COMPASS Diagnostic Exam

The COMPASS exam is used as a diagnostic tool in order to assess an incoming student’s skill level in a variety of subjects including math, reading, writing, and English as a second language (ESL). The test is not graded on a conventional pass/fail basis; the objective is to determine the student’s appropriate course placement for the subject in question. This is to the advantage of both the instructor and student—the test allows for easy identification of areas that the student has the most difficulty with so that the student can be matched with a course that will best serve his or her needs.

Administration of the test is often required and facilitated by the college itself for incoming freshman before the student is eligible to register for courses. A student may be required to take multiple COMPASS exams depending on the variety of subject matter that needs to be tested. Often, the institution will specify which tests the student needs to take, but if you are unsure you should contact an advisor or the Office of Student Services to clarify which exams you will be expected to complete. The exam itself is computerized and untimed, and the results are immediately accessible. The recommended course level as well as instructions for registration will appear along with your score report.

COMPASS exams are offered for a variety of courses. Within the mathematics portion there are exams available for five placement areas including numerical skills/pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as well as an additional fifteen diagnostic tests consisting of seven pre-algebra and eight algebra exams. Each of these tests focuses on determining aptitude by testing basic skills, application, and analysis through multiple-choice questions. Students may use an approved calculator for these exams or may chose to utilize the online calculator offered on Microsoft Windows.

Reading placement exams are also offered in a multiple choice format and include a variety of readings including practical reading, prose fiction, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The test determines whether or not a developmental reading course or additional support may be required, as indicated by the student’s demonstrated level of vocabulary and comprehension. Students completing the writing skills exam will be tested on their rhetorical skills as well as their mastery of usage and mechanics by finding and correcting errors in given passages. The student will be required to complete an essay in response to an e-Write prompt for the essay writing portion of the COMPASS exam. These essays are graded primarily on the clarity, focus, and development demonstrated in them. Clear, well-structured essays incorporating effective language and sufficient support will receive the highest scores.

The main priority of the COMPASS exam is to match students with coursework that will best develop their skills as well as to provide support and assistance for areas with which they struggle. Providing students with appropriate classes helps to foster long-lasting academic success that will benefit them in future educational pursuits.