Skip to Content

My USC Lancaster

Placement Exams

Placement Testing at USCL

USCL offers placement testing in foreign languages and math. All degree-seeking students are required to take a foreign language placement exam. Students majoring in STEM fields, BSN (nursing), business, and education are required to take the math placement exam. Students in other majors should consult their advisor about math placement.

Students with AP, IB, CLEP, and transfer credit in a world language or math should consult their advisor about their language and math requirements.

Foreign Language Placement Exam

New Lancers will take the Foreign Language Placement Exam at the selected Orientation date.

For Returning Students, please use the link below to schedule a day and time for your exam.  The location of the exam will be in Starr Hall 125 (Disability Services).

Reserve A Room

All reservations must be made within 24 hours. If a reservation is made less than 24 hours in advance, your request may be denied, and you will need to reschedule at a different time. Cancellation can be made through the confirmation email.

Foreign Language Scores and Meanings

Contact Pam Ellis at pellis@mailbox.sc.edu for all other questions.

Math Placement

Math placement at USCL is administered through ALEKS PPL.  It consists of 25 open-ended questions and typically takes 60–90 minutes to complete. Students will have a total of 2.5 hours for each assessment attempt. Following the placement assessment, students gain access to an individualized Prep and Learning Module designed to help refresh previously learned material and strengthen weaker areas. Students may take ALEKS up to five times within one year, allowing them to improve their placement by demonstrating increased mastery after completing additional practice and learning. However, between the 3rd, 4th, and 5th attempts, students will be required to complete modules in ALEKS based on areas of individual performance.

Disability Accommodations

If you are registered with USC Lancaster’s Student Disability Resource Center and have approved accommodations, please stop here and complete the linked webform.  You will receive testing information by email from Amy Hood ah259@mailbox.sc.edu within 2 business days. Your accommodations will need to be added BEFORE you access the test.

Accessing the Test Without Disability Accommodations

Two Options for how to take ALEKS math placement test:

Online Proctoring

You may complete the ALEKS PPL assessment online using Respondus Monitor at any time, day or night. Be sure to take it at least seven (7) days before your advising appointment. You can take it from home while being securely proctored through your computer’s webcam and microphone. When you're ready, log-in to ALEKS at the link below. Only use this link to access the Math Placement test. 

The online proctoring option requires...

  • A reliable internet connection and a webcam
  • A computer that allows you to download Respondus software. Instructions for using Respondus Monitor are included in ALEKS
  •  A quiet, private testing environment, without family or friends present

In-Person Testing Option:

If you choose to take the test in-person, reserve a room for the day and time you prefer.

Button for the test

©