Makeup Testing

Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the COMPASS test. If your question is not answered by the following, feel free to call the Teaching and Learning Center at (270) 686-4533, 686-4534, or 686-4535 for more information.

What is the purpose of the test?

The COMPASS test is an adaptive computer test that assesses a student's current academic level in reading, math, and English. It determines whether a student needs to take reading courses to prepare for college level course work. In addition, it places the student into his/her first math and English courses.

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Do I need to know how to use a computer?

You will need to know how to use the computer mouse. The test will give you a mouse tutorial (a brief walk-through on how to use the mouse) before you begin the test.

What should I bring to the test?

On the day of the test, you will need to bring a picture ID, such as a driver's license or any other type of picture ID. If you do not have one with you, we will not be able to administer your test. You will also need to know your social security number. This is very important. Without your correct social security number being input into the computer, the Registrar's Office won't know you took the test, and you won't be able to register.

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How much does it cost to take the COMPASS placement test?

The first placement test is free of charge. For information on retesting costs and rules, click here.

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Do I take the COMPASS test if I have taken the ACT or SAT?

It depends. First, we can accept only ACT tests that have been taken within the past five years of your application.
Secondly, it depends on your scores. If all of your sub-scores (math, English, reading) are below 18, you are required to take the complete placement test (math, writing, reading).
Reading - If your ACT sub-score in reading is 18 or higher, you are exempt from the reading part of the placement test.
English - If your ACT sub-score in English is 18 or 19, you are exempt from the English part of the placement test; however, you will be placed into ENG 101 with the ENG 100 lab. You may elect to take the COMPASS test to attempt to test into ENG 101 without the ENG 100 lab.

If your ACT sub-score in English is 20 or higher, you are exempt from the English part of the placement test and also placed into ENG 101 without the ENG 100 lab.
Math - if your ACT sub-score in math is 18 or 19, you are exempt from the math part of the placement test; however, you will be placed into MT 150 with the MT 100 workshop. (You may elect to take the COMPASS test to attempt to test into MT 150 without the MT 100 workshop.)

If your ACT sub-score in math is 20 or higher, you are exempt from the math part of the placement test and also placed into MT 150 without the MT 100 workshop.

You may be interested in viewing the math department's flow chart on its math courses.
Please see the sections on exemptions.
The Registrar's Office (located in the Campus Center, upper level) must make all decisions regarding the SAT.

How can I prepare for these tests?

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for taking the placement test. The test measures reading, writing, and math skills that have been developed over a period of years. Come to the test ready to use what you have learned.

However, we do encourage you to brush up on your skills. Visit the Teaching and Learning Center. Among other resources, we have a book titled Chart Your Success on the COMPASS Test, which includes many sample questions on each area of the test. In addition, we have various materials on math, English, and reading, as well as the online program SkillsTutor. We also offer free tutoring.

You may want to check out books on English and math from OCTC's main library, located on the main campus at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY, or from the Owensboro Daviess County Public Library.

In addition, the Public Library has an electronic site titled, learnatest.com. To access it, you will need your barcode number from the back of your public library card (not your college library card). Type in your barcode as the username; choose any password of your choice. You must write down your password and keep it. If you forget it or lose it, you will not be able to access the site. Neither our staff nor the library staff will be able to help you. The site contains academic material in the following sections: Academic; Basic Skills Success; College Preparation; English as Second Language (Spanish) Skills Improvement Courses; GED Preparation; Graduate School Entrance Exam Preparation (would contain higher level practice for math, English, and reading); Skills Improvement Courses; and Technical and Career College.

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