1.3. Invalidating Test Scores

Math Placement Resources for Advisors or HS Teachers/Counselors/Recruiters → Math Placement Advising Resources for U of A Advisors → Invalidating Test Scores

There are several rules for taking the PPL Assessment listed on the PPL Information Page.

Testing rules include:

• Students must be sitting at a table or desk in a quiet well lit space.
• The student's head, workspace, and hands must be in full view for the duration of the session as shown on the website.
• Student cannot wear a hat or use headphones of any kind. 

It is the student's responsibility to read and understand all PPL testing rules. The test should be taken as it is an in-person proctored test. Outside materials, phones, websites, notes,  videos, or persons are NOT allowed. 

Any suspicious behavior or violation of testing rules may result in an invalidated test score and may be reported to the Dean of Students.   

• If a student does not use the correct set-up as show on the website, then the testing session is not using a proctored setting and may result in an invalidated test score.
• If a testing session is not fully recorded, the student may be required to retake it. If the video feed is stopped or covered during the testing session, then it is not fully recorded. 
• The Math Department reserves the right to invalidate a test score for any reason. 
• The Math Department reserves the right to deny a retest to any student for any reason.
• The Math Department reserves the right to require any student to test in-person. 
• Scores can be invalidated based on a mismatch between previous scores and/or math coursework. 
• If a student has not been successful in a math course, or attempted a math course several times, it does not make sense for the student to try to retake the PPL to try to skip one or more courses.  This generally leads to cheating,  invalided test scores, or a failing grade. 
• Invalidated scores are removed from the U of A system and the student will need to retake the PPL for a fee.

Students are provided with all of this information before taking the PPL through the website and their required questionnaire.