WHO HAS TO TAKE PLACEMENT TESTS?

All new students will be required to take placement tests in one or more of the following areas: Math, Reading, English, and Word Processing. All transfers students may also be required to take placement tests as determined by the Office of Student Services.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE TEST CENTER?

All students should bring a pencil, scientific calculator, and state issued photo id or passport.

Calculator Guidelines

Students may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator on any COMPASS mathematics test, except as specified below.

If students plan to use a calculator of their own, they are responsible for bringing an acceptable one to the testing session. Sharing calculators during the test is not permitted, and the test proctor will not provide a calculator.

Students are also responsible for ensuring that their calculator works properly. If their calculator uses batteries, students must make certain that the batteries are strong enough to last throughout the testing session. Students may bring a spare calculator and extra batteries with them.

To ensure fairness for all test takers, to avoid disturbances in the testing room, and to protect the security of the testing materials and process, the following types of calculators are not permitted:

• pocket organizers
• handheld or laptop computers
• electronic writing pads or pen-input devices
• models with a QWERTY (typewriter) keypad (although calculators with letters on the keys are permitted as long as the keys are not arranged in QWERTY format)
• models with built-in capability to simplify algebraic expressions, multiply polynomials, or factor polynomials (often called Computer Algebra Systems), for example, CFX-9970G, TI-89, and TI-92

The following types of calculators are permitted only if they are used as noted:

• models with paper tapes: The paper must be removed.
• models that make noise: The sound feature must be turned off.
• models that can communicate (transfer data or information) wirelessly with other calculators: The wireless transfer capability must be disabled by placing opaque material (such as masking tape) over the infrared data port.
• Models that have a power cord: No power cords are permitted. The electrical cord must be removed.

WHAT IS COMPASS PLACEMENT TESTING?

COMPASS (the computer-adaptive placement assessment and support system) is a testing system designed by American College Testing (ACT). It tests reading, mathematics, and writing skills, and is designed to help accurately place you in college courses. It is not a pass/fail test; it is merely used to place you into the appropriate courses.

HOW LONG WILL THE TESTS TAKE?

COMPASS differs from many tests in that it is a computerized test. It is also adaptive. Adaptive means that the test administers questions based on your answers. If you answer easy questions correctly, the test will give you more difficult questions. The numbers of questions on your test will determined by the answers you give. There is no time limit, so test takers will complete the test at their own rate. Your test will be different from everyone else’s. On average most students take 2 to 2 ½ hours to complete. Here are some helpful pointers and things you can expect from COMPASS.