEKS.

How do I get started?

If you would like to use the ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module, then please come to the Rockville
Chemistry Department (Science Center room 331B) IN PERSON between the hours of 10 am – 2 pm
(Monday-Friday) to sign a ‘Student Agreement’ form. You will then be given a 10-digit course code, a
student access code for ALEKS, and detailed instructions on how to get started in ALEKS. Alternatively,
you may attend one of the ALEKS Chemistry Information Sessions that are offered periodically
throughout the semester.

Requests to utilize ALEKS must be made IN PERSON at the Rockville Chemistry Department. Access
codes will NOT be distributed via e-mail.

You MUST bring your MC ID with you to the Chemistry Department!