Testing Services
Students take the COMPASS exam.
Placement Tests are held:
- Day: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm
- Evening: Tuesday & Thursday 6:30pm
- Weekend: Saturday 10:00am
Students must arrive 30 minutes prior to the evening and weekend placement tests.
What is the Compass Placement Test
COMPASS (Computerized Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System) is a computerized placement testing system used to guide you to the courses and campus-learning resources that will help you fulfill your individual plans, goals, and needs at Art Institute of Washington. The following section should answer some of your questions about COMPASS placement testing. For COMPASS sample items,
click here or visit http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
Who Must Take a Placement Test
- All new students enrolled in a degree or certificate program
- Any transfer student who has not successfully completed an English composition and/or a college-level math course with a grade of “C” or better
- Any student electing to take an English writing or math course
- Any student registering for a course with an English or math prerequisite
- Any student electing to take an English as a Second Language course
- All High School Partnership applicants, home-schooled students, and high school students seeking early admission to college
Who is Exempt
Students who have completed a college-level English and/ or math course with a grade of “C” or better or hold an Associates Degree or higher, may be exempt from the Placement Test after providing appropriate documentation (e.g. transcripts, diploma, final grade reports).
How Long Will the Test Take
Since the test is untimed, you can take as long as you need. The test is adapted to your individual skill level, so the length of time will be different for each person. However, if you need to take the reading, writing, and math portions, plan to spend a minimum of 1 ½ to 2 hours for testing.
When Will I Receive the Results
As soon as you complete the test, your results will print out immediately and be submitted to the admissions committee for review.
Can I Fail the Test
Your scores will indicate the Math and English courses you need to enroll in to succeed in your chosen major. Should you need assistance in meeting academic requirements once you are enrolled, you may receive tutoring free of charge through the Academic Support Center .
Can I Use a Calculator
Yes. Calculators will be provided. However, pencils and scratch paper will be available for you.
What If I am Not Very Familiar with Computers
No prior computer knowledge is required. The test is untimed, so you may take as long as you need to become comfortable with the computer and complete the test. Also, a test administrator will be available to answer your questions and to assist you. If you would like to strengthen the basic skills needed to use the computer before testing, please contact a counselor to get a referral to the ILC (Individualized Learning Center) computer tutorial.
What is on the Tests
The purpose of the COMPASS placement test is to identify your current strengths and weaknesses and to place you in the Math and English courses in which you will be most successful.
- Essay – A written essay will determine your English composition placement. You will be given a choice of two topics and will have 55-minutes to write an essay consisting of at least three paragraphs on the topic of your choice.
- Reading Comprehension – The Reading Comprehension test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You will read a short selection and answer questions based on the content of what you have just read. This test will determine whether or not a developmental reading course is necessary.
- Sentence Skills – This portion of the test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and will measure your understanding of sentence structure
- Elementary Algebra – The algebra test consists of 12 algebraic multiple-choice problems. Depending on how you score on the algebra section, you may stop at this point or continue on to either College-Level Math or Basic Arithmetic. Your math placement will be based on how you score on this test.
Placement Testing Study Guides
Sample items that illustrate the types of questions you will encounter on the COMPASS placement test can be found at:
www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.
For a description of the tests and practice sample questions go to the CollegeBoard web site: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer
What Do I Need to Bring with Me On the Day of the Test
There are two REQUIRED items you will need to take with you on the day you test:
- a government issued picture I.D. (a driver's license, passport, etc.)
- correct social security number
