Calculus Readiness Assessment
Your Path to Mathematics Success at CNU
Quick Info
The Calculus Readiness Assessment (CRA) is Christopher Newport University's official placement tool for determining your starting placement in mathematics. It measures your current mathematical knowledge across topics from precalculus through early calculus, and your score determines which math course you enroll in.
CNU uses ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) to administer the CRA. This advanced online assessment system adapts to your responses in real-time, creating a personalized experience that accurately measures your mathematical readiness.
Key features of the CRA:
- Open-response format with up to 30 questions (no multiple choice)
- Most students complete it in 60-90 minutes (proctored attempts allow up to three hours)
- Provides immediate feedback on your mathematical strengths and areas for growth
- Includes access to personalized review modules for up to 12 months
- Offers multiple attempts to improve your placement
After your first attempt, you'll gain access to a personalized Prep and Learning Module—a powerful tool designed to help you build your skills and potentially improve your placement score.
The CRA is overseen by CNU's Department of Mathematics to ensure you start in the right course for success.
You should take the CRA if you are:
- Enrolled in a major that requires calculus
- A participant in the Pre-Med Scholars Program
- Planning to register for calculus or any course that requires calculus readiness
- Expecting AP/IB/Cambridge credit for mathematics (you should still take the CRA now, as official scores may not arrive before registration)
Note: Your CRA score does not affect your admission to Christopher Newport University. It is used solely to help place you into the mathematics course where you're most likely to succeed.
Complete your first CRA assessment (not the first attempt) according to the following:
- For Fall 2025 registration: Complete your first CRA attempt by August 1
- For Spring 2026 registration: Complete your first CRA attempt by November 15
Important: Allow at least two weeks before your registration window for your results to be processed and reflected in the system. Waiting too long could delay your ability to register for the appropriate mathematics course. You are responsible for completing the CRA in time for your results to be reviewed and applied to your schedule.
Before starting the CRA, ensure you have:
- A reliable computer with stable internet connection
- A functioning webcam and microphone for proctored attempts
- Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (recommended browsers)
- A quiet, well-lit environment where you can work uninterrupted
- Blank paper for scratch work (electronic devices are not permitted for calculations)
- Your CNU login credentials
Note: If a calculator is needed, ALEKS will provide one on-screen. Personal calculators are not allowed.
Taking the Assessment
Step 1: Access the CRA
Your academic advisor will provide you with instructions to access the CRA through the ALEKS platform. This will include a link to the CRA's landing page in ALEKS. You will need to log in using your CNU credentials. No class code is required to access the CRA.
Step 2: Assessment Process
Your CRA journey consists of the following steps:
- Unproctored (can be taken anywhere)
- Helps you become familiar with the ALEKS system
- Must be completed within 48 hours of starting
- Your Attempt 1 score is recorded, but is not used to determine your placement
- Used to generate your personalized Prep & Learning Module
- Proctored via Respondus Monitoring (requires webcam)
- 3-hour time limit per attempt
- Password required: MATHCNU314
- Your highest score (out of 100 points) determines your final placement
- Must complete required learning module work between attempts
Respondus Monitoring: This is an automated proctoring system that records your assessment session and flags potential academic integrity concerns. It requires you to show your ID and workspace before beginning the assessment.
Improving Your Placement
Personalized Prep and Learning Modules
After your first CRA attempt, ALEKS creates a customized Prep and Learning Module based on your results. These interactive modules help you review concepts and strengthen areas you haven't yet mastered.
Key Benefits
- Targeted review of precisely the topics you need to improve
- Interactive lessons with practice problems and explanations
- Self-paced learning that fits your schedule
- Potential to improve your placement and skip a prerequisite course
Requirements for Retesting
Between each attempt, you must complete a minimum number of hours in your Prep and Learning Module before you become eligible to reassess. Required hours are as follows:
- Before Attempt 2: 5 hours
- Before Attempt 3: 5 additional hours (10 hours cumulative)
- Before Attempt 4: 3 additional hours (13 hours cumulative)
- Before Attempt 5: 3 additional hours (16 hours cumulative)
All work must be completed through your official CNU ALEKS account. You'll have up to 12 months from the time you activate your ALEKS account to complete your CRA attempts and Prep and Learning Module.
Course Placement Guide
| ALEKS Score | Placement Options |
|---|---|
| 0-59 | MATH 130 |
| 60-64 | MATH 130 or 132 |
| 65-74 | MATH 132 or 135 |
| 75-79 | MATH 135 or 140 |
| 80-100 | MATH 135, 140, or 148 |
Course Descriptions
- MATH 130: Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
Fundamental algebraic and trigonometric concepts for students planning to take calculus. - MATH 132: Concepts for Calculus
Essential pre-calculus concepts and skills needed for success in calculus. Covers functions, trigonometry, exponentials, and logarithms with emphasis on combining and analyzing function types. - MATH 135: Calculus for Business and Social Sciences
Applied calculus concepts for business, economics, and social science majors. Covers exponential and logarithmic models with an emphasis on mathematical modeling. - MATH 140: Calculus and Analytic Geometry
Comprehensive calculus course for science, mathematics, and engineering majors. - MATH 148: Accelerated Calculus
Intensive calculus course covering material at an accelerated pace for well-prepared students.
Note: CRA scores are valid for one academic year.
Topics Covered
The CRA evaluates your understanding of mathematics concepts typically covered in high school and early college-level courses, including:
- Real numbers (fractions, integers, percentages)
- Equations and inequalities (linear, systems, quadratic)
- Linear and quadratic functions (graphs, parabolas)
- Rational expressions and functions
- Exponentials and logarithms (inverse functions, properties, equations)
- Exponents and polynomials (arithmetic, factoring, equations)
- Radical expressions (roots, rational exponents)
- Perimeter, area, and volume
- Coordinate geometry
- Trigonometric functions and identities
Need to refresh these topics? Consider reviewing your high school mathematics textbooks or using free online resources before your first attempt.
Honesty and Academic Integrity
Take the CRA seriously and give your best effort. Using outside help can place you in the wrong course—costing you time, tuition, and confidence. Accurate placement sets you up for success from day one.
Cost and Credit Information
- No Fee. There is no charge for students to take the CRA. Christopher Newport University fully covers the cost of ALEKS access.
- What's Included: Your ALEKS access includes up to five assessment attempts and 12 months of access to personalized learning modules.
- AP/IB/Dual Enrollment Credit: If you expect to receive AP, IB, or dual enrollment credit for mathematics, you should still take the CRA now. Once your official scores or transcripts are processed, CNU will use the higher of your CRA placement or your transfer credit to determine your appropriate mathematics course.
Accommodations
Students requiring testing accommodations should contact:
Please request accommodations at least two weeks before you plan to take the CRA to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Contact and Support
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Most students complete the assessment in 60-90 minutes, though proctored attempts allow up to three hours.
ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator when one is needed. Personal calculators are not permitted.
You can use the Prep and Learning Module to review concepts and then retake the assessment up to four additional times to improve your score.
The CRA measures your current knowledge, so you don't need to study specifically for it. However, reviewing key mathematics concepts from your high school courses may help you perform your best.
For technical support with ALEKS, contact ALEKS Support.