Assessment Center Office Hours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Hours subject to change due to Holidays
Testing Location: Building 17
Room 210
253-589-5768 or 253-589-5670
Note: No testing is allowed 30 minutes prior to the end of each testing session.
There is a non-refundable fee of $19.00, payable at the CASHIER, Building 17. Photo ID and receipt for payment are necessary before testing. For those who need to qualify for financial aid (Ability to Benefit) there is a 90-day wait period before taking a second test. In the event of technical difficulties, results are printed as soon as possible. There may be a fee to retest. Please bring your photo and signature ID. Without either, you may take the test but not receive your results at the end of the period.
COMPASS is a computer tool developed by ACT, Inc. to measure writing, reading, and mathematics skills. This test is used for placement into academic courses required n certificate and degree programs and as a prerequisite for entrance into selected technical programs. The test is not timed and retests can be arranged. COMPASS is user friendly and there are practice tests before each session to familiarize the student with the format. The computer selects questions based on questions previously answered. The staff is available to assist as needed.
COMPASS is given in the Assessment Center, Building 17, Room 210, 253-589-5768 or 5670. COMPASS hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday from 10:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, 7:45 a.m. to Noon, except for holidays.
COMPASS is a computerized adaptive test that measures skills in reading, writing and mathematics to determine readiness for college-level courses in these areas.
Student Educational Plan - collects student data, status, goals, and services requested.
Writing/Reading/Math Skills Tests - All are multiple-choice. Reference guides or your own calculator is not permitted.
Algebra Test - All multiple - choice. Your own calculator is not permitted.
Diagnostic Tests - These tests are used to identify possible specific skill deficiency.
COMPASS scores indicate strengths and can identify problems in academic areas before they disrupt the educational process. Advisors meet with students after testing to determine their next step as research shows that students who are placed at the proper start point have a higher success rate. If skill building is necessary, students are given the necessary information on resources and services to prepare for their technical program at CPTC. Admissions and registration are available for those who are ready to start programs.
Potential students must take COMPASS before entering most technical programs. Students who have taken the writing, math, or algebra COMPASS at another institution within the last two years can use that test record to enter CPTC. The Student Advising Report must be stamped in Assessment before registration.
No. COMPASS is used as an advising tool. Some technical programs have established cut-off scores for enrollment: refer to the College Catalog for these programs. Ability to benefit scores is: Writing 32, Reading 62, Numerical 25.
Relax! The COMPASS test process is designed to help you succeed. Your score helps you and the advising staff to determine which program is most appropriate for you current level of knowledge and skills. Once you academic strengths and weaknesses are identified, help is available should you need to improve any underdevelopment skills before they can interfere with your learning.
Rest and eat properly prior to the test. Arrive early to find parking, Building 17, the cashier, Assessment Center (Room 210), bathrooms, seating, and to gather your thoughts before the test begins.
Ask questions to clarify any information or directions before the test session begins.
The test is not timed. However, it could take approximately 2 hours to complete. Please do not bring or leave children unattended on the College campus during the testing process.
Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking. If answering any item requires several steps, be sure you consider all of them.
Be sure to answer every item. There is no penalty if you must guess. Your score will provide more useful placement information if you answer every item. Do not be afraid to change an answer if you believe that your first choice was wrong.
If you have a problem or question during the test, ask the examiner or proctor for assistance. She/he cannot help you with specific test information, but can help you with problems related to computer use.
Cheating will not be tolerated. If suspected, the testing session will be terminated. Penalties may include, but are not limited to: cancellation of scores and an imposed waiting period before re-testing.
No dictionaries, or study aids are allowed during testing. A calculator will be provided for you, and there are ones on the Math program. You may not use your own. Scratch paper will also be available if you find the use of the calculator to difficult. Scratch paper and calculator will be picked up at the end of the testing session.
You may exit the test session if you are unable to complete your work. You may return on another day to complete your test.
GOOD LUCK!
COMPASS Sample Items
COMPASS/ESL
Math Samples
Reading Test
Writing Skills Test
Accommodations: Students will need to see Chris Jones, Student Disabilities Specialist, prior to testing for accommodations. Documentation is required.
Second Language students need to contact the Learning Center for ESL/SLEP testing.
Please call 253-589-5760 or stop by Building 17, Room 260.
