About Placement Exams
The key to your future starts here.
Discover which placement exam(s) you may need for your major. You should take any required exams as early as possible. Placement exams help you and your advisor choose classes that will lead you to success at NIU.
Think of testing as a tiny hill, not a mountain. You’ve got this!
Which Exams Should I Take?
Placement exams are only needed for certain majors.
Have you checked to see if your major is on the list for ALEKS math and chemistry placement exams?
- ALEKS math: if your major is listed, take this placement exam.
- Chemistry: if your major is listed, take this placement exam.
- Foreign language: If your major is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or if you have experience with a foreign language and plan to continue studying it, take this placement exam.
- Writing composition competency (English) optional: If you excel in writing, consider taking this placement exam.
Aleks math placement exam register for other placement exams
Transfer Students
Since testing is determined by both your major and transfer credits, some transfer students may not need to test. Please review our placement exams to see if your major is listed. If so, consult with your advisor to determine if you need to test.
Accommodations
If you need testing accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center at 815-753-1303 or by email at drc@niu.edu several weeks before you plan to test.
Contact Us
Testing ServicesPeters Campus Life Building 120
815-753-1203
testing@niu.edu
Hours
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-noon
1-4:30 p.m.