Tips for Taking the COMPASS Test
Tips for Taking the COMPASS
You will benefit by doing your best on the placement test because your scores will determine your placement in English, reading and math. Based on your scores, you may need an additional one to three semesters of preparatory courses for a degree. If you are a first-time student testing into two or more developmental subject areas you will follow a prescribed developmental process. Specific information will be provided prior to registration.
In order to do as well as possible, you are encouraged to review sample questions prior to taking the test. It is also strongly recommended that you complete the placement test in two separate sessions. Trying to complete all three subtests at the same time can cause fatigue and result in lower scores.
Placement testing is required for all students who do not have ACT scores, or their ACT scores are older than 2 years. Placement testing is also required for transfer students who have not taken English and/or math in college and for students pursuing certain allied health programs. Walk-ins are accepted with photo identification. Students are allowed to take the COMPASS test a second time at a later date if they feel they can raise their scores. (Exception: If you are interested in Nursing or Surgical Technology, do NOT repeat any COMPASS subtests).