AUS Placement Tests

All admitted applicants are required to take Major Placement Tests to be able to register for freshman-level courses. Upon receiving the Letter of Admission, admitted applicants are requested to book online for math and physics placement tests as required by their intended majors. In order to be able to book online for the English Placement Test, admitted applicants are required to have a minimum score of 550 on the Institutional TOEFL or 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) or 1550 on EMSAT Achieve-English.

The purpose of the tests is to place students in the appropriate level of English, math and physics. Admitted students will register in different levels of their courses based on their exam score. No student is allowed to sit for a placement test more than once.

To ensure that newly admitted undergraduate applicants complete the admissions process for the upcoming semester, the AUS Testing Center is offering the online placement tests, which are accessed from your own computer at home using iLearn.

Remember: No one passes or fails the placement test(s). We encourage you to thoroughly prepare for the placement test(s) by practicing the available samples on the Testing Center Webpage. Achieving the required results in these tests allows direct enrollment in freshman-level courses, avoiding additional fees and time associated with preparatory courses.

Instructions for the Online Placement Tests

The AUS Major Placement tests are taken on your own computer at home using the AUS Learning System (https://ilearn.aus.edu/ultra/institution-page) and on Respondus LockDown Browser. This special browser provides electronic test proctoring by recording your webcam and microphone during the entire duration of the test. On Respondus Lockdown browser, click on Courses (from left side menu) to see the placement test link.

You will need to download and install Respondus LockDown Browser beforehand as the test cannot be taken using a common web browser.

Please click here to download Respondus LockDown Browser.

Additionally, you are required to download and install the Zoom application on your smartphone for proctoring purposes. Click here to find the instructions.

Please ensure that you have a stable internet connection throughout the test.

Test Entry Requirements

To be admitted to the test, you must present your original, valid and signed passport or your UAE National ID.
You will be asked to take a photo of your ID using your webcam before you start the test.
When prompted to do so, please hold your identification close to your computer’s camera to take the required picture before the test. When taking a photo of your ID, make sure to bring it close to the camera and have it in focus. This is very important to establish your identity.
If your ID cannot be established you might be asked to repeat the test.

Test Rules/Equipment

You will have 90 minutes to complete the test and the test will automatically end when 90 minutes have elapsed. Each test has a specific start and end time as mentioned in the test schedule.
You must remain seated the entire duration of the test with your face showing in the webcam frame.
You must sit alone in a private room during the test.
We need to see your face in the camera for the entire duration of the exam session.
Position your smartphone in a stable location beside you, ensuring that both your face and workspace are clearly visible.
Make sure the area around your computer is clear of papers, books, etc.
Only Built-in Scientific Calculators are permitted in the Math & Physics Placement Tests. Physical calculators are NOT allowed.
You must use a desktop or laptop computer to take the test, as tablets and mobile devices are not compatible with the test environment.
You are allowed to solve on loose paper sheets but not in a notebook. You will have to show them to the camera as part of your environment check step prior to the test.
Record both your desk, the smartphone positioned for proctoring, and the room in which you're taking the test.
Record everything on your desk and make sure that the recording shows the four corners of your desk.
If you get disconnected or exit before submitting the test, the timer will continue running and the time you spend away from the test will be counted.
During the test, backtracking is not allowed. Once you continue to the next question, you will not be able to return to the previous questions.

Prohibited Items

Test Takers are not permitted access to the following items during the test:

Phones “except the one used for proctoring purposes”
Headsets
Earphones
Tablets
Notes
Books
Physical calculators

Test Preparation & Instructional Videos

To help you prepare for the placement test(s), we recommend that you watch the three videos below, which provides vital information for a successful testing experience;

Before taking any placement test, please go through these links and make sure that the process is clear for you. Your cooperation in following these instructions is highly appreciated.

Instructions for the Architecture Math Placement Test

The Architecture Math placement test is done through the ALEKS testing platform.

What is ALEKS PPL ?

ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) is a web-based program consisting of two parts:

Adaptive, open-response ALEKS Placement Assessments cover material from college algebra through precalculus.

