How do I know if I passed or failed?
What is the Compass Test and how does it work?
Compass is a computerized adaptive placement test. It is a multiple choice, un-timed, test that includes Pre-Algebra, Reading, and English. This test will assess the students individual needs and place them per their academic level. It will determine whether a student needs to take courses to prepare for college-level course work. The Compass Test draws from a pool of test items and adjusts the difficulty level based on how the questions are answered. If you answer one question correct, then the next one will be harder. If you answer incorrectly, it will move to easier question. If you see-saw back and forth, it will verify that you need help in that category.
The Compass Test is not a pass\fail test, it is a placement exam. Students are given the results immediately upon completion of the test along with instructions to see the appropriate advisor. The advisor will discuss the scores and place the student according to the placement cut scores established by the college and state.
How do I study for the Compass Test?
The Compass Test does not require studying since it is based on the skills you have acquired over the years. However, a link to a sample test is provided so you can be familiar with the types of questions and content you will be asked.
How long are my scores good for?
Placement scores are valid for three (3) years. Ability To Benefit scores are valid for one (1) year, unless you have stayed in school.
Re-testing Information
There is a $25.00 retest fee for students desiring to challenge their scores. Students can challenge scores only ONCE per semester. Retest scores will replace previous scores even if they are lower. A two-day remedial study time is required between test. Re-test fee does not apply for Ability To Benefit students, but limited to one retest per semester.
Persons not attending Reid State but use our facilities must pay a $25.00 fee, limited to one test and at our convenience.
Students need a "clear admissions status" from Admissions/Records prior to testing.
Exemptions
The following students are exempt from the assessment requirement: any student scoring 480 or above on the SAT I verbal and 480 or above on the SAT I math, and 20 or above on the ACT English and math who enroll in a System institution within three years of high school graduation; students who have an associate degree or higher; and students students who transfer degree-creditable college-level English or mathematics courses with a grade of "C" or better; senior citizens,undeclared, and other non-award seeking majors who are taking classes for vocational reasons only, students in certain short certificate programs having no English or mathematics requirements; students who have completed required developmental coursework at another Alabama College System institution within the last three years; audit students; students who can provide documentation of assessment (COMPASS or ASSET) within the last three years; and transient students. Dually enrolled high school students in English or math may be exempted from the assessment requirements.
Testing Schedule and Location
Test are traditional administered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 8:00 a.m., in Bldg.# 100. Please call the Testing Services Center, Evergreen campus at 251-578-1313 ext. 149 or check our college calendar for current information. A schedule is posted outside the testing center. Appointments are not required, but seating is limited. *** No test are given during GED exam week***.
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