COMPASS® Placement Assessment
                                        Frequently Asked Questions

The COMPASS® Placement Assessment is

  • used to measure a student’s readiness for college level courses
  • a computerized assessment of skills in Math, Reading, and Writing
  • a tool we use to help enroll students in the class which corresponds
    to individual skill levels

Do I need to take the Placement Test? 

First of all, this is not a “TEST”. There is NO pass or fail! Second, not everyone needs to take a placement assessment. You are exempt IF…

  • You have taken the ACT exam and scored a 20 or better in the individual areas of Math or English OR You have taken the SAT and scored at least 480 on the Verbal or 480 on the Math AND you are enrolling within 3 years of high school graduation
  • You already have an Associates Degree or higher
  • You are transferring college-level English and Math courses with a grade of “C” or better
  • You are a senior citizen
  • You are not seeking a degree, taking classes for vocational reasons only
  • You are in a short certificate program having no English or Math requirement
  • You have completed required developmental coursework at another Alabama College System institution within the last 3 years
  • You are an audit student
  • You can provide documentation of assessment (COMPASS or ASSET) within the last 3 years
  • You are a transient student

What if I’m just not good on the computer? 

No problem! Can you “point and click”? Can you type with at least one finger? Don’t worry! We will ensure that you have mastered these two skills before you begin!

How can I prepare for the Assessment? 

Just go to the website http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html for sample math problems and sample essays for reading and writing practice. Remember, this is only a review; the goal is to assess your current skill level.

Where do I go to take the Assessment?

You will go to the 8th floor of the James Bailey Center (JBC).
This is the Advising Center. Please remember…        

* IMPORTANT * BEFORE TESTING,
THE APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT TO WALLACE STATE  
MUST BE COMPLETED AND ON FILE IN ADMISSIONS.

When can I take the Assessment? 

Placement assessment is offered Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 8 AM – 2 PM and on Friday between 8 AM – 12 Noon. No appointment is needed.

What do I need to bring with me? 

You will need some form of ID, such as a driver’s license. For the Math,
you may bring a calculator, but, make sure you already know how to use it!

How long does it take?

It is not timed, but you should allow about 2 hours.

When will I know the results?
 
Immediately! Results are generated automatically when you finish.

May I take the Assessment again?
       
Yes, you may take it once more, but there is an $8 fee.
Please pay the cashier– bring only the receipt to the computer lab.

Remember… Our wish for you is SUCCESS
We are here to help you obtain your goals!

For additional information
contact the Action Center
256.352.8040 

or

Keisha Lewis
Testing Coordinator
keisha.lewis@wallacestate.edu
256.352.8053


Other Departments located in the
Action (Advising) Center
(JBC, 8th Floor)

Student Development: 
bill.moss@wallacestate.edu
256.352.8042

Toll Free:  866.350.9722
Fax:          256.352.8048