Before two days of the Booked test date, your initial assessment will be available. Once you complete your initial assessment attempt, your actual assessment will be available to you.

The actual (proctored) assessment becomes available 24 hours after completing the initial assessment with 3 hours.

ALEKS PPL is available to AUS admitted students, free of charge.

Why take the initial ALEKS Placement Assessment?

Your initial ALEKS Placement Assessment is designed to determine what you already know and what areas you may need to improve before your actual assessment. By the end of this initial assessment, you will have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, giving you the opportunity to review and strengthen topics that you may have forgotten or not practiced recently.

How to plan and register for ALEKS PPL?

You must be an admitted undergraduate student
Have your AUS student username and password. If you are account is not activated yet, please contact IT support email address [email protected]
Decide if you will take the test on your own computer (online) or schedule at AUS testing center (on campus).

To take the test at home you need a computer with a webcam and stable internet connection. You will be required to download and use a lockdown browser along with the virtual proctor Respondus Monitor. You will be prompted to download the lockdown browser when you receive the instructions email from the Testing Center.

Note: Respondus will record a video of the test taker throughout the exam.

If you have any difficulties taking the actual ALEKS assessment from home, please send [email protected] an email to arrange for onsite testing. However, make sure that you complete the initial assessment at home before 24 hours of the actual test.

ID Requirement

An ID will be requested when Respondus Monitor runs. You will hold it up for the camera. You may use your original passport or UAE National ID.

Schedule a test date

To book for placement tests, please go to https://banner.aus.edu and log in to Web Enabled Interface for Students using your AUS email username and password. Once logged in, go to Current Applicants then go to Testing Center Registration and view the test schedule, and submit the booking request for approval at least one week prior to the test date.

ALEKS Access PPL

Access ALEKS here:
https://secure.aleks.com/shiblogon/sso?sso_account=283e3f5&class_code=CJNLD-W9FPQ

Placement Assessment Limits and Timing

Number of Placement Assessments: 2
Initial (Unproctored) Placement Assessment Time Limit: 3 hours Cool-off Period Between Initial and Actual Placement Assessments: 24 hours
Actual (Proctored) Placement Assessment Time Limit: 2 hours

ALEKS PPL Rules and Guidelines

ALEKS Placement Assessments are remotely proctored using Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor.
Lockdown Browser is a custom browser that secures the testing environment by preventing access to other applications, copying, printing, or visiting other websites while taking assessments in ALEKS PPL.
Respondus Monitor is an automated “remote proctoring” companion application for LockDown Browser that uses webcam and video technology to record you during your online placement assessment. Proctors monitor the recordings to ensure the integrity of the proctored assessment.
IMPORTANT: Physical calculators are prohibited. An onscreen calculator will be provided, when needed to complete a particular problem.
Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
Ensure your computer or laptop is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move.
If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
Take the assessment in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window.

Score ranges for the Architecture Math Placement Test

The table below displays the score ranges for the Architecture Math Placement Test;

Test Name	Test Code	Score Range	Banner Score	Placement Course
Architecture Math	MARC	0-70	0	MTH 003
Architecture Math	MARC	71-100	1	MTH 111

Exemption Criteria

Applicants who have completed TOEFL (ITP / iBT), IELTS Academic or EMSAT Achieve - English / Math / Physics are exempt from taking the corresponding placement test as follows:

For information related to Major Placement Tests, contact AUS Testing Center, log in your queries to infodesk.aus.edu or call +971 6 515 1111.

Examination	Minimum Score	Exempted from
TOEFL (ITP)	610	English Placement Test
TOEFL (iBT)	102	English Placement Test
IELTS	7.5	English Placement Test
EmSAT Achieve-English	1800	English Placement Test
EmSAT Achieve-Math	1500	Engineering Math Placement Test
EmSAT Achieve-Math	1300	Business & Architecture Math Placement Tests
EmSAT Achieve-Physics	1100	Physics Placement Test

Applicants meeting any of the placement tests exemption criteria and transfer students may be exempted from taking certain placements tests depending on subjects/courses completed and grades earned.

