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The Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) test is an adaptive test that assesses students' preparedness for college-level math. ALEKS is the preferred math placement test for CWU for placement into courses that have a math requirement.

ALEKS at CWU

First of all, RELAX. This is an “assessment,” NOT A TEST. The difference is that an assessment is designed to determine what you know. At the end of the ALEKS Placement Assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses in math. You will then have a chance to work on those weaknesses. There is really no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the assessment. The most important thing is that you take the assessment seriously and give it an honest effort so that the assessment truly reflects your level of knowledge and math preparedness.

Be honest about your skill level. There is no benefit to cheating on the placement assessment – your only reward will be that you are placed into a math class for which you do not yet have the skills to succeed. Therefore, while you are taking the assessment, do not consult any other source for help (friends, family, internet searches, etc.). The purpose of the placement assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current mathematical skills so that you will be successful in your mathematics courses.

How to Take the ALEKS Test

We encourage all students to take the ALEKS test at home. If you need to explore alternate options, please contact us at CWUTesting@cwu.edu.

Access the ALEKS Exam Through Your MyCWU Portal

1. Make sure that you are using Mozilla Firefox as your web browser
2. Log into your myCWU student account using your CWU username and password
3. Click on the “Student” tab
4. On the left side of the screen, click on “Advising”
5. Select “ALEKS Math Placement Exam”
6. Select either:
   1. “Pay Now” to pay the non-refundable $35 fee by credit/debit card, or
   2. “Charge to Student Account”
7. Select your cohort (for example: 2021 Respondus, Fall 2021)
8. Complete the tutorial

Lockdown Browser (Respondus) Instructions and Troubleshooting

Log into myCWU and select ALEKS to take tests. See additional instructions below to ensure that your Lockdown Browser and webcam are installed properly.

This assessment requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam (also called Respondus Monitor). The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable.

To ensure that the LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, follow the steps below:

1. Log into ALEKS through myCWU and select your cohort
2. Click "Start Exam"
3. Enter Password: gocwu1
4. For first-time access, install the Lockdown Browser: start the assessment and select "Download LockDown Browser." Once these steps are complete, you can continue into the assessment or exit and return later when ready.
5. If you are ready to proceed, you will then be prompted for the payment (only the first time you access ALEKS)
6. The first time "LockDown Browser and Webcam" is launched, you will be prompted to complete a Webcam Check. This will ensure that your webcam is working properly, and will check for system requirements.
7. Complete the verification process for your microphone/webcam. You will be asked to present a photo ID (Student ID or Government Issued ID) at this point.
8. Return to ALEKS and click "Launch LockDown Browser and Webcam" to start the assessment
9. Click on the appropriate operating system (i.e.: Windows, Mac) to open the installation file, then follow the instructions in the wizard to install the browser

Troubleshooting the LockDown Browser

Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

• To run a system check, log into ALEKS and select the course/cohort
• Start the assessment and select "Check your LockDown Browser Setup"
• This will check that the browser was installed correctly and will enable you to do a Webcam Check outside of an assessment

Requirements for Taking the ALEKS at Home

When taking an assessment that requires LockDown Browser and Webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Have a picture ID available, either a Government Issued ID or a CWU Student ID
• Ensure that you are in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers)
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted (books, papers, other devices including phones, calculators)
• You will be required to use the onscreen calculator
• You will have a maximum of 3 hours to complete your exam, so allow sufficient time to complete it
• You must remain at your computer for the duration of the assessment

To produce a good webcam video, do the following:

• Avoid wearing a baseball cap or hat with brim
• Ensure that your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (desk or table), not on your lap, a bed, or other surface that might move
• If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
• Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
• These testing sessions are recorded and reviewed so please dress appropriately by avoiding nudity, revealing clothing, or clothing with offensive language or slogans
• Avoid using blankets, scarves, or anything else that may obstruct a clear view while testing

You will be asked to do an environmental scan. To produce a good environmental scan, do the following:

• Use your web camera to show that you are alone in the room and your testing area is free of all prohibited items
• Slowly pan your camera to show a 360 degree view of your testing space that includes the ceiling, floor, and under your table/desk
• Show the surface of your work area
• Hold up each piece of scratch paper and show the front and back
• Please note that your test score may be invalidated if you do not perform a proper environmental scan
• Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications. You will be unable to exit the assessment until all questions are completed and submitted.

