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 designed to help you start in the mathematics course where you're most likely to succeed. Unlike traditional pass/fail tests, the CRA assesses your current mathematical knowledge and determines what you're ready to learn next.
CNU uses ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) to administer the CRA. This advanced online 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.
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 CRA well before your registration date.
- For Fall 2025 registration: Complete your first CRA attempt by [specific date].
- For Spring 2026 registration: Complete your first CRA attempt by [specific date].
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: ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator when one is needed for specific questions. Personal calculators are not permitted during the assessment.
Taking the Assessment
Step 1: Access the CRA
Start the CRA [this will link to the CRA, no need to spell out the link.]
No class code is needed. Simply log in with your CNU credentials.
Step 2: Assessment Process
Your CRA journey consists of the following steps:
First Attempt
- Unproctored (can be taken anywhere)
- Must be completed within 48 hours of starting
- Used to generate your personalized Prep & Learning Module
- Does not count toward your official placement
- Helps you become familiar with the ALEKS system
Attempts 2-5
- 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
- You must spend at least 5 hours working in your Prep and Learning Module before becoming eligible for your second attempt
- For each subsequent attempt, additional module work is required
- 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.
Placement Advancement Opportunity: If you achieve 100% mastery in your Prep and Learning Module, you may be eligible to place one level higher than your CRA score indicates. This could allow you to skip a prerequisite course, potentially saving you time and tuition costs.
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. - MATH 135: Calculus for Business and Social Sciences
- 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:
Fundamentals
- Real numbers (fractions, integers, percentages)
- Equations and inequalities (linear, systems, quadratic)
Functions
- Linear and quadratic functions (graphs, parabolas)
- Rational expressions and functions
- Exponentials and logarithms (inverse functions, properties, equations)
Algebra
- Exponents and polynomials (arithmetic, factoring, equations)
- Radical expressions (roots, rational exponents)
Geometry and Trigonometry
- 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 it your honest effort. It's meant to reflect your current math knowledge so that you can be placed in the appropriate course. Using outside help—like websites, notes, or friends—can place you into a class that's too easy or too hard, costing time, money, and confidence. Do your best on your own—your results are meant to help you succeed at CNU.
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 the Office of Student Affairs at (757) 594-7160 or dosa@cnu.edu.
Please request accommodations at least two weeks before you plan to take the CRA to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
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.