Test Schedule

To view all the available test dates, please open the Placement Tests Schedule.

Required Placement Test Per Major

Depending on your major, please identify the placement test(s) you will need to take. All major placement tests must be taken before registering for freshman-level courses.

College/School	Major	Required Placement Tests
College of Architecture, Art and Design	Architecture	English	Architecture Math	-
College of Architecture, Art and Design	Design Management	English	Business Math	-
College of Architecture, Art and Design	Film and New Media Design	English	-	-
College of Architecture, Art and Design	Graphic Design	English	-	-
College of Architecture, Art and Design	Interior Design	English	Architecture Math	-
College of Arts and Sciences	Biology	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Arts and Sciences	Chemistry and Biochemistry	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Arts and Sciences	Data Science	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Arts and Sciences	English Language and Literature	English	-	-
College of Arts and Sciences	Environmental Sciences and Sustainability	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Arts and Sciences	International Studies	English	-	-
College of Arts and Sciences	Mathematics	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Arts and Sciences	Media Communication	English	-	-
College of Arts and Sciences	Physics	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Arts and Sciences	Psychology	English	-	-
College of Engineering	Engineering majors	English	Engineering Math	Physics
College of Engineering	Computer Science	English	Engineering Math	-
School of Business Administration	Business Administration (all majors)	English	Business Math	-
College of Arts and Sciences	Undeclared major	English	*	*

* Applicants with Undeclared majors are required to complete the Placement Tests relevant to their intended majors.

Applicants missing the required ELP (English Language Proficiency) score such as TOEFL/IELTS/EmSAT Achieve-English cannot book for English placement tests until the required score reports are submitted. However, applicants can book for the Math and Physics placements tests as required by their majors.

** Students who plan to take PHY 101 to meet the natural sciences general education requirement are advised to take the physics placement test.

Note: The appropriate placement test(s) must be taken before a student can enroll in the corresponding first-year course.

Placement Test Samples

English:

Math for Business:

Math for Engineering/Architecture:

Physics:

Booking Placement Tests

To book for placement tests, please go to https://banner.aus.edu and log in to Web Enabled Interface for Students using your AUS email username and password. Once logged in, go to Current Applicants then go to Testing Center Registration and view the test schedule, and submit the booking request for approval at least one week prior to the test date. All major placement tests are free of charge.

Book online for Major Placement Tests at least one week before the test date.

Placement Test Scores

The Math and Physics placement test scores will be displayed on the iLearn screen at the end of the test.

The English placement test score three to five days after the test date.
Math and Physics placement test scores two days after the test date.

Please refer to the table below for information related to score ranges and the associated course number.

Placement Tests, Banner score and Placement Course

Test Name	Test Code	Score Range	Banner Score/Code	Placement Course
Test Name	Test Code	Score Range	Banner Score/Code	Placement Course
English	EPT	0 - 7.999	3	WRI 001
		8 - 12	4	WRI 101
		Exempted from EPT by Office of Registrar (OR)	1	WRI 101
	WEX	All applicants who have achieved any of the following scores will be exempted from taking the English Placement Test.	1	WRI 101
		o IELTS : 7.5 +
		o TOEFL : 610 +
		o iBT : 102 +
		o EmSAT : 1800 +
Engineering Math	MENG	0-17	001	MTH 001
		18-30	103	MTH 103
		Exempted from Math PT by OR	200	MTH 103
	MXEN	EmSAT Math 1500 +	1	MTH 103
Architecture Math	MARC	0-70	0	MTH 003
		71-100	1	MTH 111
		Exempted from Math PT by OR	2	MTH 111
	MXAR	EmSAT Math 1300 +	1	MTH 111
Business Math	MBUS	0-17	0	MTH 002
		18-30	1	MTH 102
		Exempted from Math PT by OR	2	MTH 102
	MXBU	EmSAT Math 1300 +	1	MTH 102
Physics	PHY	0-12	0	PHY 001
		13-25	1	PHY 101
		Exempted from Physics PT by OR	2	PHY 101
	PEX	EmSAT Physics 1100 +	1	PHY 101

*Refer to the exemption criteria above.

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