Payment and Scheduling

Payment for this test is handled through your myCWU portal. You will be prompted for payment during the registration process.

You do not need to schedule the exam through Testing Services when using your webcam and the LockDown Browser. However, please be aware that a video and audio recording of your testing session will be made as you complete the exam.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

Visit the What to Expect webpage to view CWU Testing Services' refund policy.

ALEKS FAQ

• What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I take the ALEKS exam?
  • Simply close the browser or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the ALEKS exam exactly where you left off, with no loss of your previous answers.
• Can I retake the ALEKS placement exams after the 12-month access period has expired?
  • Yes. Contact CWU Testing Services at 509-963-1847 or 509-963-1860 or email at CWUTesting@cwu.edu.
• May I use a personal calculator while using ALEKS?
  • ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.
• May I use other resources during a Placement Assessment?
  • You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided with ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and possible course failure.
• Can I review a question after I’ve answered it?
  • Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.
• What does my placement score mean?
  • Your overall score is a number between 0 and 100. We recommend that you contact your Advisor for further placement information.
• Can I retake an Assessment?
  • Yes, you may take up to 5 Placement Assessments total. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments so that you can improve your skills. You are required to spend at least 3 hours in your Prep and Learning Module between Assessments before you will be allowed to take it again. Remember that in order for a placement exam to count, it must be taken in an approved proctored environment.
• Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?
  • You must wait 48 hours and spend the requisite time in the Prep and Learning Modules between Placement Assessments. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement Assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement Assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten.
• Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments?
  • Yes. You will be required to complete a minimum of 3 hours of time in Prep and Learning before you will be able to take another placement test. You can retake the Placement Assessment up to four additional times to improve your score. (The highest score from an approve proctored location will be used for math placement.)
• What if I can’t take the ALEKS exams at home?
  • You are welcome to test at CWU Testing Services. Please contact us at CWUTesting@cwu.edu.

The academic writing self-assessment is the preferred English placement test for CWU students. Starting summer 2022, CWU is offering the option to take an academic writing self-assessment through General Education for placement into courses that have a writing requirement.

Access information about the Academic Writing Self-Assessment.

ACCUPLACER is a computer-based test designed to assist accurate placement into appropriate courses for Math and English. ACCUPLACER offers immediate scoring for tests in Reading, Writing, and Math. It can also be used by CWU-Admissions in place of ACT or SAT scores. Please check with CWU Admissions for further details.

ACCUPLACER tests are offered year round, with limited availability for Finals Week and certain dates. CWU will send ACCUPLACER results at the time of testing to other institutions free of charge.

Schedule

More information about the test is available on the ACCUPLACER website.

• Math ACCUPLACER
  • Although CWU Testing Services does offer the Math ACCUPLACER Next Generation, the preferred CWU math placement test is ALEKS. Talk to your advisor for further information.
• English ACCUPLACER
  • Consisting of a Reading portion and a WritePlacer test. You may only take the English ACCUPLACER twice. To qualify for English 101, students must receive qualifying scores on both portions. Talk to your advisor for further information.

ACCUPLACER Study Resources

Access the WritePlacer Guide

Download the ACCUPLACER Study App

Taking ACCUPLACER Online

To take the ACCUPLACER test at home, you will need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a webcam and audio capabilities. Please note: Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, and smartphones will not work for this application.

To Prepare for your Test

You must register and pay for your exam at least 2 business days before your test. Spaces for this program are extremely limited. Please plan accordingly.

1. Download Zoom
2. Test Zoom and join with video
3. Verify that your computer meets the system requirements to run ACCUPLACER
4. Pay for your test
5. Schedule your test
6. Once you have paid for and scheduled your test, you will receive an email with testing vouchers from ACCUPLACER. The email may ask you to report to a Testing Site, which will be your home computer. You MUST have this voucher to launch your exam. If you have not received a voucher 24 hours before your appointment, please email CWUTesting@cwu.edu.

Day Before Test

One business day before your testing appointment, you will receive a Zoom invitation from CWUTesting@cwu.edu. This email contains your link and password to join your proctored test session.

On the Day

Once you enter the test session you will receive instructions about how to proceed with your exam.

