Placement Test/ALEKS

The chemistry placement test is an online test used to place students into an appropriate general chemistry course.

The placement test is used to determine if you have the background knowledge you need to be successful in CHEM 101. You will take the placement test through ALEKS, a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Upon completion of the placement test, your score will be uploaded to your student record within 24 - 48 hours. You can either place into CHEM 100 or CHEM 101.

Students have 6 weeks to complete the modules from the time they press the button below. No extensions will be granted.

Placement Test Here

Students who have never taken a chemistry course in high school or through dual enrollment should enroll in CHEM 100 - Introductory Chemistry. They should not need to take the placement test.

The placement test starts with your Initial Assessment. A score of 60% or higher will place a student into CHEM 101. Scoring lower than 60% on the Initial Assessment places a student into CHEM 100. If you are placed into CHEM 100, you can either continue with the ALEKS modules and complete them at 100%, or you may take a semester of CHEM 100. The placement test generally takes 60 - 90 minutes to complete up to 25 questions. It may end earlier if students are not getting questions correct.

If you are looking to retake CHEM 101 but your placement test score has expired, please email chemistry@vcu.edu so we can assist you.

Tips for Success

  • Be honest. There is no benefit to cheating on the placement test. You do NOT receive credit for a chemistry class. The result will be that you enroll in a class that you are not ready for, potentially costing you time and money. 
  • Find a space to take the test. Make sure it is quiet and distraction free.
    You have up to two hours to take your assessment, but most students will complete it in 60-90 minutes.
  • Get out some paper and a pencil to work out your questions the old- fashioned way.
  • Use the tutorial once you are logged in to learn how to use the calculator and graphing tools prior to starting.
  • Don’t forget to check your work and answer as many questions as you can.
  • Don’t be surprised if you are asked questions on material you do not know. In these cases it is appropriate to answer “I don’t know.” However, if you are familiar with the topic it is better to do your best and try to submit an answer. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question, it only helps ALEKS better understand what you do and do not know.

The ALEKS modules cannot be used to place into CHEM 101 if a grade of D or F was already earned in CHEM 100. Those students must retake CHEM 100 to meet the CHEM 101 prerequisite.