COMPASS INFORMATION

The COMPASS Placement Assessment is a computerized test that provides important information about individual skills for placement into college classes. COMPASS is a three-part untimed, adaptive computer-based test that measures skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The cost for the test is $5.00 per module or $15.00 for the full test. A $5.00 fee is needed if the scores will be transferred to another institution other than LCSC. Please call the Professional Technical Education Center to schedule to take the test. Testers must schedule and pay in advance.  The Compass tests are offered Monday-Thursday at 9:00am and at 1:30pm.

Q.  What is the COMPASS Assessment Testing?      

COMPASS is an untimed, adaptive, computerized test that helps your college evaluate your skills and place you in appropriate courses. The COMPASS offers tests in reading, writing, and math. You will receive your COMPASS test results immediately upon completion of testing, and your score report will include recommended placement messages informing you what courses you should take.

COMPASS scores indicate areas in which you are strong and areas in which you may need help. COMPASS can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt your education progress, giving you the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses. You and your institution can use scores from COMPASS tests to prepare a course of study that will be appropriate, relevant, and meaningful for you.

Q.  Who is required to take the COMPASS?

First-time Freshmen Category: 

1. Students Under 21 Years of Age:   Students in this age category are required to submit valid ACT/SAT scores for admission to the university, and those who score below 19 in English, mathematics, and reading are placed in the appropriate DSP classes without further assessment.

2. Students 21 years of Age or Older:  Students in this age category are required to complete the entire COMPASS assessment unless transferring more than 14 college credits including math and English.  Students 21 years of age or older are not required to present ACT or SAT scores, but those who elect to do so must provide ACT or SAT scores taken within five years prior to the first day of the enrollment period.  Those who score below 19 in English, mathematics and reading are placed in the appropriate classes.

3. Professional-Technical Students: Students entering into either a Business Technology & Service program or a Technical Industrial program are required to take only the COMPASS Placement Assessment.

Non-Degree Student Admission Category:
Students who are not seeking a degree and are admitted in this category, who have not completed the first college-level course in English or Mathematics must undergo COMPASS assessment in the appropriate subject area.  Students must complete courses indicated by COMPASS placement prior to enrolling in the subsequent college-level English or mathematics courses.

Transfer Students Category:
Transfer students who meet the following criteria are required to undergo COMPASS assessment:

1. Transfer students who have fewer than 60 transferable semester hours of traditional credit and who have not earned college-level algebra-based math or English credits must take appropriate COMPASS subtests.

2. Transfer students with fewer than 60 transferable semester hours of traditional credit and who have deficiencies in required high school English or mathematic units (regardless of ACT or SAT scores) must take appropriate COMPASS subtests.

Other:
In addition, the following categories of students must undergo COMPASS assessment for the purpose of meeting high school unit admission criteria:

• International students must complete the entire COMPASS test unless available ACT or SAT scores exempt the student.

Q.  What does the COMPASS measure?

• COMPASS is a computerized adaptive test that measures skills in reading, writing and mathematics to determine readiness for college-level courses in these areas.  

• Reading 
  The student is given one or more passages to read, and then answers questions about the passage.  

• Writing
  The student is presented with an essay and asked to look for errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, and style.  

• Mathematics
  The student solves problems which measure numerical, pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, geometry, and trigonometry skills.  Some of the areas included are:  basic operations with integers, fractions, decimals; exponents; ratios and proportions; percentages; and topics in elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and coordinate geometry. 

Q.  How much does it cost to take the COMPASS?

The cost of the placement assessment is $15.00 for all three sections or $5.00 for one section. You need to prepay at the cashier’s window in the hallway of the Administration Building. Your paid receipt, photo ID, and social security number (if you have one), will gain you access to the placement assessment. Note: LCSC cashier's window No longer accepts Visa cards.

Students taking the assessment test at LCSC, but needing the scores transferred to another college/university must pay an additional $5.00 charge. You will need to supply the testing center with the fax information or complete mailing address of the college/university that will be receiving the scores.