Before You Join the Testing Session

You Will Need:

• Your photo ID (CWU student ID or government issued ID such as a driver’s licenses): You will need to show this to start your test.
• Your voucher number: You will need this to launch your test.
• A blank piece of scratch paper and a writing utensil.

Please Note:

• For the Math test, you will only be allowed to use the onscreen calculator (unless you have prescribed accommodations).
• You will not be allowed breaks (including bathroom breaks) during the testing session.
• You must remove blankets or anything that will block the view of the proctor.
• You must clear a workspace for your monitor, mouse, keyboard, one piece of blank scratch paper and a pencil. All other items must be removed for your table/desk.
• Please ensure that you have chosen a quiet area and have set aside enough time to complete the exam.
• Please remind family, friends, and others that you are taking a test and you should not be disturbed
• Understand that if you leave the testing area, your test will be invalidated and you will not be refunded your test fee.
• You will be asked to do a 360 degree sweep of your testing area, as well as the top and underside of your workspace using your camera.
• You will be asked to leave your camera and microphone on for the duration of the exam, so the test can be proctored.

To Launch Your Test

Follow the instructions on the Zoom invite to join the meeting at the appropriate time.

Testing In Person

If you are scheduled to take your test at the CWU campus in Ellensburg, please bring a valid ID on the day of testing (unexpired Student ID, state issued ID, or passport). Directions to campus are available on the Directions page. See additional information for What to Expect on the day of your test.

American College Testing (ACT) test is one of the main entrance exams used by most colleges and universities. Learn more about the ACT.

Registration and Payment

To pay and register for the ACT, please visit the ACT website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the ACT website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

ACT Study Resources

There are many study resources available on the ACT website to help students study and prepare to take the ACT.

The College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has been the most widely trusted credit-by-examination program for over 50 years, accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities and administered in more than 1,800 test centers. This rigorous program allows students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds to demonstrate their mastery of introductory college-level material and earn college credit. Students can earn credit by receiving qualifying scores on any of the 33 examinations. Find out more about CLEP tests on the CLEP website.

Please Note: Students should check with their school before registering for a test to verify that their CLEP credits will be accepted.

Current CWU students can check the Transfer Credit CWU catalog to find out which CLEP tests are accepted.

Payment and Scheduling

To pay for a CLEP test:

• Pay the CLEP Proctor fee through the Testing Services payment portal.
• Register for and purchase the test through the CLEP website.
• Once you have registered and purchased your test through CLEP, schedule your proctored exam.

Taking the Test

On the day of the test:

• Please bring a valid ID (see the CLEP Website for more information): driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification that includes your photograph and signature. You will be asked to show this identification to be admitted to the testing area. The last name on your ID must match the name on your registration ticket.
• Please bring your printed registration ticket.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

Visit the What to Expect webpage to view CWU Testing Services' refund policy. Visit the CLEP website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) is a prior learning assessment that offers students a way to measure their knowledge acquired outside the classroom, to translate into course equivalency. Please check with your institution to see if they accept DSST credits. Find out more on the DSST website.

Please Note: The Principles of Public Speaking DSST test is no longer available through CWU Testing Services.

Payment and Scheduling

• Pre-pay the proctor fee through the Testing Services payment portal
• Pay for the test in person on the day of the test (please bring a valid credit/debit card)
• Find out more on the DSST website
• Schedule your test

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the What to Expect page to find out about canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

To obtain a GED transcript, please visit the GED Transcript website (if you tested after January 1, 2014, use the login to MyGED link).

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the GED website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The WebCAPE Language Placement Exam is designed for any student with prior foreign language experience who needs guidance in foreign language course placement decisions. Taking this exam will allow for more accurate course placement based on a student's current ability and could allow them to skip introductory foreign language classes in order to enroll in more advanced language courses.

The WebCAPE placement exam is available in Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. It is an adaptive test, meaning that the questions are staged to get progressively more difficult as the tester demonstrates various skills.

Additional Information About the Language Placement Exam

• The average time to complete the exam is 20-30 minutes.
• There is no audio portion to this exam.
• This exam does not grant any credits: it is strictly for placement.
• You will not receive printed a copy of your score, but you will see your scores on the screen after you complete your exam.
• You will need to discuss your placement with the CWU Department of Foreign Language.

Find out what to expect on the day of the exam by visiting the What to Expect webpage.

Scheduling and Payment

Payment and scheduling are required for all tests.

Pay for your test.

To schedule your Language Placement Exam, please contact the CWU Department of Foreign Language at 509-963-1218 or WLang_Dept@cwu.edu.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the preferred required entrance exam for many graduate programs. The GRE General test and the GRE Subject test are two separate exams.

GRE General Test

Prospective graduate and business school applicants from all around the world who are interested in pursuing a master's, MBA, specialized master's in business or doctoral degree take the GRE General Test. Applicants come from varying educational and cultural backgrounds and the GRE General Test provides schools with a common measure for comparing candidates' qualifications.

GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement undergraduate records, recommendation letters, and other qualifications for graduate-level study.

For more information about the GRE General, visit the GRE website.

GRE Subject Tests

The GRE Subject Tests are achievement tests that measure your knowledge of a particular field of study.

Show what you know about a specific subject and graduate schools will take notice. The Subject Tests can help you stand out from other applicants by emphasizing your knowledge and skill level in a specific area.

For more information about the GRE Subject Tests, visit the GRE website.

Registration and Payment

Registration and payment for the GRE General and the GRE Subject are available through the GRE website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the GRE website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

GRE Study Resources

Study resources for the GRE General and the GRE Subject are available through the GRE website.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. Learn more about the LSAT.

Registration and Payment

Registration and payment are available through the LSAT website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the LSAT website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

LSAT Study Resources

Study resources for the LSAT are available through the LSAT website.

The TOEFL iBT test measures candidates' ability to use and understand English at the university level. The test evaluates how well the tester combines reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills to perform academic tasks. Examinees testing outside their country of citizenship must bring a passport or will not be able to test and there will be no refund.

For more information, please visit the TOEFL website.

Scheduling and Payment

To schedule and pay for your test, please visit the TOEFL website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the TOEFL website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Listening and Reading test offers a common standard of measurement for comparing the language skills of current and potential employees. Visit the TOEIC website for more information.

Taking the Exam

• Please Note: TOEIC requires 5 people or more be registered for the exam or the session will be canceled. If your test session is canceled, TOEIC will contact you one week prior.
• On the day of your exam, please remember to bring a passport. Examinees will not be able to take the test and there will be no refund if they do not have their passport. Original Passports only, no photocopies or pictures.

Scheduling and Payment

To schedule and pay for your test, please visit the TOEIC website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the TOEIC website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination is a competency-based tool used to measure possession, application and interpretation of knowledge in the seven areas of responsibility for health education specialists delineated by a competency-based framework. For more about this exam, please visit the CHES website.

Before taking the CHES exam, check your eligibility.

Registration

Register for the CHES exam on the CHES website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the CHES website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The Construction Certification Program available through the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) provides certification to construction professionals to support their skills and knowledge to manage the complex construction process. Students in the CWU Construction Management Program are eligible to take the exam at the end of their program. Learn more about the Construction Certification Program on the AIC website.

Registration and Payment

Before registering for the exam, please consult with the CWU Industrial Engineering and Technology by calling 509-963-1762.

Registration and payment are available through the AIC website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the AIC website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Exam resources are available at the FAA Testing Portal.

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is developed by NCBE and administered on NCBE’s behalf by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions: 50 scored questions and 10 unscored pretest questions. Find out more on the MPRE website.

Payment and Registration

For payment and registration, please visit the MPRE website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the MPRE website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The National Evaluation Series (NES) is offered through the Washington Educational Skills Test (WEST). This series of exams is required for teacher certification in the State of Washington. Learn more about NES and WEST, including certification requirements and exam subjects available.

Registration and Payment

For registration and payment, please visit the NES website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the NES website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) offers emergency medical certification for pre-hospital medical providers. For more information, please visit the NREMT website.

Scheduling and Payment

To schedule and pay for your test, please visit the NREMT website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the NREMT website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.

The Praxis tests measure the academic skills and subject-specific content knowledge needed for teaching. The Praxis tests are taken by individuals entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and professional licensing organizations.

Scheduling and Payment

The Praxis tests are offered at CWU Testing Services most Mondays, except holidays and finals week.

To schedule and pay for your test, please visit the Praxis website.

Canceling, Rescheduling, No Shows, and Refunds

See the Praxis website for information on canceling, rescheduling, no shows, and refunds.